Ethiopian TVET-System: Learning Guide # 2

Debre Birhan Polytechnic College
Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

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DEBRE BIRHAN POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE
Ethiopian TVET-System
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
SUPPORT SERVICE
Level I
LEARNING GUIDE # 2
Unit of Competence: Demonstrate work values
Module Title : Demonstrating work values
LG Code : ICT ITS1 M10 L02 2
TTLM Code : ICT ITS1 TTLM10 0811
LO 2: Apply work values/ethics
Learning Guide Date: 05-2014 Page 1 of 6

1st Revision Author: Addisu B, IT – DBPTC
INTRODUCTION Learning Guide # 2
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics –
 Work Ethics
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –
 Classify and reaffirm work values/ethics/concepts in accordance with the transparent company
ethical standards, policies and guidelines.
 Undertake work practices in compliance with industry work ethical standards, organizational
policy and guidelines
 Conduct personal behavior and relationships with co-workers and/or clients in accordance with
ethical standards, policy and guidelines.
 Use company resources in accordance with transparent company ethical standard, policies and
guidelines.
Learning Activities
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide.
2. Read the information written in the “Information Sheets 1” in pages 3-6.
3. Accomplish the “Self-check” in page 7.
4. If you earned a satisfactory evaluation proceed to “Lap Test” on pages 8. However, if your rating is
unsatisfactory, see your teacher for further instructions or go back to Learning Activity#1.
5. Do the “LAP test” (if you are ready) and show your output to your teacher. Your teacher will evaluate
your output either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If unsatisfactory, your teacher shall advice you on
additional work. But if satisfactory you can proceed to Learning Guide 33.
 Your teacher will evaluate your output either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If unsatisfactory, your
teacher shall advice you on additional work. But if satisfactory you can proceed to the next topic.

Information Sheet 1 Work Ethics
WORK ETHICS
Work ethics is a set of values based on hard work and diligence. It is also a belief in the
moral benefit of work and its ability to enhance character. An example would be the Protestant
work ethic. A work ethic may include being reliable, having initiative, or pursuing new skills.
Workers exhibiting a good work ethic in theory should be selected for better positions,
more responsibility and ultimately promotion. Workers who fail to exhibit a good work ethic may
be regarded as failing to provide fair value for the wage the employer is paying them and should
not be promoted or placed in positions of greater responsibility.
Here is a List of the Top 10 Values Employers Look for in Employees.
If you are interested in turning your internship into a job offer, it’s important to know
exactly what employers look for when hiring full-time employees. In addition to relevant skills,
employers seek employees who have the personal values, characteristics, and personality traits
that spell success. Good personal values are what makes the foundation for a good employee.
Internships are an excellent time to show employers that you have the personal traits that they
value in their employees. Do not make the mistake of missing the opportunity to show your
supervisors at your internship that you have what it takes to be successful on the job as well as
possessing the personal characteristics they value. An internship is an opportunity to learn the
skills and behaviors along with the work values that are required for success in the workplace.
1. Strong Work Ethic
Employers value employees who understand and possess a willingness to work hard. In
addition to working hard it is also important to work smart. This means learning the most
efficient way to complete tasks and finding ways to save time while completing daily
assignments. It’s also important to care about your job and complete all projects while
maintaining a positive attitude. Doing more than is expected on the job is a good way to show
management that you utilize good time management skills and don’t waste valuable company
time attending to personal issues not related to the job. Downsizing in today’s job market is
quite common so it’s important to recognize the personal values and attributes employers want
to improve your chances of job security should a layoff occur.

2. Dependability and Responsibility
Employers value employees who come to work on time, are there when they are suppose
to be, and are responsible for their actions and behavior. It’s important to keep supervisors
abreast of changes in your schedule or if you are going to be late for any reason. This also
means keeping your supervisor informed on where you are on all projects you have been
assigned. Being dependable and responsible as an employee shows your employer that you
value your job and that you are responsible in keeping up with projects and keeping them
informed of the things that they should know about.
3. Possessing a Positive Attitude.
Employers seek employees who take the initiative and have the motivation to get the job
done in a reasonable period of time. A positive attitude gets the work done and motivates others
to do the same without dwelling on the challenges that inevitably come up in any job. It is the
enthusiastic employee who creates an environment of good will and who provides a postive role
model for others. A positive attitude is something that is most valued by supervisors and co-
workers and that also makes the job more pleasant and fun to go to each day.
4. Adaptability
Employers seek employees who are adaptable and maintain flexibility in completing tasks
in an ever changing workplace. Being open to change and improvements provides an
opportunity to complete work assignments in a more efficient manner while offering additional
benefits to the corporation, the customer, and even the employee. While oftentimes employees
complain that changes in the workplace don’t make sense or makes their work harder,
oftentimes these complaints are due to a lack of flexibility.
Adaptability also means adapting to the personality and work habits of co-workers and
supervisors. Each person possesses their own set or strengths and adapting personal behaviors
to accommodate others is part of what it takes to work effectively as a team. By viewing change
as an opportunity to complete work assignments in a more efficient manner, adapting to change
can be a positive experience. New strategies, ideas, priorities, and work habits can foster a belief
among workers that management and staff are both committed to making the workplace a
better place to work.

5. Honesty and Integrity
Employers value employees who maintain a sense of honesty and integrity above all else.
Good relationships are built on trust. When working for an employer they want to know that they
can trust what you say and what you do. Successful businesses work to gain the trust of
customers and maintain the attitude that “the customer is always right”. It is the responsibility
of each person to use their own individual sense of moral and ethical behavior when working
with and serving others within the scope of their job.
6. Self – Motivated
Employers look for employees who require little supervision and direction to get the work
done in a timely and professional manner. Supervisors who hire self-motivated employees do
themselves an immense favor. For self-motivated employees require very little direction from
their supervisors. Once a self-motivated employee understands his/her responsibility on the job,
they will do it without any prodding from others. Employers can do their part by offering a safe,
supportive, work environment that offers employees an opportunity to learn and grow. Working
in a supportive work environment and taking the intiative to be self-directive will provide
employees with a better sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.
7. Motivated to Grow & Learn
In an ever-changing workplace, employers seek employees who are interested in keeping

up with new developments and knowledge in the field. It has been noted that one of the top
reasons employees leave their employers is the lack of opportunity for career development
within the organization. Learning new skills, techniques, methods, and/or theories through
professional development helps keep the organization at the top of its field and makes the
employee's job more interesting and exciting. Keeping up with current changes in the field is
vital for success and increased job security.
8. Strong Self – Confidence
Self-confidence has been recognized as the key ingredient between someone who is
successful and someone who is not. A self – confident person is someone who inspires others. A
self-confident person is not afraid to ask questions on topics where they feel they need more
knowledge. They feel little need to have to impress others with what they know since they feel
comfortable with themselves and don’t feel they need to know everything.
The self-confident person does what he/she feels is right and is willing to take risks. Self-
confident people can also admit their mistakes. They recognize their strengths as well as their
weaknesses and are willing to work on the latter. Self-confident people have faith in themselves
and their abilities which is manifested in their positive attitude and outlook on life.

9. Professionalism
Employers value employees who exhibit professional behavior at all times. Professional
behavior includes learning every aspect of a job and doing it to the best of one’s ability.
Professionals look, speak, and dress accordingly to maintain an image of someone who takes
pride in their behavior and appearance. Professionals complete projects as soon as possible and
avoid letting uncompleted projects pile up. Professionals complete high quality work and are
detail oriented. Professional behavior includes all of the behavior above in addition to providing a
positive role model for others. Professionals are enthusiastic about their work and optimistic
about the organization and its future. To become a professional you must feel like a professional
and following these tips is a great start to getting to where you want to go.
10. Loyalty
Employers value employees they can trust and who exhibit their loyalty to the company.
Loyalty in the workforce has taken on a new meaning. Gone are the days when employees plan
on starting out and retiring with the same company. It is said that most people will hold between
8 – 12 jobs throughout their career. What does this mean in terms of loyalty in today’s
workforce?
Companies offering employee growth and opportunity will ultimately gain a sense of
loyalty from their employees. Employees today want to feel a sense of satisfaction in their jobs
and will do a good job when they feel that the employer is fair and wants to see them succeed.
Although this may mean only staying for five or ten years in a position, employees can offer
loyalty and make an important contribution during their time with the company.
More companies today encourage employee feedback and offer employees an opportunity
to lead in their area of expertise. This gives employees a greater sense of satisfaction and a
sense of control over their job. Empowerment encourages employees to do their best work since
companies are displaying a trust and expectation that they believe in their employees to do a
good job.
Offering jobs that encourage learning and the development of new skills also gives
employees a sense of empowerment in the workplace. Aligning an employees values with the
goals of the organization will foster loyalty and a bond between employer and employee.
Fostering good relationships within an organization and offering constructive ways to handle
conflict provides a win – win situation for both employer and employee. Creating an organization
that values loyalty within the organization can also work to its benefit by using the same
techniques and strategies to establish loyalty with customers; and loyatly from customers
ultimately makes for a successful business.


Ethiopian TVET-System: Learning Guide # 2

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Ethiopian TVET-System: Learning Guide # 2

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Debre Birhan Polytechnic College

Training, Teaching and Learning Materials Development

DEBRE BIRHAN POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE

LO 2: Apply work values/ethics

Learning Guide Date: 05-2014 Page 1 of 6

INTRODUCTION Learning Guide # 2

Learning Guide Date: 05-2014 Page 2 of 6

Information Sheet 1 Work Ethics

Here is a List of the Top 10 Values Employers Look for in Employees.

1. Strong Work Ethic

Learning Guide Date: 05-2014 Page 3 of 6

3. Possessing a Positive Attitude.

Learning Guide Date: 05-2014 Page 4 of 6

7. Motivated to Grow & Learn

In an ever-changing workplace, employers seek employees who are interested in keeping

8. Strong Self – Confidence

Learning Guide Date: 05-2014 Page 5 of 6

Learning Guide Date: 05-2014 Page 6 of 6

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