Which of the following is considered an ethical issue in HRM?

Fairness in hiring practices is indeed considered an ethical issue in Human Resource Management. This involves ensuring that all candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications and abilities rather than on discriminatory factors such as race, gender, age, or personal connections. Ethical hiring practices help to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, which is essential for maintaining trust and morale among employees.

Unfair hiring practices can lead to a negative organizational culture, legal repercussions, and the potential loss of talented individuals who may not feel welcome or valued. Addressing fairness in hiring is a fundamental ethical responsibility for HR professionals, ensuring that the organization's values align with fair treatment and equal opportunity for all candidates.

The other options, while they may involve important HR considerations, do not directly center around ethical dilemmas in the same way that hiring practices do. For instance, employee productivity tracking often relates more to performance management and operational efficiency. Cost-cutting measures can be necessary for business sustainability but may not inherently involve ethical considerations unless they affect employee treatment. Performance evaluations are crucial for employee development but, if done unfairly, may reflect biases rather than ethical standards.