Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management for Complex Work Environments
Background of the Chapter
In today's rapidly changing business landscape, organizations are constantly faced with the need to adapt and implement changes in order to remain competitive (Belias et al., 2022b; Belias et al., 2023e,f; Rossidis et al., 2020). Examining the relationships between business ethics and change management is crucial because it helps organizations navigate these changes responsibly and ethically (Martínez et al., 2021). By incorporating ethical considerations into the change management process, organizations can ensure that their actions align with their values and principles (Rendtorff, 2012). This not only helps maintain the organization's ethical status but also promotes trust and legitimacy among stakeholders. Additionally, understanding the relationship between business ethics and change management helps organizations identify potential conflicts or ethical dilemmas that may arise during the change process (Belias et al, 2023a). By examining these relationships, organizations can proactively address these issues and mitigate any negative impacts on stakeholders (Vora, 2013). Furthermore, examining the relationships between business ethics and change management enables organizations to assess the potential ethical implications of their proposed changes (Belias et al, 2023b).
By considering the ethical implications of change management, organizations can also improve employee morale and engagement. When employees see that ethical considerations are at the forefront of change initiatives, they are more likely to feel valued and respected, leading to increased commitment to the organization's goals (Low et al., 2017). Moreover, a deeper understanding of the relationship between business ethics and change management allows organizations to foster a culture of transparency and accountability, which are essential elements in building long-term success (Exter et al., 2013). In this case it is important to mention the work of Kuzios et al, (2022) along with Shneiderman (2020) have indicated that there is a lack of research in respect of the relationship between change and ethics, including ethical leadership, but also on updated information including some recent changes such as how the new generation (especially Gen Z) will adopt into this new environment and how they will perceive the value of ethics in a changing organization.
Regarding the value of this chapter, it is important to stress that In today's interconnected and socially conscious world, businesses are increasingly expected to not only deliver results but also to do so in an ethical and socially responsible manner. Therefore, by examining the relationships between business ethics and change management, organizations position themselves to effectively navigate the complexities of change while upholding their ethical standards and meeting the expectations of their stakeholders.