Replying to LO27701-
Linda writes "But, if you want Ethical behavior, you must expect it. It
starts with each one of us doesn't it?"
It certainly does start with each of us individually -- and each one of us
holding each other accountable to a higher standard.
It concerns me that we (the media, etc.) can so easily dismiss this kind
of gross unethical behavior as simply "big business." The way it 'starts
with each of us' is not through some nebulous ethical behavioral system.
Ethics in business life is built on individual, virtuous acts based on
integrity in apparently small decisions. Part of that integrity is the
ability to recognize and correct small, marginally unethical or
questionable decisions before they compound. This also requires us to
exercise one of the most difficult virtues for managers: the humility to
admit and rectify our mistakes.
I don't mean to sound preachy but in our roles we are likely to be in a
position to make a positive impact on a colleague facing an ethical
decision. While preparation in our business schools might be helpful, I
think we can learn even more about virtuous business behavior through
practical example.
Mary Hunt, MBA
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