I believe that ethics can only be proactive. There is no such thing as reactive ethics. Reactive ethics really compliance, and compliance, by the very word, is truly a reactive dynamic.
To embrace ethics as proactive, please consider these reflections as a foundation for ethics training.
- Ethics needs to focus on action and not behavior. What this means that in being proactive, the purpose is to clarify what’s negotiable and what’s not, what’s acceptable and what’s not BEFORE a situation arises, so there is no debate about what has become behavior. To deal with behavior is an “after the fact” issue, which again falls into the compliance arena.
- Being proactive in ethics then really justifies action and not the behavior. By this I mean by being proactive in establishing guidelines before an issue arises, creates a proactive framework that is the cause and reason for justification of an action. If guidelines, without explanation or training, are imposed after an action takes place, i.e. behavior, there is too much room for interpretation, arguments, etc., which can cause some very serious
- Being proactive in ethics means acknowledging the gap between “ought” and “is”. This gap is an ethics “gap.” “Ought ” is the reason and the motivation to strive to be proactive as opposed now “is.”
Proactive ethics sets the direction, establishes guidelines of accountability, creates a positive environment and the “modus operandi” to keep the organization at the forefront of true business ethics.

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!