Some ethical issues in the employer/employee relationship

If all went as planned one hundred and eighty-nine young people between the ages of 18 and 35 would have today commenced a six-month internship programme with several businesses in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. ON-SITE was implemented by the Economic Planning Division within the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, and Information Technology and is funded by the Republic of China (Taiwan).

No doubt, for many of the interns, it is their first experience in the working world and if managed properly by all involved i.e. the employers, interns and fellow colleagues, the opportunity has the potential of propelling them into a successful career as a professional. On the other hand, if manage poorly, it could be the experience that retard or stifle their professional growth.

The duration of the internship is equivalent to an average probationary period for a new employee, and I like to describe the probationary period as the familiarization period of a relationship. After meeting someone, it’s the time that you take to get to know that person before you decide what kind of relationship if any you want to have with that person. You learn about their values, beliefs, likes and dislikes, you observe their behaviours to see if they align with the things they told you they stand for. At the same time, they are also learning about you, observing your behaviours, assessing whether your values align with theirs and determining whether you are someone they want in their life. It is during this time that some people seek to make a positive impression. On the other hand, some people get comfortable fast and before you know it, they let their guard down and show you who they really are.

Undoubtedly, some interns will experience the reality of “see me and come live with me are two completely different things.” As an outsider looking in, they may have had an impression of a company and would discover that the reality as an insider is quite different.

The host companies as well as the interns are embarking on new relationships, therefore, I thought it apt to discuss over the next few weeks some ethical responsibilities in the employer- employee relationship. The Josephson Institute’s Exemplary Leadership & Business Ethics in an article titled “Ethical Responsibilities in the Employer-Employee Relationship – Applying Ethical Principles” states that “The employer-employee relationship should not be looked at simply in economic terms. It is a significant human relationship of mutual dependency and has great impact on the people involved. A person’s job, like a person’s business, are highly valued possessions that pervasively affect the lives of the employees and their families. With stakeholders everywhere, the relationship is laden with moral responsibilities. Though the pressures of self-interest are very powerful and compelling, both workers and bosses should guide their choices by basic ethical principles including honest, candor, respect and caring.”

Today we look at the importance of inclusion on the part of the employer. As you prepare to host your interns, please be reminded of your obligation to provide the environment for them to feel belonged and connected. Prepare your staff for their arrival so that they can help them to feel welcomed and valued. The first few days on a job could be quite stressful however, an inclusive culture will help them to feel more comfortable being themselves, leading to increased confidence and engagement. Encourage regular one-on-one check-ins and feedback to encourage trust. Assign a capable and responsible employee as a coach or mentor.

As an intern you have an obligation to be honest. Be mindful that everything you do impacts your reputation. Thrive to create a positive reputation and preserve it through your behaviour.
Choose your associates wisely, you are a sum of the people you spend your time around. In every organization, there are those who are carrying the organization and those who are being carried by the organization. You want to be seen as adding value to the organization.

Cheers to a successful and rewarding internship experience.

Join us again next week for more ethical responsibilities in the employer-employee relationship.

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