Loyalty is an internal feeling that can be manifested in a variety of ways. Modern life in all its complexity creates a feeling of isolation. Meaningful involvement in our work and workplace relationships can provide a rewarding sense of belonging. Most of us learned about affiliation and commitment in our early home life and social activities. The importance of belonging, contributing, and being loyal is easily recognized.

The relationship between employees and employers has changed from one based on a long-term agreement to one that addresses the temporary nature of most business liaisons. People want to work at companies they care about, even if it's not forever. While in my present job, I’ll do everything I can to be as effective as possible in my job, advance the interests of my employer and contribute to its achievement of business objectives. When I experience difficulties, everyone shows sympathy. The genuine display of concern for me is truly heart-warming.

Loyalty to an employer does not mean neglecting other important aspects of life. A new definition of loyalty allows for balance among multiple loyalties, including family, personal ethics, and overall career goals. Properly positioned so that all loyalties enhance one another, organizational loyalty profits the individual as well as the company

Layoffs have become an obvious part of today's business reality. But when it comes to layoffs, a responsible employer who adheres to the loyalty contract takes a long-term view of employment. This doesn't mean they guarantee jobs for life, or fail to remove under-performing employees, or disregard profit and shareholders. It just means that employers do their best to keep employees who are performing well in their jobs and thus they use layoffs only as a last resort.

Loyalty is tied directly to the health and quality of the corporate culture. Organizations that treat people well, placing emphasis on future development and providing opportunities for growth, generate allegiance and commitment. Although jobs are currently scarce, employers need to recognize that if they have not worked to maintain employee commitment, they will experience a dramatic problem with employee retention as the economy improves. Employers, managers, and supervisors who take steps to win their employees' loyalty now will reap the benefits of attracting and retaining the best.

Reference:
Boatright, John R. (2003). “Ethics and The Conduct of Business.” Upper Saddle River:
                  Prentice Hall

http://www.stephaniemorosi.com/issues/rules_of_loyalty_have_changed.htm

http://www.darwinmag.com/read/030103/loyalty.html

http://www.ckg.com/archive26.htm

http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-6297-1048261.html