"What are human rights? Why are human rights more often than not violated, abused? How will we protect our rights and the rights of others? What can we do as management to instill in our company to respect, follow and protect each and everyone's human rights?" As defined by United Nations of the Human Rights, Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible. (http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Pages/WhatareHumanRights.aspx) The human rights entitled to everyone covers:
All these should work together for the benefit and the "human rights" of the individual. More often than not, human rights are violated and abused because of the lack of awareness of the individual that it exists and it is being violated. Taken for example, an employee who is under probationary and due to "insubordination", immediately terminated by the company. This is a clear violation of human rights and something that is unethical. Although, the employee is under probationary and may be accused of insubordination, he/she should be given at least two warnings --- a written notice to explain the accusations and a verbal exchange for both parties to lay-out and explain their sides. It is never just and rightful to immediately terminate the employee without doing these steps. However, being able to defend yourself entails that you know the law and if not, this right may be abused for the benefit of the other. Education and awareness will help us avoid violation and abuse of our rights. If we know how others should treat us, then we may be able to defend ourselves; more so, help and defend others who cannot fight for themselves. We may be able to protect our rights and others by properly educating ourselves and sharing our learnings and experiences to others. As management, we should provide regular training to our staff with their rights and responsibilities as employees --- what do we expect from them and what should be expected of us. We should not abuse the opportunity that others do not know how they should be treated. If we are doing things that inspires/motivates others then most certainly we are doing something good. And in doing so, we do not offend others and we do not violate their human rights. As we live each day of our lives, let us think and consider how we want to be treated, then that is how we should treat others too.
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The case for this week is on Philippine National Oil Company Energy Development Corporation or simply PNOC EDC. In my opinion, this case depicts that the initial intention of the president may be selfish but in the long-run it benefited both the internal and external stakeholders. This is a happy case that projected what CSR, Philantrophy and CSR 2.0 model is. The tragic incident that affected the plant and employees of PNOC EDC at Leyte paved the way for the president to better understand why the townsfolk do not show pity or even condole with the victims and their families. Their was no relationship between the host community or the locals with the PNOC EDC employees. The president through thorough study, observance and due diligence saw that the company needs to relate and connect to the townsfolk through their children. He thought of youth camps in order to win the hearts and minds of the locals. Seeing that through this, there will be an established relationship between the host community and the employees as well as PNOC EDC for the protection of both company and its employees. The instance given in the case is a common thing in the Philippines, where the company or owners of lands or businesses need to "delight" the host community or locals within the vicinity. Mainly because these locals are "friends" to the extremists and may help protect the company and its employees. Furthermore, the locals will feel abused because someone is taking advantage of the resources that they have. I know a similar instance where my cousin is involved. He owns an animal farm in the suburbs of Rizal. the place is known for presence of extremists. In order for him to gain the trust and have a connection and relationship with the locals for his protection, he provided the watering system and even planted vegetation in his farm for the locals. He also employed locals in his farm. This of course resulted in not only protection but an established rapport because he provided additional sources of livelihood and income to the host community. Likened to the president of PNOC EDC, my cousin also had selfish intentions. The initial intentions of these people may not be correctly placed but the outcome of their programs definitely benefited both the internal and external stakeholders. I believe that with proper understanding and education, the employees of PNOC EDC will be able to see and accept why their company needs to serve the host community too. Based on the facts, activities and goals presented, I must say that PNOC EDC is in CSR 2.0 Model already. They are more than just doing philantrophy and risk management, CSR for them has a fundamental strategic and operational impact. Aside from the safety of the company and its employees, PNOC EDC was able to improve the relationship of the company with its host communities. Furthermore, the activities provided to the children do not only developed them physically, socially, mentally but also their EQ. It is very important for the children to get involved and do different activities that will help in their development. Activities and exposure that may seem only for a time being are not true for children. The different involvement they have help shape them as a person -- both physically and mentally. Places and experiences that they may see, have and feel greatly affects their totally as a person. "Children go through distinct periods of development as they move from infants to young adults. During each of these stages multiple changes in the development of the brain are taking place. What occurs and approximately when these developments take place are genetically determined. However, environmental circumstances and exchanges with key individuals within that environment have significant influence on how each child benefits from each developmental event." Read more: http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/ages-stages/#ixzz3pO3S2YHr In my opinion, what PNOC EDC did was very strategic, because showing concern and compassion to the children will really touch the hearts of the locals, gain their trust and establish long-lasting relationship with them. It is a challenge though to make the employees understand that the extra budget will be allocated to the host communities instead to them. But I believe with proper education and involvement by the employees, their families and children in the youth camp activities, this will help them gain understanding and appreciate what their company is doing for their external stakeholders. Employees have the right to serve their companies as it is stipulated in their contracts. Employers on the other hand have the responsibility to provide a decent source of living, to follow what was agreed on the contract and to give benefits that will improve the employee's life and even boost their morale.
As I have seen and experience in my previous work and current work, it is disappointing that the employer/management do not give ample training about the rights of each employee. More often than not, the employers take advantage of the fact that the employees do not know anything about their rights and what is stated in the law. The employees themselves do not take time to know what is in the labor and civil code that may protect their rights as employees and individuals. There is the mentality that "they (employees) do not know so we can do this" and on one side "we (employees) do not know about that." If we will continue to have this thinking and practice then it will be more difficult for us to move up (improve) in the CSR Continuum, it will be more difficult to engage in ethical practices. As business owners or part of management, we may impose that the company invests in training that make both the employers and employees aware of their rights and responsibilities. The company should adhere to governing laws and organizations such as the civil code, labor code and the Department of Labor and Employment. The company/organization needs to make things right in order for the employees to do what is right. The employers have the bigger responsibility in educating the employees of their rights. And I believe that if we treat our people right, they will give back with utmost care, passion and integrity in their work and practices. Furthermore, we will be able to provide growth and development as well as sustainable and quality living to our employees. Source: https://www.ntt.com/csr_e/report2011/img/kihonhoushin_img03.gif
I have started contemplating and drafting my Ethics and CSR Project Research for our company. I have used The Corporate Citizenship Audit guidelines provided in our Google Drive by Ms. Pia, and based on this Audit form, we have so many things we can work on to improve the state of the employees, customers, community, society/environment. It served as a good guideline for me because it was able to cover all stakeholders. I already have learned a lot from this course (and continuously learning) and I can easily apply them in my daily activities at work. When it comes to this project research, I appreciate that I am also able to help my company. Although, LS is still a very young and developing company, they are very much willing to change and improve what they currently have and do for the good of all stakeholders. Having this project research will help me identify the problem that may be addressed by Ethics and CSR programs; more so, focus on things that were not so much of a priority before, because these things greatly contribute to the development of the company, society and environment. Furthermore, I would want to propose possible actions and solutions to help address the issue and move towards the betterment in the CSR Continuum. Both the Corporate Citizenship Audit and the CSR Continuum will serve as a guideline on where to focus and how to develop the company's Ethical and CSR practices and activities. As defined by dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prudence), prudence is being wise in practical affairs, as by providing for the future; it is also taking things with caution with regard to practical matters.
Given this definition, my experiences and how I see management decision and skills, I do not agree that prudence is the most important virtue. A good manager should embody several virtues that will help him with his actions and decisions. These virtues then will better form the leader to become a transformational leader who is also ethical. The various virtues should make-up the totality of the leader, no one virtue would be the focus, every virtue is important to allow him to make better and ethical decisions. Below is a list of just as important virtue other than prudence:
http://www.leadershipnow.com/leadingblog/2013/06/the_ten_virtues_of_outstanding.html A well rounded individual helps shape others. Leaders should serve as a model, they should influence others so that their virtues will be emulated in the lives and practices of others. They too may serve as our mentor, teaching and influencing us! One of my goals in life is to be able to serve as a good example, not just with my colleague; more so, with my daughter. Being able to impart virtues of a servant-leader to my daughter will be one of my dream come true. Today, Saturday at 7:00 PM with the help and assistance of Dr. Edralin, our group will meet up with the President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Ms. Techie De Leon of the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned (POLA) to discuss our plans and the help we can extend to them for our Service Learning project.
Unfortunately, out of the 7 members, only 4 can attend the meeting and unluckily, I am one of them. I work on a Saturday and my shift lasts for 11 hours, Yes! 11 hours, that is from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Based on the meeting last Saturday and the group's discussion yesterday, Sunday, amongst the four option:
Our group is excited and thrilled to spearhead this project for POLA. We aim to help them build the vertical garden and eventually provide food, like crops and vegetables and serve as additional source of income for the parish. To be continued... Service Learning (During)... Our group was tasked to report on Gap Labor Problems. This case is focused on the abuse and violation of human rights, especially those working in sweatshops in the Central America region. The workers formed a union that later on resulted to trouble and mishaps. They were treated inhumanely then fired from their work. Gap investigated on the allegations and complaints from the workers but based on their report, they were not able to clearly hear and see any abuse on their end. The investigation and issue were repeated several times to the point that the National Labor Relations Committee (NLRC) needed to interfere, and based on NLRC's report the workers were not able to speak-up because of fear. Moreover, a reporter from The New York Times went to the Mandarin company himself to personally see what was happening. He was able to prove that workers were treated badly and that they were fired from their work. As our group were researching in the give case, dated 1995, it is very surprising that up until now, 2015 there are still child labor and illegal sweatshop operations linked to Gap. Although with a different supplier and in a different country, all points to violation of human rights and labor code. It is both alarming and heartbreaking that Gap denies these allegations, handle issues as they come but never really get to the root cause and resolve the issue. Given this case, the group considered several stakeholders that will be affected by the actions and decisions of the Gap:
The group presented several Alternative Courses of Action, which Gap may perform in order to be more ethical and legal in their outsourcing operations for their apparel:
With the listed ACA above, we opted for ACA 3. This has the highest rating amongst the 3 actions and this follows a more ethical practice. This too has a positive and beneficial effect to all stakeholders concern. Gap is the one who has the power and resources in this case. They have all the right to dictate and strictly require their suppliers to oblige by the law and the policies. If only they will be more strict in choosing their suppliers and mandating what should be followed, illegal sweatshop practices and inhumane treatment with the union and female workers will be avoided. The policy provided in the case was lenient enough to allow the minor to work as they are classified as "legal" between 14 and 18 years of age with 6 hours maximum of work. (I do not blame them if this was allowed, these developing countries need a source of decent livelihood for their people.) Given this, it was still too hard for them to comply and they still abuse the rights of the workers; simply because they save a lot from production costs, giving them more margins for profit. This is a sad reality that is happening not just with Gap but with other international companies like Nike, and Apple. Developing countries are targeted for lower production cost, and of course the individuals in these developing countries will grab the opportunity to earn for a living. Questions now will follow, "Does the livelihood provide them a decent living? Will it harm their morale and dignity as a person?" As an educated person and in the position to decide and help others. Let us be more legal, ethical, mature and sensitive in making our actions and decisions. Whatever we decide on not only affect ourselves but others. And if ever we intend to establish our own company/business let us keep in mind the human rights and labor code that we should follow. These policies are made for the protection of both employee and employer, to give a decent living to all. We are all human, we may not be given the same opportunities in life but we should remember that we given those opportunities for a reason and one of them is to help others. Above is a very appropriate quotation I found online. When we think of human rights, let us think of the right we want to have for ourselves. As the Golden Rule given by Jesus in Matthew 7:12 "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
Our case analysis group decided to merge with another group to form our Service Learning Group. We are 7 in the group and we had several options that we considered for our Service Learning Activity:
In considering possible organizations for our Service Learning Activity, we looked at our resources and our time or each one's availability to be able to join the Service Learning Activity. Amongst the option, we opted for the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned in Mandaluyong City. The main basis for selecting this option is that we may help the organization within the timetable for our LBL Class -- planning, preparation and execution. For iVolunteer, we need more time to be able to arrange everything. For Medical Health Film Festival, the manpower they need during the event will still be on the last week of November to first week of December, and we will barely have time to prepare for our class presentation. I am very excited to have our Service Learning Activity. Since high school, I have been engaging myself from time-to-time in such activities. I have been in prisoner's, day care center's, geriatric homes, drug rehabilitation facilities and mental health facilities. The feeling is good that you get to help others in your own little way. Also, you get to be more appreciative and thankful of the blessings you have. As a part of our planning phase, we will meet with the parish secretary this Saturday, October 10 at 7:00 PM to discuss the plans and activities for the Service Learning Activity. To be continued... Service Learning (Meeting and Planning) In everything we go into, we involve ourselves in and we agree to, there is a mutual agreement between two parties. In a business, the producer has the responsibility to create safe, secure and products that passed through certain standards and quality control. In the same way, the responsibility does not end there. The consumers too have the responsibility to make themselves aware on how to use the product and what is it for. They should adhere to the precautionary measures, users manual and other guidelines provided by the producer. Taken for example the airline industry, these airlines have strict compliance with different regulatory boards and strict maintenance policies. However, safety and security does not end there. The passengers should also follow safety regulations and policies. These policies are given and provided for our own safety. This is a given agreement whenever we ride planes -- an agreement between the airline and the passengers. Looking at the Ford/Firestone Debate Case Study, I agree with the group in their course of action, which is for Ford to settle the claims of the victims, at the same time hire a third party to further investigate on the incident. This decision allows the company to make a stand and accept that there is fault on their end; they acted both legally and ethically. They did not veer away on their responsibility to provide safe and secure travels to their consumer. In anything we do, be it in our business or our own personal activities. We must keep in mind that each one of us has our own role and responsibilities that affect others. How we think, decide and act more often than not have a bearing to our company, community, the society and us. We must be aware of what we say or do so that we may have positive effects. What we are, what we do, will greatly affect others even if we do not know it does. We are held liable for our actions and decisions! |
AuthorRLM, daughter, wife, mother, employee and student will blog about her reflections on her BUS560M Class. She hopes to continue this blog after taking-up the course. Enjoy reading! =) Archives
January 2016
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