Ethical behavior is the antidote to toxic culture

Purpose In this paper, the author sought to explain why ethical behavior is the antidote to toxic workplace culture at a time where employees are forced to take their complaints through external channels when internal procedures fall short. Design/methodology/approach The author draws upon recent discussions around employer responsibilities in the wake of #MeToo and the Black Lives Matter movements, using relevant case studies to outline where employers have failed to offer adequate protection for their employees. Findings The author found that by promoting a healthy speak-up culture within the workplace, employees are more likely to feel that their concerns are heard, and the issues can be dealt with internally, to the benefit of both individuals and their organizations. Originality/value HR departments will be able to access the merits of shifting workplace culture to a more transparent model that bridges the trust gap between employees and their organizations.

First do no more harm …

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to alert those in positions of trust and authority that there is an urgent need for improvement throughout the entire health profession credentialing process to fix defects at every stage, from employer responsibilities all the way up to licensing board responsibilities and government oversight. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes the form of a narrative review. Findings – The assumption that layers of safeguards prevent dangerously incompetent or impaired practitioners from continuing to practice in American hospitals is, unfortunately, just that – an assumption. While the vast majority of healthcare professionals uphold the standards of their professions, a recent public health vulnerabilities report reveals serious defects throughout those safeguard layers and widespread harm that results from actions of relatively few determined miscreants who manage to evade them. This not only undermines public trust, but underscores ways in which governing boards, hospital executives and directors have found themselves liable for failings of their institution's quality assurance provisions. That vulnerability report is the result of investigation into one healthcare worker whose narcotic thefts and drug tampering resulted in thousands of patients exposed, dozens infected with hepatitis C, across several states and multiple missed opportunities to constrain. Originality/value – Findings of the Maryland state investigation, coupled with other documents, show that long-recognized ethical and legal responsibilities are not being met effectively.

The ADA and Disability Accommodations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was designed to promote equal employment opportunities for handicapped individuals in the workplace. The law mandates that employers reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform the job. However, employers are exempted from this requirement if the reasonable accommodation results in an undue hardship for the organization. The legal definitions of reasonable accommodation and undue hardship have evolved over time due to case law resulting from judicial decisions. This paper will review recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and their effect on employer responsibilities under the ADA. Suggestions will be provided as to policies organizations could follow to respond to these requirements.