ETHICS IN THE

WORKPLACE
Lamar State College
Port Arthur

This training outlines what is expected of LSCPA

employees. It is intended only as a brief introductory
guide, and should not be considered as a comprehensive
legal document.

In this training you will get the answers to these

questions and more:

What is ethical behavior and why does it matter at work?

How do I know if I am making ethical decisions?

What process should I follow to make ethical decisions?

What is the Colleges policy on Ethics and Standards of

Conduct?

Ethics in the Workplace:

Definitions, Benefits & Choices

What are Ethics?

Ethics are moral values which affect personal
or professional actions.
They are more than a set of rules. Ethics are
knowing how to apply the rules and having the
strength of character to behave in an ethical
manner.
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Ethics and LSCPA

General Guidelines:
Be professional and provide excellent customer service.
Record and report information accurately.
(Examples: claims, monthly time reports, travel vouchers)

Cooperate with investigations.

Observe College policies and procedures.
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Ethics and LSCPA

employees should conduct themselves professionally at all times on the job,
and act in ways that bring credit to themselves, the College, and the public we
serve.
Your compliance with the Employee Ethics and Standard of Conduct Policy is of
utmost importance. Unfortunately, even the appearance of wrongdoing by one
employee may affect the reputation of every employee.
These rules and standards of conduct are not only company policy, but also
state law in the Philippines. Your compliance with these policies is
expected for continuing company employment

Employee Ethics and Standard of Conduct Policy

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Benefits of
Ethics in the Workplace
Personal Benefits:
Peace of mind
Pride
Good reputation
Trust

Other Benefits:
Ensure policies are legal
Improve society
Maintain a moral course in
difficult times
Develop strong teamwork
and productivity

Making Ethical Choices

When in doubt:
Talk to people whose judgment you respect.
What would the most ethical person you know do?
What would you do if you were sure everyone would know?
Golden Rule: Treat others as you would want to be treated.
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Making Ethical Choices

The Six Pillars of Character emphasize various values.
These character traits can help you to be ethical.
Trustworthiness
Honest Reliable Reputable

Respect
Tolerant Considerate With manners

Responsibility
Self control Self discipline Accountable

Fairness
Just Reasonable Impartial

Caring
Kind Compassionate Giving

Citizenship
Obey Respect Protect
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Making Ethical Choices

Act in a manner that promotes public confidence in your
integrity and fairness.
Follow the Six Pillars of Character
Be professional
Give excellent customer service

Follow companys Standards of Conduct as a guide for

what specific actions are allowed or prohibited.
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Standards of Conduct

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LSCPA Standards of Conduct

Acceptance of gifts
Confidentiality
State property
Outside employment
Drug-free workplace

Firearms/weapons
Political activities
Publicity
Conflict of interest
Prohibited representation

Standards of Conduct
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Acceptance of Gifts
Accepting gifts, gratuities, or entertainment from
someone involved with a claim (or agency
business).
This is not allowed You may not seek or accept
anything of value for your official duties.
You are paid your state salary for
your job duties and responsibilities
without expecting anything in return.
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Confidential Information
Do not give out confidential information you know through employment
with the College to an unauthorized party.
Confidential information includes: company claim files, personnel
actions, and investigation files.
Giving out confidential information obtained through your job with the
company , or using such information for your own personal gain, would
be unethical and unlawful.

Confidential Information Policy

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Use of State Property

State law limits the use of Texas state property to
state purposes.
LSCPA employees may use state property only to
conduct official College business.
Employees are prohibited from conducting any
outside or non-College business on state time.
Use of State Property Policy
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Use of State Property:

Examples

Telephone & fax

TEX-AN (long distance)
Credit cards
Computers

Copy machines
Cell phones
State vehicles (or rental
vehicles paid for by the state)

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Use of State Property:

Internet
The Internet should be used for legitimate state business.
However, brief, occasional and incidental personal use is
allowed.
Personal use of the Internet is a privilege (not a right) and
personal use should be limited to: short work breaks, lunch
and 30 minutes before or after work.

Internet Policy
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Use of State Property:

Internet
Prohibited:
Accessing pornographic sites/material.
Accessing, posting, or sharing material that can be considered racist,

sexist, threatening, obscene or otherwise objectionable under state

or federal law.
Use that hampers or impedes the conduct of state business.
Use for political purposes.
Use for the solicitation for charities/organization memberships.
Use for subscribing to mailing lists or mail services.
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Use of State Property:

E-Mail
E-mail should be used only for legitimate state business. However,
e-mail messages of a personal nature may be sent and received as
long as use is brief, occasional and incidental.
incidental
.

Personal use of e-mail is a privilege (not a

right), and personal use should be limited

E-Mail Policy
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Use of State Property:

E-Mail
Prohibited:
Use for solicitation for charities or organization

membership.
Use for personal monetary interest or gain.
Use that hampers or impedes the conduct of state
business.

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Use of State Property:

LSCPA Records
Falsifying and/or destroying company records is a violation
of company policy. It may also constitute a violation of the
Philippine Government Code and/or Philippine Penal Code
and carry criminal penalties.*
All records are considered state property and may not be
removed or destroyed except within accordance with
company record and retention schedules.
Check with your manager for specific operational policy.
*The Internal Audit Division is required by law to report such violations to the State Auditor.
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Use of State Property:

LSCPA Facilities
You may not use work hours and/or state property to solicit
and collect gifts, contributions or services from non-workers
for special events or incidents, or for political purposes.
Limited voluntary donations for co-workers on special
occasions, such as retirements, may be approved by your
manager.

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Other Employment
You may not engage in outside employment or activities that conflict
with College duties and responsibilities.

Outside Employment Policy

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Drug-Free Workplace
College employees must not work under the influence of:

Drugs
Alcohol
Controlled substances
Derivatives of controlled substances

Household or commercial products

Other similar products
Unauthorized prescription drugs
Other dangerous drugs

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

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Firearms and Other Weapons

LSCPA has a zero-tolerance policy for violence or
harassment in the workplace.
In order to ensure a safe workplace for our employees and
customers, College staff may not carry firearms or other
weapons on LSCPA premises.

Firearms and Other Weapons Prohibited

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Political Activities
State and federal laws restrict political activity of state
employees.
You may not participate in political activities on state time.
This includes:

Collecting contributions
Selling tickets to political fund raisers
Distributing campaign material
Making campaign phone calls

Political Activities Policy

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Publicity
A specific individual is responsible for public communication about official
College business.
All media inquiries should be directed to the Vice President for Student
Services.
You should never accept an interview or provide information to the media
unless directed to do so by the Executive Division.

Publicity Restrictions & Public Statements

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Conflict of Interest
On acceptance of appointment to LSCPA, an appointee
who is an officer, employee or paid consultant of a
Texas trade association must resign the position or
terminate the contract with the trade association.
Only applies to: LSCPA Employees, exempt employees, and those in salary group 17 or above.

Conflict of Interest Policy

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Prohibited Representation
(Revolving Door)
The Revolving Door statute restricts the
activities of former employees, executives and
governing body members of regulatory agencies
after they leave the agency.
Only applies to former LSCPA Employees, Executive Directors, former state officers of
regulatory agencies, exempt employees, and those in salary group 17 or above.

The Revolving Door Statute

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LSCPA Standards of Conduct

Please note!
The previous examples are frequent issues that come up in

the workplace.
Other ethical issues not covered in this training may occur.
If so, good judgment and communication with your
supervisor should be used to make good decisions.

Any job-related conduct which is outside the scope of professional

behavior, common courtesy, and excellent customer service, and any
conduct which breaks any College policy or state and/or federal law,
violates the Employee Ethics and Standards of Conduct policy.
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Final Thought
If you have questions about how the Ethics Policy may apply
to your particular situation, please contact your supervisor or
Human Resources.
Resources
It is much easier and safer to get advice ahead of time rather
than trying to undo inappropriate actions. Such actions can
involve career-ending mistakes, or the possibility of suffering
administrative, civil or even criminal penalties.

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Knowledge Check

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Knowledge Check
True or False?

1. One of the guidelines to ethical behavior is to be

professional and provide excellent customer
service.

TRUE

FALSE

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Knowledge Check
True or False?

1. One of the guidelines to ethical behavior is to be

professional and provide excellent customer
service.

TRUE

You should also record and

report information accurately,
cooperate with investigations,
and observe College policies
and procedures.
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Knowledge Check
True or False?

2. These rules and standards of conduct are not

only LSCPA policy, but also Texas state law.

TRUE

FALSE

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Knowledge Check
True or False?

2. These rules and standards of conduct are not

only LSCPA policy, but also Texas state law.

TRUE

These laws and rules require

your compliance for continued
employment with LSCPA.
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Knowledge Check
True or False?

3. College policy allows employees to take a second job, as

long as the hours dont conflict with their LSCPA job.

TRUE

FALSE

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Knowledge Check
True or False?

3. College policy allows employees to take a second job, as

long as the hours dont conflict with their LSCPA job.

You may only be allowed to take outside

employment if it does not conflict with
College duties and responsibilities. You
must also have the employment
approved using the agency procedures.

FALSE

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Knowledge Check
True or False?

4. If in doubt about what choice is ethical, you should

contact your supervisor or Human Resources in advance.

TRUE

FALSE

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Knowledge Check
True or False?

4. If in doubt about what choice is ethical, you should

contact your supervisor or Human Resources in advance.

TRUE

It is much easier and safer for you

to get advice ahead of time rather
than trying to undo inappropriate
actions.
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End of Course