ABSTRACT

This chapter begins with the general question of why organizations have ethical obligations toward their employees, introduces a set of ethical standards for employees, and examines the application of these to employees working within prison settings. Proponents of the idea that employees have moral rights identify seven ethical principles that seem applicable to prison employees: safety, fair treatment, due process, freedom of expression, privacy, participation in decision making, and information. In reality the ability of prison managers to perform their duties ethically is constrained by organizational circumstances, budgetary limitations, and competing ethical considerations. Like due process, freedom of expression serves to balance the distribution of power within organizations and to protect other ethical principles bearing on the treatment of individuals. Humans have a moral right to be left alone, to have personal lives, and to be self-directed. Support and socialization enhance recognition of any organizational value, whether it be quality control, integrity, or ethical behavior.