ETHICS ARTICLES

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Guidelines For EthicalBusiness OperationsKnowing what's ethical helps you and your employees make appropriate decisions. Too many ethics discussions are theoretical. Here are six very practical steps for ethical decision making.
Business Ethics TakesOn More ImportanceIt is becoming a regular occurrence – too regular – the name of a well-known business is in the headlines because of some action an executive or other employee took or allowed to happen. Business scandal. Fraudulent actions. Ethics violations.
Respect, Responsibility, ResultsWho's responsible for acting ethically? You are! It isn't the "company." It isn't just the business owner. It isn't only your manager. It is every person. Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own actions, including being ethical. Considering the "3R's" will point you and your employees in the right ethical direction.
'Little Things' Mean A LotBusiness ethics involves a lot more than compliance with company policies, laws and financial regulations. These are major concerns with high visibility. It makes headlines when these are not obeyed. For those reasons, most organizations do not have problems with these issues. Instead, it's the “little things” that cause problems.
Know What Cannot Be CompromisedEvery business owner knows that there are some aspects of work that are discretionary and other aspects with procedures that must be followed exactly. Do your people know what these discretionary and non-discretionary areas are?
How To Say 'NO' With TactYou may be faced with a situation in which a partner or co-owner proposes an action that you believe is not ethical or outright wrong. Perhaps an employee comes to you with this situation. What do you do? What do you tell your employee?
Business Scandals Make HeadlinesIt seems every day there are new stories about businesses and organizations being accused or investigated for ethical violations. These events around the world have heightened everyone's awareness of ethical business practices.
Doing What's RightAs a businessperson, you have the ultimate responsibility for your actions. You are the person who decides if you should act ethically. If you are a supervisor or manager, you need provide the means that allow your people to act ethically. This is how an organization supports the ethical actions of its employees.
When In Doubt About Ethics Questions - ASK!There's a common phrase in business that encourages people to display initiative. It suggests that they determine ways to overcome the obstacles of bureaucracy, of "red tape," and to move a project ahead. This phrase is: It is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.
Check Yourself OutSelf-evaluation is a critical component of business ethics. People should spend as much time looking in the mirror as they do watching and judging the behavior of others. Periodically examine and reflect on your own behaviors to ensure you are staying on the ethical track.
Everything CountsThink about it. When is it okay to be unethical? The answer is NEVER! What are the parts of your job - and your human interactions - to which fairness, honesty, respect, and "doing right" don't apply? THERE ARE NONE! Ethics is not a sometimes thing. It's an all the time thing - and it's reflected in everything you do.
Make Ethics Part of Everyday LifeKnowing how to approach situations helps make ethics part of everyday life.
5 Ways To Ethically Consider SituationsHere are five ways to ethically consider situations in your everyday life.
More Guides To Acting EthicallyBeing ethical – at work and away from the job – should not mean acting differently. Attention to ethics is not something you turn on and off. For it to be meaningful, practicing ethics must be part of your everyday life.
This information is compiled and provided by George S. May International Company.Visit the George S. May International Company Web site to learn more about our services.