How about this working definition of ethics?

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How about this working definition of ethics?

October 6, 2014 By fbucaro

Ethics is a tough decision with the payout at the end. An unethical decision is an easy one with the payout up front.
Ethics as tough decision, requires a different approach to ethics training. Ethics training cannot be just a recitation of “standards”, theory, or a stagnant approach to the subject. Making a tough decision means that what must be incorporated into this training must include beyond ethics “lip service” in compliance training. What this requires is an in depth training approach that includes not only ethical theory, but techniques by which those theories are applied to real life situations . This is what makes it “tough” and I mean this in a positive way. One needs to think this stuff through and have the tools to make the best decision.
One needs to “agonize” over these decisions and I mean this in a positive way. One needs the resources, support, training and the power to make the “right” decision. How many in compliance or HR have had this type of continual training in ethics?
The other part of this definition, is the need for deferred gratification, whether personal or professional. Why? because the” payout” of this decision is at the end of the ethical discernment process. One’s personal values, etc. are only part of the consideration and not the primary focus of it. There are numerous examples of those leaders how made the “easy” decision and took their payouts up front, just watch the news or read a newspaper.
Can this definition of ethics work for you?

About the author

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!

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