BMGT 27: Developing Good Work Ethics

Developing Good Work Ethics

• Work ethic is an attitude of determination and dedication towards one's job, valuing professional success and exhibiting moral principles.

The Meaning of Work

• Work is a personal and social activity aimed at developing a person and preserving human society, with moral and legal implications.
• Work involves the legitimate use of mental and bodily powers for economic gain or profit.

Theological Meaning of Work

• According to the Bible, God is the author of work, and work is blessed and sanctified.
• In the Old Testament, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, setting a pattern of work and rest for humans.
• In the New Testament, Christ's incarnation blessed and sanctified human work, including his own work as a carpenter.

Theological Meaning of Work according to St. Thomas Aquinas

• St. Thomas Aquinas enumerates four purposes of work:
  • Providing for one's daily livelihood.
  • Preventing idleness, which is a source of many evils.
  • Curbing the rebellious flesh.
  • Enabling man to give alms from his material surplus.
• For St. Thomas Aquinas, man is called to serve God through his work.

How to Enjoy Work and Create Spiritual Values in the Workplace

• Perform your work and fulfill your duties to the best of your ability.
• Practice the Golden Rule, be a grateful person, and guard your mouth.
• Practice ethical behavior, learn to forgive, be generous, respect superiors and co-workers, and develop a personal relationship with God.
• Smile and enjoy your work, remembering that work has been sanctified and must also sanctify you.

Basic Duties of Workers

• Work honestly and comply with all agreements.
• Never injure capital nor steal from the employer.
• Never outrage the person of the employer.
• Never employ deceit or violence in presenting a cause.
• Never consult with "agitators" or men of evil principles.

Basic Duties of Employers

• Respect the dignity of the workers.
• Appreciate their work and provide commensurate and fair wages.
• Provide for their health and social recreation, including time for the practice of their religion.
• Instruct them on how to use their money wisely and love their family.
• Provide opportunities for promotion.

Basic Employee Rights

• Equal work opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, or creed.
• Security of tenure, with assured protection against dismissal except for just or authorized causes.
• Work days and work hours, including night shift pay and overtime pay.
• Weekly rest day of 24 consecutive hours after six days of work.
• Wage and wage-related benefits, including payment of wages at least every two weeks.
• Rights of female employees, including prohibition from night work and provision of welfare facilities.
• Employment of children, with a minimum age of 15 years for non-hazardous jobs and 18 years for hazardous jobs.
• Safe working conditions, with protection against injury, sickness, or death.
• Rights to self-organization and collective bargaining, including the right to form or join a legitimate workers' union.

Values and Virtues

• Values are principles or standards of behavior that help one decide what is important in life based on their beliefs.
• Virtues are qualities that are universally or generally considered good and desirable, focusing on taking action for a societal benefit.
• Examples of virtues include honesty, trustworthiness, patience, kindness, courage, faith, gratitude, care, and selflessness.

Effectiveness in the Workplace

• Workplace effectiveness refers to how an organization, team, or individual can best achieve their goals and objectives while using available resources.
• It encompasses various factors, such as productivity, quality of work, efficiency, innovation, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and overall performance.
• Working effectively means maximizing the time spent at work to achieve goals, while taking care to avoid unnecessary work or stress.

How to Work Effectively

• Keep yourself organized and use a short to-do list.
• Create a routine and communicate well.
• Schedule your tasks and prioritize them.
• Avoid distractions and use your calendar to schedule work time.
• Set up your next day, mark your progress, and reduce your stress.

Developing Good Work Ethics

• Work ethic is an attitude of determination and dedication towards one's job, valuing professional success and exhibiting moral principles.

The Meaning of Work

• Work is a personal and social activity aimed at developing a person and preserving human society, with moral and legal implications.
• Work involves the legitimate use of mental and bodily powers for economic gain or profit.

Theological Meaning of Work

• According to the Bible, God is the author of work, and work is blessed and sanctified.
• In the Old Testament, God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, setting a pattern of work and rest for humans.
• In the New Testament, Christ's incarnation blessed and sanctified human work, including his own work as a carpenter.

Theological Meaning of Work according to St. Thomas Aquinas

• St. Thomas Aquinas enumerates four purposes of work:
  • Providing for one's daily livelihood.
  • Preventing idleness, which is a source of many evils.
  • Curbing the rebellious flesh.
  • Enabling man to give alms from his material surplus.
• For St. Thomas Aquinas, man is called to serve God through his work.

How to Enjoy Work and Create Spiritual Values in the Workplace

• Perform your work and fulfill your duties to the best of your ability.
• Practice the Golden Rule, be a grateful person, and guard your mouth.
• Practice ethical behavior, learn to forgive, be generous, respect superiors and co-workers, and develop a personal relationship with God.
• Smile and enjoy your work, remembering that work has been sanctified and must also sanctify you.

Basic Duties of Workers

• Work honestly and comply with all agreements.
• Never injure capital nor steal from the employer.
• Never outrage the person of the employer.
• Never employ deceit or violence in presenting a cause.
• Never consult with "agitators" or men of evil principles.

Basic Duties of Employers

• Respect the dignity of the workers.
• Appreciate their work and provide commensurate and fair wages.
• Provide for their health and social recreation, including time for the practice of their religion.
• Instruct them on how to use their money wisely and love their family.
• Provide opportunities for promotion.

Basic Employee Rights

• Equal work opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, or creed.
• Security of tenure, with assured protection against dismissal except for just or authorized causes.
• Work days and work hours, including night shift pay and overtime pay.
• Weekly rest day of 24 consecutive hours after six days of work.
• Wage and wage-related benefits, including payment of wages at least every two weeks.
• Rights of female employees, including prohibition from night work and provision of welfare facilities.
• Employment of children, with a minimum age of 15 years for non-hazardous jobs and 18 years for hazardous jobs.
• Safe working conditions, with protection against injury, sickness, or death.
• Rights to self-organization and collective bargaining, including the right to form or join a legitimate workers' union.

Values and Virtues

• Values are principles or standards of behavior that help one decide what is important in life based on their beliefs.
• Virtues are qualities that are universally or generally considered good and desirable, focusing on taking action for a societal benefit.
• Examples of virtues include honesty, trustworthiness, patience, kindness, courage, faith, gratitude, care, and selflessness.

Effectiveness in the Workplace

• Workplace effectiveness refers to how an organization, team, or individual can best achieve their goals and objectives while using available resources.
• It encompasses various factors, such as productivity, quality of work, efficiency, innovation, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and overall performance.
• Working effectively means maximizing the time spent at work to achieve goals, while taking care to avoid unnecessary work or stress.

How to Work Effectively

• Keep yourself organized and use a short to-do list.
• Create a routine and communicate well.
• Schedule your tasks and prioritize them.
• Avoid distractions and use your calendar to schedule work time.
• Set up your next day, mark your progress, and reduce your stress.

This chapter explores the human, philosophical, and theological meaning of work and its implications on an individual's attitude and perception towards work. It defines work ethic and its importance in determining success or failure.