Giving Voice to Values (GVV): Overcoming Misconduct in the Workplace

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Giving Voice to Values (GVV) Overcoming
Misconduct in the Workplace

• Dr Dave Webb

dave.webb_at_uwa.edu.au
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GVV and other ethics approaches
Edwards, M.G., Webb, D Chappell, S. Gentile,
M. (forthcoming 2011)
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Giving Voice to Values (GVV)

• Thought experiment
• If I were to act on my values (in this values
  conflict situation) what would I say and do?

Gentile 2010, p.xxxv
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The process of finding and giving voice
Edwards, M.G Webb, D Chappell, S Gentile, M
(forthcoming 2011)
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Rationalisations Examples

• Expected or standard practice Everyone does
  this so its really standard practice
• Materiality It doesnt really hurt anyone
• Locus of responsibility This is not my
  responsibility, Im just following orders here
• Locus of loyalty I dont want to hurt my
  reports/team/boss/company

Gentile 2010, p.179
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Edwards, MG Webb, D Chappell, S. (2010).
Unpublished teaching materials
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GVV process simplified

• Define purpose and know thyself (self-knowledge)
• Identify key parties and whats at stake for each
• Identify personal biases rationalisations
  (inhibiting arguments self-initiated and from
  others)
• Identify support levers
• Develop enabling arguments
• Prepare and practise script

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The leadership role Culture of candor examples

• Tell the truth
• Admit your mistakes
• Encourage people to speak truth to power
• Reward contrarians
• Practise having unpleasant conversations
• Build organisational support for transparency

OToole Bennis (2009)
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Conclusions

• GVV - Develops competences to have ethical
  conversations
• Through practice potentially fewer episodes of
  workplace misconduct
• Role of leaders is to establish a culture of
  candor and openness, one that encourages new ways
  of thinking and acting