Greater Cincinnati Organization Development Network

Speakers: Linda Gravett

Topic:    Ethics for Consultants

Date:     Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Time:        5:30-8:30

Location: Quality Hotel & Suites, Norwood

Price:  $25 for ASTD Members, same as ODN, $30 Non- Member, $35 at the    door.

RSVP to:  info@odncincy.org or gibsonjkgibson@aol.com or 881-5864

 “Ethics for Consultants”

Consider the following ethical dilemma:

You’re an independent consultant who just started your consulting practice three months ago.  You naturally want to build your business as quickly as possible so you have some income.  This morning, you met with a potential client that can help you realize your financial goals.  The project involves work that is within your area of expertise and you hit it off with all the staff with whom you’d be working - except for the CEO.   The CEO is definitely the decision maker, and your project would succeed without his commitment and support.  He told the OD Vice President, who invited you to the meeting, in your presence, “I think this initiative is ridiculous, but if you want to include it in your budget this next year, go ahead and try it.  But don’t come whining to me when things don’t work out”. 

Should you submit the proposal?  If your proposal is accepted, should you commit to the project?  How might you make this a win-win situation?

Linda Gravett will discuss this example and others gleaned from her extensive research into ethics in HR and OD at the ODN meeting on Tuesday, June 13.  She will elicit “sticky situations” from the audience for us to explore together and will present her model for ethical decision making.  She will also provide a sample code of ethics adaptable to your practice or organization.  Please join us for what promises to be an interesting and challenging discussion.

Linda Gravett, Ph.D., SPHR is a management consultant and educator with 25 years experience in the field of human resource management and organizational development.   Linda has worked with organizations such as The Discovery Channel, Queen City Metro, Dole Foods, and The Greater Cincinnati International Airport to help them leverage a diverse workforce for competitive advantage.  Prior to her consulting career, Linda spent 13 years as an OD and Human Resources professional and 7 years as an accountant. She is the recipient of the 1999 Professional Excellence Award from the Society of Human Resource Management.

Linda has published numerous articles in the management field, as well as a book titled HRM Ethics:  Perspectives for a New Millennium.