Overview of Ethics
Defining Ethics
Ethics are the set of moral principles that guide a person's behavior.
Key Takeaways
- Ethical behavior is based on written and unwritten codes of principles and values held in society.
- Ethics reflect beliefs about what is right, what is wrong, what is
just, what is unjust, what is good, and what is bad regarding human
behavior.
- Ethical principles and values guide behavior personally, within professions, and at the organizational level.
Key Terms
- Behavior: The way a living creature acts.
- Ethics: The study of principles relating to right and wrong conduct.
- Values: A collection of guiding principles; what one deems correct, important, and desirable in life, especially regarding personal conduct.
Ethics are the set of moral principles that guide a person's behavior. These morals are shaped by social norms, cultural practices, and religious influences. Ethics reflect beliefs about what is right, what is wrong, what is just, what is unjust, what is good, and what is bad regarding human behavior. They serve as a compass to direct how people should behave toward each other, understand and fulfill their obligations to society, and live their lives.
While ethical beliefs are held by individuals, they can also be reflected in the values, practices, and policies that shape the choices made by decision makers on behalf of their organizations. The phrases business ethics and corporate ethics are often used to describe the application of ethical values to business activities. Ethics applies to all aspects of conduct and is relevant to the actions of individuals, groups, and organizations.
In addition to individual ethics and corporate ethics, there are professional ethics. Managers, lawyers, and accountants exercise specialized knowledge and skills when providing services to customers or the public. By their profession, they have obligations to those they serve. For example, lawyers must hold client conversations confidential, and accountants must display the highest honesty and integrity in their record-keeping and financial analysis. Professional organizations, such as the American Medical Association, and licensing authorities, such as state governments, set and enforce ethical standards.