This book examines the intricacies of moral conundrums in the workplace and provides helpful advice on handling moral problems, which makes it crucial for humanising HR procedures in contemporary businesses.

Ethics in Action

Øyvind Kvalnes’s Moral Reasoning at Work is a priceless tool for managers and staff alike in a world where moral quandaries appear to arise in every aspect of organisational life. According to research, ethical lapses can seriously harm a company’s brand and staff morale. For this reason, Kvalnes contends that a new approach to ethics is necessary. He highlights how important it is for decision-makers to take a closer look at underlying ethical issues rather than just following rules. This is especially important now as organizations are dealing with issues posed by social media’s widespread influence and the quick development of technology, which have made it more difficult to make moral decisions.

The book looks into the essence of moral reasoning, drawing from the latest research in ethics and moral psychology to inform its principles. Kvalnes outlines practical strategies for engaging with moral dilemmas, equipping readers with the tools necessary to navigate the murky waters of ethical decision-making. By integrating real-world examples and contemporary issues, particularly those surrounding artificial intelligence, he demonstrates the practical applicability of moral reasoning in everyday workplace scenarios. This focus on actionable insights makes the book particularly relevant for HR professionals who seek to humanise their practices by fostering an organisational culture grounded in ethical awareness.

While I looked for weaknesses in this compelling work, I found none; Kvalnes’s insights are timely and resonate well with the current organisational landscape. Those resistant to acknowledging the importance of ethics may not appreciate this book, while those who value ethical integrity in leadership and management will find it highly beneficial. The themes of moral reasoning are reminiscent of Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence, as both stress the significance of understanding and navigating complex human behaviours in a professional context. Moral Reasoning at Work is like illuminating a path through a foggy forest, providing clarity and direction in the often confusing terrain of workplace ethics.

About the Author

Øyvind Kvalnes is a Professor of Organisational Behaviour at BI Norwegian Business School in Norway. He has facilitated moral reasoning sessions across a variety of organisations in both the private and public sectors. As the author of Fallibility at Work, published by Palgrave in 2017, Kvalnes focuses his research on ethics, moral psychology, leadership, and organisational excellence.

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