Doing the Ethical Thing May Still Get You Into Trouble

Article By Terry Clancy – www.GotEthics.Biz

But how can this be true, you ask?  If you do the ethical thing, which a hot topic, you should be clear of any trouble, right?  Not necessarily. 

First of all, we have to look at what is meant by “ethics”.  This is a word we all use and believe we understand.  But, are we all on the same page?  Not having a clear concept may get you into trouble.  Take just a few moments to think of your definition of “ethics”.  Some of you are thinking that it’s doing the right thing; others are saying that it’s doing the moral thing, treating others as you would like to be treated.  Still other are thinking about staying within the boundaries set up under the law.  Who’s right?  Actually, with these few definitions, no one is.

Morals, ethics and the law are three separate concepts that occasionally overlap.  Sometimes the moral thing to do is also ethical and legal.  Sometimes we find what is legal not to be moral or ethical.  You may also feel what is considered ethical to be immoral.   In order to wade through these concepts, let’s take a look at them individually. 

The law states the minimum society demands from its citizens.  What is legal may be considered to be unethical or immoral by some.  And laws can change based on public pressure.

Morals are a system of principles upon which decisions can be based.  There are two sides of a moral issue, Right and Wrong.  These values are instilled in us starting from childhood and are based on feelings.  This explains why personal moral codes vary from person to person.  When it comes to moral issues, many of us have a difficult time explaining why we feel a certain way about a topic.  Unless we write in a journal on a regular basis or go to a therapist once a week, most people find it almost impossible to explain what they are feeling. 

Ethics is based on morals but follow written standards.  When it comes to making an ethical decision, some are Right vs. Wrong and that’s where they will oftentimes overlap with moral decisions.  The other type of ethical decision is Right vs. Right (As developed by Dr. Rushworth Kidder.)  This is when you employ an intellectual process to decide the best outcome to a situation.  Often times, there will be multiple outcomes from which to choose, none of which are wrong.  This process is not based on feelings, but based on weighing the options and coming up with a defendable reason why you chose path A over paths B and C. 

Employees each have their own personal moral codes, but are required to follow the same set of ethical standards as outlined in the company’s Code of Ethics.  For this reason, it is important to read and understand your company’s code of ethics.  When, not if, you are faced with making an ethical decision with multiple right outcomes, how do you know which path to choose?  You need to know what your company expects of you.  You may make a right decision, but not have followed the path your company wants you to.  This may be cause for your termination.  Again, read your company’s code of ethics. 

For more information on ethics training for your employees please visit; www.GotEthics.Biz  

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