Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 7

Ethics - Essay Example Most would not think cheating Uncle Sam out of such a small amount as ‘unethical.’ These types of behavior illustrate both how conditioning and association function to determine our course in life. While we are influenced by how we were taught regarding what is right and wrong within a given situation and we make decisions based upon our association with these rules, ethics can ultimately only be quantified on a personal level. Slavery was just as wrong then as now and cheating is always wrong even if it’s the government that is the victim. During the days of slavery, many knew it to be wrong and it bothers some to exceed the speed limit or dodge taxes even to the smallest extent but why the disparity? The discrepancy lies within the experiences of the individual, what they witnessed as acceptable behavior and were taught as children. Whether or not a society progresses in a positive, productive manner ultimately depends upon how ethical it collectively decides to be, a reflection of the importance it gives to educating its citizens on understanding their own personal ethical conduct. Because society is, at its most basic level, a collection of individuals, it is necessary to define one’s own philosophy of proper business ethics before moving out into the field. For me, proper business ethics should include an individual’s constant attention to the common good and justice, which includes issues of sustainability and eco-efficiency as well as leading by example at the individual and organizational level. Ethical business practices give customers, employees, partners and shareholders reassurance that they will not be cheated. The ethical approach that favors the common good suggests that a corporation’s actions should benefit, ultimately, all of a community or society. According to Socrates, knowledge of oneself