The Ergonomics Society The Society's Lecture 1997: The ethical turn and the workplace

Abstract

It is proposed that we are now in the West experiencing a turn back to ethics. Reasons for this include the growth in ethical investments and ethical consumerism, and the rise of business ethics as a discipline. Drawing later on contributions to the social science of ethics, on three sets of empirical studies of ordinary working people (rank and file practical 'intuitive experts'), as ethical agents in action at work, it is suggested that there are grounds for optimism. There is a growing body of evidence testifying to responsible ethical conduct in the workplace, although individual ethical intentions are sometimes compromised by organizational impediments. Such blocks may take a professional form. The paper concludes with ideas for the skills development of the 'theoretical' professional expert such as the ergonomist, as a potential ethical agent in the postmodern world.