ETHICS

Ethical Practices - You Are What You Believe

In the business world you hear a lot of catch phrases like 'transparency' and 'core values'. What with all the fraud being exposed in corporations, it has become popular for companies to promote Ethics training classes. That's all well and good, sounds wonderful on the surface, and, for the most part, I'm sure quite a few businesses are practicing ethical behavior.
Ethics is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as:

"A set of principles of right conduct. A theory or a system of moral values. The study of the general nature of morals and of the specific moral choices to be made by a person: moral philosophy. The rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession."

On the job, you should actively participate in any Ethics training offered and closely compare what you learn with your company's Core Values and what actions and policies you observe on a day-to-day basis. A company is made up of all of its' individual employees. If everyone feels responsible and is held accountable for totally ethical practices, it benefits all concerned and results in a stellar reputation that customers will flock to with a great sense of security. I know that sounds like a company line but if you truly believe it and live it, the whole business atmosphere becomes cleaner and healthier.
Just think about what is right and fair. If you notice something that is bothering your sense of decency, go speak with your supervisor or submit a suggestion worded in an intelligent unemotional way. You'll be doing your part to make the business world a better place.