Policy, Practice, and Conscience for Human Resource Professionals

Policy, Practice, and Conscience for HR Professionals

In my years of practice, I have come to the conclusions that as HR Professionals, our dealings are anchored on the tripod of #PPC - #Policy, #Practice and #Conscience.

HR professionals play a crucial role in balancing the needs of the organization with the well-being of employees. As Business Partners essentially, we help align an organization’s people strategy with the business strategy. This role is often undermined, but HRPros are right there at the heart of the #PPC - #policy, #practice, and #conscience which forms the foundation of ethical decision-making in HR.

1. Policy: Policies are formalized rules, guidelines, and frameworks established by an organization to govern behavior and ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and operational standards. HR policies include recruitment, performance management, compensation, equal opportunity, workplace safety, and more. A policy must be compliant, fair & consistent, transparent and flexible. Eg. Policy on Performance Management

2. Practice: HR practices refer to the day-to-day actions, behaviors, and decisions that bring policies to life. While policies provide a framework, practices ensure that these guidelines are effectively implemented, adapting to real-world challenges and organizational needs. Practice should be inclusive and not discriminatory. Eg. Practice of conflict resolution and not backbiting or witch-hunting. Also, practices should be consistent as well but also give room for flexibility (I have practically seen where what is in the policy is not being practiced and what is in practice is not in the policy) – which gives room for conscience.

3. Conscience: Conscience in HR refers to the moral and ethical responsibility HR professionals carry in ensuring that their actions and decisions are fair, just, and aligned with broader ethical principles. It involves doing what is "right" beyond just following policy or practice, especially in gray areas or difficult situations. With conscience, you go beyond the policy and/or practice to empathy. Sometimes, conscience is required when you are facing situations you have never had the opportunity to tackle. It requires courage, ethics, values and a human-centric approach to handling situations.

Finding balance may be difficult sometimes. But when Policies and Practices Align with Conscience, you find that policies and practices are ethical. HR professionals should enforce them consistently and ensure that all employees understand the rationale behind them. A culture of transparency, fairness, and accountability can foster trust in HR processes.

But when Policies/Practices Conflict with Conscience, they might be outdated, unfair, or rigid in ways that harm employees. HR should advocate for policy reform or, if necessary, use discretionary judgment to adapt the policy to the situation.

When Practices Diverge from Policy, the practical application of policies may not align with their intent. For instance, a non-discrimination policy may exist on paper, but HR practices around promotion and pay may reveal unconscious biases. HR should regularly audit practices to ensure they align with written policies and ethical standards. If gaps exist, training and corrective measures should be introduced.

So, what should HR Professionals do to ensure that Policy, Practice and Conscience are in sync?

? Continuously update policies to reflect changes in laws, industry standards, and organizational values and ensure policies are fair and inclusive.

? Create a culture where ethics and integrity are prioritized, and employees feel confident that their concerns will be handled with care and fairness.

? Equip managers and HR staff (through training) with the tools to make ethical decisions and apply policies consistently while using discretion when needed.

? Serve as a moral compass, especially in moments when business priorities might overshadow ethical considerations. Speak up when policies or decisions do not align with ethical principles.

In conclusion, HR Professionals must navigate the complex interplay of #policy, #practice, and #conscience. While policies provide structure, real-world practice requires flexibility, and conscience ensures that the human aspect is never forgotten. By balancing these elements, HR can foster an ethical, fair, and productive workplace.