The Importance Of Ethical Behavior

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Ethics is the system of moral principles which affect people in taking decisions and lead their lives. It is concerned with what is good for individuals and society. Ethics is derived from the Greek word “ETHOS” which means custom, habit, character and is also described as moral philosophy (‘BBC-Ethics-Introduction to Ethics’, 2014). Ethical behavior is acting in ways that are consistent with how the world views moral principles and values. Ethical behavior practices include assuring that the highest moral and legal standards are observed in any relationships. In business context, with people in your business community. This includes the most important person in your business, your customer and all other stakeholders. Short term profit at the cost of losing a customer is long term death for your business. The ethical behavior in organizations is influenced by both individual characteristics and contextual factors (Meyers, 2004, pp. 269-276). Individual characteristics include Knowledge, Values, Morals, Personal goals and Personality etc. • Knowledge: With adequate knowledge, you could choose what to do in an ethical way. Question: What would you if you have to approve a new building for a new company store? - If you don’t have knowledge that it would endanger some species inhabiting in that place? – Without this knowledge you would have taken the unethical decision! • Values: Values are the individual’s judgement or standard of behavior, for some people acting in