Are We Letting Money Overshadow Our Values? Let's Discuss Real-Life Experiences in HR

Hello ALL,

How many instances have you all seen where people give more importance to MONEY than to their VALUES? I have witnessed one such example where a couple played with the careers of people by offering them consultancy services and essentially looting money. Why do we HR personnel not raise our voice against these practices? It seems people have forgotten their values. :( One question that comes to my mind is: we talk about values being a part of us through our family, friends, society, and role models. I'm really surprised. Are our values that weak, or do we not listen to our hearts at all? Can you all share your thoughts with us?

Cheers, Archna

Hi Archna,

While I empathize with your feelings expressed, I would respectfully remind you that a person's value system is as individual as the color of one's eyes. Each of us, in our culture, our family, our belief system, is different. We cannot judge another harshly because their value system is different from ours. Who is to say ours is better?

What I do sense is that you are referring to something much different. That of ethics, perhaps business ethics and for me, that is quite different.

Where business practices are unethical and violate societal/company/cultural norms, every HR person "worth their salt" has a responsibility to protect their clients (both the company and the employees) by identifying the cause and effect and taking whatever steps necessary to disclose/uncover/make public these practices.

This process cannot be based on our personal value systems but rather on HR meeting the needs of the business/clients.

Just my views...
JEV

Hi JEV,

I understand what you have said, but I have this question in my mind. Why do you think that personal value system is different from professional or work ethics? Are they really different from personal ethics?

I have a doubt, as I believe if a person is not good (in terms of using unethical practices) in personal life, he may also not be good in professional life and cannot be trusted.

Would like to know your opinion and others' as well.

Regards,
Archna

Dear Archna,

My view and experience is that only people who have good ethics, values, and morals in their personal life can be successful in professional ways, in terms of professional happiness. There are many examples of people who are not good in these values in their personal life; they may be successful in terms of money, etc., but it won't last for a long time. They will not experience the feeling of happiness.

But what are personal and professional ethics? It depends on the person and the culture. Unfortunately, there is a long gap between the values in personal life and the values in professional life.

Wishes,
Senthil Raj

Dear Archana,

This is an interesting topic. According to me, values are more important. The values differ from person to another. For some people, earning money will be their value because they want a rich life. The attitude of the person is important in this aspect. If the person thinks in a positive manner, he will balance values in his life.

Archana, in today's scenario, money has become so important that we are not respected without money. If one wants to get love and affection, they must have money. According to me, we must never give up our values and attitude at any cost.

Regards,
Nithya :)

Hi, Archana,

God has given us the BRAIN, which sets us apart from animals! We have the ability to differentiate between what we want and what we don't. The choice of someone duping us lies in our hands!!! If we get into some kind of mess in which we have given consciously our consent, then you cannot BLAME anyone.

The power to be or not to be is in our hands. In Hindi, we call it "Vivek." Take the example of a doctor; you can go to a private clinic, a neighborhood doctor, some roadside quack pretending to be an Ayurvedic expert, or a government hospital. You have to make a conscious choice, and God forbid if you make it wrong, you pay for it.

If we have to do something about such kind of consultants, then we should take the initiative of bringing any kind of vacancies we have at our organization. I have already done it today!!!

So next time, do the right thing, or you will end up doing things right....

Warm Regards, Siddharth Elhence.
siddharthelhence@gmail.com

Hi Archana,

Very interesting topic! Well, I feel that values are something very personal, but that does not mean that you compromise on them in your career path. I know of a few individuals who are ethically very strong and have a solid value system. They are extremely wealthy people and have built a big empire of their own. They started from scratch and have reached great heights today. I know them so well that I can guarantee they have never compromised their values.

So, I think it's not always Value Vs. Money, but it can be Values & Money. It all depends on how you perceive it...

What do you feel?

Cheers :)
Prachi