Final answer:
The HR department can foster an ethical culture through strategic hiring for cultural fit and diversity, reducing bias, and investing in employee development. Such practices enhance varied perspectives and uphold a merit-based work environment. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The human resources department can help build an ethical organizational culture by being strategic in their hiring practices. One aspect is ensuring a diverse workplace by considering candidates' cultural fit along with their skills, which can promote an environment of varied perspectives and reduce the likelihood of groupthink.
Another key practice is professionalizing the hiring process to minimize bias, such as discrimination based on ethnic-sounding names, and upholding meritocracy where candidates are chosen for their qualifications rather than conformity to homogeneous cultural norms.
Furthermore, the human resources department should commit to training and developing employees post-hiring to ensure they align with the organization's values and ethics, as the investment in human capital is crucial for fostering an ethical work environment. Finally, projecting a positive attitude and being a collaborative team player is critical in maintaining a healthy, ethical organizational culture.