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What is Ethics? It's the Little
Things...
By Bryan Yingst / May 2007
Simply stated, ethics refers to standards of behavior that tell us how human beings ought to act in the many situations in which they find themselves as friends, parents, children, citizens, businesspeople, mentors, professionals, and so on.
We all have ethics, because we have a conscience that knows right from wrong and we are aware of our behavior. Even if you have poor ethics, it’s still a form of ethics.
But more importantly, ethics is not only about right and wrong behavior, it is the PREFERENCE to choose right over wrong.
When we talk about business ethics, we are referring to the behavior of people in the context of business or the workplace setting. Yes, business ethics also adheres to society’s standards of right and wrong.
But, for most business people, it is the “little things” that we’re faced with in our day-to-day lives that represent the largest areas for ethical problems.
Even what we feel may be the smallest of decisions can have a BIG impact on our company and the people around us. You see, your workplace is an incredibly interconnected place where even the smallest ethical choice by one person can have a ripple effect across an entire organization. Every decision you make eventually crosses someone’s path somehow.
Decisions like…
“Should I call in sick and go out with some friends?”
“Should I pass along this rumor about a coworker?”
“Should I take home some markers and pens for the kids?”
"Should I tell a “white lie” or stretch the truth to make the sale?”
Although the preceding may appear to be a minuscule part of your day-to-day business, collectively, these “small things” represent who you are and what you stand for as a positive professional.
By monitoring each of these “small things”, you will inevitably create a big opportunity for improvement. Remember, when it comes to ethics and integrity, EVERYTHING is important.
"The Little Things" is just one topic found within KnowledgeStart's
Understanding Business Ethics e-Learning product. This training course was designed using the latest
business ethics guidelines, policies, and procedures using real life situations.
For a no-obligation, 15 day free trial, please call
1.877.650.0454
or email info@knowledgestart.com
Who We Are
KnowledgeStart is an employee development company which, for the past seven
years, has specialized in online training for its U.S. and global clients.
We are a leading provider of award-winning e-learning programs and platforms
that maximize learning, increase collaboration and retention, and improve
competitive edge. Over the years, we have excelled in
enhancing organizational and individual productivity in topics such as
Diversity and Inclusion,
Generational Differences,
Harassment Prevention,
Business Ethics, and
Substance Abuse Prevention.
KnowledgeStart understands that every decision made by your employees eventually
crosses someone's path somehow and can often have a "ripple effect" across your
entire organization. Even the smallest of decisions can have a BIG impact on
your company and the people around you. Your workplace is an incredibly
inter-connected environment.
Through this understanding and our collective skill sets and experiences with
leading companies, we are proud to deliver innovative approaches to employee
training, compliance, and outcome measurement software.
Visit our website:
http://www.knowledgestart.com
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