Fairness is a virtue
We all agree that, as a manager we should:
1. Treat others fairly
2. Be treated fairly
We all agree that it would be wrong to:
1. Accept unfair treatment
2. Treat others unfairly
If theirs is so much agreement over the word FAIRNESS
Then how come the concept causes so many problems and conflicts?
How often do you hear people complaining?
It is not fair!
Fairness is an "often used but ill defined" word.
The concept of fairness falls under the category of words labelled "Often used but ILL defined."
i.e. there are multiple interpretations to the same word.
Consequently you can have the same set of facts presented to three people
- One will claim the story is an example of fairness.
- The second one says the same story is an example of UN-fairness".
- And the third person will be undecided, and say "I can see both sides".
It is important that you completely understand "fairness" so that you can decide what to do in particular circumstances.
Fairness has four major meanings
Let us call them "fairness formulas"
The four formulas share a common root
The common root is
"Fairness is a moral principle intended to guide proper relationships between people. Fairness is based upon...."
Now it gets tricky because there are four continuations of the above statement
Fairness formula 1
"Fairness is a moral principle intended to guide proper relationships between people. Fairness is based upon....
The principle that I SHOULD GET WHATEVER I WANT! And if I do not- IT IS NOT FAIR"
This is called the "baby response" to the fairness question
"I WANT IT. IF I DON'T GET IT, it is not fair".
Would you agree this is a false definition?
Just because you don't have a Porsche does not make life unfair.
Fairness formula 2
"Fairness is a moral principle intended to guide proper relationships between people. Fairness is based upon....
Everyone is treated according to the same laws, policies and procedures
Irrespective of their Colour, race Sexuality gender Religion etc."
Would you agree that this is a correct version of fairness?
That we should not judge people differently because they are of a different
- Sex
- Age
- Colour
- Religion
- Accent
- Disability
Fairness formula 3
"Fairness is a moral principle intended to guide proper relationships between people. Fairness is based upon...."
Ensuring everyone receives everything for which they are entitled BY virtue of their performance and productive effort
That their level of wealth is Dependent on their productive effort
If they have not earned it , it should not be made available
Even if they NEED it."
This is called the "Trader" model of fairness
Should people be given ALL they have earned by their productive thought and action, even if it means they have far more than they need and much more than the others?
Many people believe in it- they think this is common sense.
Many do not- they think it is unfair that some people earn much more than others.
What is your opinion?
Should not some of the excess be shared amongst those in need?
Fairness formula 4
"Fairness is a moral principle intended to guide proper relationships between people. Fairness is based upon...."
Ensuring everyone has access to the sufficient riches to satisfy their need.
Irrespective of their productive effort
If they need it, should be made available from
1. The rest of the team or
2. Society"
This is called the "social model" of fairness
Many people believe in it- they think the wealth should be redistributed from the HAVES to the HAVE NOTS.
Many do not like this- they say "Why should my hard earned riches be shared out and given to those who have not earned it?
What is your opinion?
Should people be given a small degree of your wealth, because they need it?
Don't you have more than you need to survive in comfort?
Should he be given small concessions at the expense of the others, because he needs it?
Why?
You can see that Fairness formula 1 (The principle that I SHOULD GET WHATEVER I WANT! And if I do not- IT IS NOT FAIR) seems to be capable of rejection by everyone?
No problem there.
Formula 2 (Everyone is treated according to the same laws, policies and procedures Irrespective of their Colour, race Sexuality gender Religion etc.) will be rejected by many .
But there are still some people who will treat you harshly because you are
- Foreign to them
- A woman
- Not a woman
- A certain religion
- A certain colour
- A certain minority section of society
Is that fair?
Most would say definitely not.
Some will still say:
"I don't like her because is a Black, / gay, / disabled, / polish, /Muslim /woman"
Fairness formulas 3 and 4 cause many conflict because they are opposite's formulas
Formula 3 says "Give people what they need even if they have not earned it"
BUT 4 says "Don't let people have what they need, UNLESS they have earned it"
Formula 3 says "society is responsible for the individual"
BUT 4 says "The society is NOT responsible for the individual"
Formula 3 says "Proof of Need should be enough to satisfy a claim for concessions"
BUT 4 Says "proof of Need is not enough to satisfy a claim for concessions".
The clash between formulas three and four cause many of the conflicts at work
For example:
Is a Social Need (i.e. child care issues) a legitimate claim for me to come in late and go home early?
- I need to have the afternoon off to go to my Childs school play"
- I have to leave early to go to the dentist"
Is it fair to give such concessions?
This question is similar to many you need to sort out in your own mind.
It is up to you to ponder your policy in relation to the clash between formulas 3 and 4
Here are the steps
- Analyse the two competing versions of fairness (three and four)
- Decide which represents the best version of fairness for your context.
- Apply the version with even handedness, every day, to everyone.
- Remember that whichever policy you choose, you will find half the others have adopted the opposite policy.
So be prepared!
Summary
Fairness is a virtue.
Fairness is an "often used but ill defined" concept.
It is important that you completely understand "fairness" so that you can decide what to do.
Fairness has four major meanings
Review and understand the four fairness formulas- especially formulas three and four.
It is up to you to ponder your policy
Analyse the competing versions of fairness and apply the best version with even handedness.
Remember that half the others have adopted the opposite policies.
Good luck!
Chris Farmer is an expert in Management Training. His training courses through the Corporate Coach Group have helped hundreds of managers become immediately more effective.