There are a number of things to consider with this statement in the process of thinking ethically.
1. Is the word “right” subjective or objective? Is it based on the situation, a personage or values?
2. Is it easier to find the right time than it is to choose the right thing or the right reason? If so, why?
3. Assuming that this is a workable definition of ethics, what would a different order of the “rights” and why, i.e. might it be right reason, then right thing and then the right time?
The purpose for this type of discernment is to come to an understanding that to truly embrace the process of thinking ethically is one that needs a greater commitment, ongoing training and organization wide implementation.
To know the right thing to do at the right time for the right reason is a challenging and sometime daunting task. But for those who embrace the value of ethical thinking and behaving ethically, it is a non negotiable. It is the process of this type of thinking we need to embrace with resources and budgets.
But let’s be clear on the purpose. The purpose of instilling the process of thinking ethically is to decrease the odds of something unethically going wrong. It cannot guarantee there will be zero incidents, any more than compliance training can guarantee no compliance lapses. The more ethical thinking is the focus of training, the more is doesn’t make a difference on the order of the three “rights”.
fbucaro
Like you, business ethics and ethical leadership expert, Frank Bucaro has seen the challenges and problems of corporate leadership, particularly over the past few years in regards to poor decision-making, SEC violations, and record breaking financial settlements in a number of different industries.
With over two decades of executive training, speaking, writing and with real life experiences, his view and approach to ethics in the workplace is uniquely different. He emphasizes that ethics is a moment-to-moment choice and has little to do with position, titles, personalities or education. Ethics is everybody’s responsibility from the top down.
His goal is to help organizations to:
a. Strengthen their ethics training initiatives in order to significantly decrease the odds of an ethical/compliance violation.
b. Energize, train and motivate employees to understand the value of consistent “high road” behavior as a business advantage.
c. Support individuals and thereby the organization by contributing to its success by quality, ongoing values based leadership development.
Frank is known for his very practical, slightly irreverent, yet somewhat humorous approach to ethics and leadership development. His conversational style and real life stories connect with his audience in a personal, intense and practical level.
Companies such as Bayer Healthcare, BP, ReMax International, EnMax Energy, Danone, etc. have partnered with Frank when they want to proactively stress the message, tools, insights and practical applications that good ethics IS good for business!
