Fairness is treating people as equal and doing so in ways that, within that culture, are seen by everyone to be “fair.” Fairness is an interesting challenge when working in different cultures in that local understandings of fairness differ. Every society has clear notions of what is fair and unfair. Every society has rules and norms that everyone understands as fair (and unfair). Essentially, people feel it is fair when those who “deserve” things get them, and those who do “not deserve” them do not get them.
As a behavior, fairness comes from an attitude of respect for local priorities and an eagerness to learn from people—from many people at many levels—what the rules of the game are for them, in that context.
Fairness through Recognizing Value
When we demonstrate that we value people, we have an opportunity to show how much we care through collaboration. We can show that we believe in someone’s or some groups humanity. We can offer attention to their rituals and their rules.
We humanize even those with whom we disagree, taking them seriously and listening, yet also expressing ourselves.
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Related Topics
Organizations and Fairness
Unfairness through demonstrating Different Value for Different Lives
Using Fairness
