The ethical practice continues to be the foundation that sustains any organizational entity’s moral credibility and reliability. This essay focuses on ethical practice in HR, the selection of ethical practice competency, its importance, the mastery, and the application. In addition, it gives a detailed understanding of the international norm that the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) via the BASK framework—Behaviour, Attitude, Skills, and Knowledge—and predicts the effects of ethical practice on HR professions (SHRM, 2022). The transformation of SHRM BASK, the impact of HR, and the conclusion that shows the integration of ethical practice into professional development are addressed.
The competency selected for discussion is ethical practice, an essential aspect of Human Resources (HR). Ethical practice in HR is essential and involves decision-making, which not only complies with the set legal standards but also maintains the standards of morality in the organization. This competency guarantees the development and sustainability of fair policies, fair treatment of employee relations, and a corporate culture imbued with trust and respect. Ethical practice plays a significant role in the field of HR. It supports the structure in which policies are designed and implemented. What is the core of ethical practice in policy development is going beyond compliance with the law to pursue justice and fairness. This method is significant in employee complaints, compensation, and benefits management, where ethical issues are often present.
Additionally, ethical practice is essential in the world of employee relations. It requires a continuous show of respect and dignity to employees and an inclusive approach to listening and responding to their issues (Hemberg & Hemberg, 2020). Dedication to neutrality and a focus on different views is critical for creating an atmosphere of trust and respect in the organization. In practice, applying HR ethical principles presents an intricate interplay between the goals of the organization and the ethical requirements. My practice has dealt with the fairness of recruitment procedures, the openness of communication, and the development of policies that exhibit a high ethical quality. This dedication to ethical behavior has led to a more enthusiastic and motivated workforce and played a critical role in creating the foundations for a strong, ethical organizational structure and reputation.
During my academic and professional journey, I have demonstrated a high level of competence in ethical practice in HR. It is not only about knowing but also about aligning personal values with organisational values. As I apply myself in my everyday work, I demonstrate careful decision-making, good conflict resolution, and policy implementation that conforms to ethical practices. My commitment to lifelong learning and self-reflection has significantly improved my ethical competence (SHRM, 2024). In my daily practice, I reflect on myself and analyse how my decisions affect other people and the whole organizational culture. This process of introspection has been critical in sharpening my skills, aligning my actions with my strongly held values, and impacting the way in which the workplace operates. I remain devoted to ethical practices in HR and I make sure to adhere to the best ethical standards in every aspect of my professional life.
The SHRM BASK framework is a guiding light for HR professionals across the globe, leading them in their pursuit of perfection. Focusing on Behavior, Attitude, Skills, and Knowledge, this framework provides a comprehensive guide for the development and demonstration of competencies. The ethical practice lies at the heart of SHRM BASK, and it requires HR professionals to act in an ethical way. The SHRM BASK does not only create a standard of professional conduct but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement and growth among HR practitioners (SHRM, 2024). This framework can be considered as a multipurpose instrument that leads HR specialists to comprehensive development. Behavior refers to interpersonal skills and ethical behavior, while Attitude emphasizes a positive and flexible attitude. Skills encompass the technical competencies necessary in the profession, and knowledge is the conceptual knowledge necessary for good decision making. Ethical practice, interwoven in these dimensions, is placed as a pillar, emphasizing the ethical obligations inherent in HR roles. By embracing the values of the SHRM BASK, the HR professionals are not only following a code of best practice but are continuously working towards bettering themselves.
With time, the importance of ethical practice in HR will increase. In light of the increased focus on corporate social responsibility and ethical behavior, my expertise in ethical practice will put me at the front line of this change. In my opinion, my role will be instrumental in creating ethical organizational cultures, which are based on trust and credibility. My knowledge of ethical practice will be a strategic resource that will enable me to respond to the challenges that HR will continue to face. I have a strong commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and fostering an environment of integrity in the organizations I work with. Through focusing on ethical practice, my goal is to help create environments where employees feel appreciated and respected, and where ethics is integrated into all aspects of the organization’s operations.
As the SHRM BASK has evolved, it has increasingly prioritized diversity, inclusion, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This change aligns with my view that ethics in the field should be more than a matter of legal compliance and organizational success. It shows the willingness to integrate HR practices with the values and the expectations of the society at large (Dutta et al., 2022). Engaging diversity and inclusion in the workplace not only ensures a more just and respectful workplace for employees, but also results in better decision-making and innovation. In a social justice priority, the emphasis is on equity and fairness, while in an environmental sustainability priority, the emphasis is on corporate social responsibility and the welfare of future generations. Such values are critical in establishing a workplace that not only complies with ethical principles, but also positively affects the society at large. These principles set a standard for HR practices that I fully endorse and aspire to follow in my professional career.
In conclusion, ethical practice is not merely a checkbox in the HR competency list but an indispensable element of professional growth. Selecting ethical practice as a core competency, HR professionals promise the observance of ethical standards, the establishment of an ethical culture, and the substantial impact on the success of the organization. The SHRM BASK, as a standard on the global platform, functions as a compass, guiding HR professionals on developing and demonstrating competence, with ethical practice as the foundation for successful HR leadership. The ability to practice ethically will become one of the key factors of professional success, determining the career path and the welfare of organizations and manpower. Incorporating ethical practice into professional development, HR professionals ensure their own success while laying the ground for a more equitable, diverse, and sustainable future in the field of Human Resources.
References
Dutta, D., Mishra, S. K., & Budhwar, P. (2022). Ethics in competency models: A framework towards developing ethical behaviour in organisations. IIMB Management Review, 34(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iimb.2022.10.002
Hemberg, J., & Hemberg, H. (2020). Ethical competence in a profession: Healthcare professionals’ views. Nursing Open, 7(4), 1249–1259. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.501
SHRM. (2022). SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge Your Comprehensive Roadmap for a Career in HR. https://www.shrm.org/content/dam/en/shrm/credentials/shrm-certification/shrm-bask.pdf
SHRM. (2024). SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK). Www.shrm.org. https://www.shrm.org/in/credentials/certification/exam-preparation/body-of-applied-skills-and-knowledge
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