Understand Business Ethics
You read about the scandals from corporation to corporation. Whether it is fraud, employee theft, deceitful or unfair business practices, from the top of the power chain to the ground level, it is important for a company to address business ethics with all employees. In the past many corporations have found out the hard way that ignoring ethics does not make it acceptable or go away.
Ethics in general are easy to comprehend. They are usually instilled in us at a relatively young age. We are supposed to know better than to lie, cheat and/or steal. These practices that make us a more valued and honest part of the society in which we live, unfortunately, do not always transcend into the world of business. The practice of these ethics should naturally apply to the workplace, but in the business world, all too often, there is an attitude to look out for number one. Everyone wants to get ahead to some extent. One company wants to get ahead of their industry rival. One CEO wants to out perform his predecessor. Another employee may want to move ahead of the person in the cubicle next to them and by any means necessary. Some employees have absolutely no respect for their employer and steal from the hand that feeds them, literally. So ethics are commonly tossed aside when looking out for number one.
This necessitates the need for a business ethics program. Companies with an effective business ethics program, including not just employee training, but the demonstrated ethical behavior of those in power, from CEO’s down to management and supervisors are more successful. The success comes because the program fosters an environment where employees are more likely to report any unethical behavior they may witness. This is the most effective way to eliminate negative behavior that may harm the work environment or the reputation of the company.
CEO’s and high-level executives are especially under intense scrutiny when it comes to their business ethics. The corporate scandals of the past few years demonstrate that unethical business practices will catch up to an organization and company sooner or later. People in high power positions are supposed to exemplify ethical behavior to their employees. Once a pattern is developed where a company’s ethics is questioned, whether it is public trust or at an in-house interoffice level, there is the potential for serious trouble. Having a solid business ethics program in place and in practice will establish a code of conduct, potentially reducing the risk of criminal behavior, while demonstrating where the company stands on such issues during any internal or outside investigation. An ethics program is a matter of being proactive and addressing an issue before it becomes an issue.
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