Emeritus Professor Gareth Jones

Making staff redundant has ethical overtones, with repercussions for the character and reputation of the University.

Using the four core values embedded in the Otago Staff Values (respect, integrity, curiosity, community), I ask how these values apply to making staff redundant. They emphasize respect for staff, clear communication and widespread engagement, and concern for those whose futures are in jeopardy. How helpful are they when confronted by an immense financial challenge?

In broadening the debate, I emphasize the importance of fairness, the notion of ethical redundancy, the relevance of informed consent, and whether making all areas 'suffer' to an equal degree is a viable ethical alternative. Can redundancy ever be viewed as a good?

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