Ethics

Values and Ethics 1

An Individual Perspective on Values and Ethics

Managerial Communication and Ethics

October 25, 2004

Values and Ethics 2

An Individual Perspective on Values and Ethics

Personal, cultural, and professional values and ethics make up a large part of decision making in my life today. The values realized from childhood carry over into adulthood and into my professional career. Values and ethics are taught by simple means and play an important role in how I live everyday of my life. The values practiced are a culmination from several sources from all walks of life. Those values are thought of before any action is taken, from putting on clothes in the morning to discussing an issue with a coworker. Ethics have been put in place to ensure that right from wrong is acknowledged and followed to avoid negative consequences.

Peters (2003, p. 30) defines personal ethics "as principles of good behavior, a moral code of conduct, or a system to decide between competing options". Children are taught at an early age to be polite, honest, and kind. This behavior is acceptable and received well in schools, churches, and on playgrounds. The Catholic school I attended as a child helped put values and ethics into perspective and ultimately instilled the fear of God if these ethics were not followed. When making decisions, I refer back to what was introduced to me as a child and young adult: values were based on what was acceptable behavior, not necessarily what was right or wrong. Wearing skirts above the knee was not acceptable behavior, but it was not wrong. Peters (2003, p. 30) states that "the most dominant motivator to act ethically is habit. We act the way we do because we were brought up that way". These "old-school" values are still in place today, and are the foundation on which I have developed my own revised values. Values for today's generation are based on whether the action is legal or illegal, so doing the right thing is

Values and Ethics 3

imperative to living a happy, free life. Introducing these new and improved values to my own children has been easier than when my parents taught them to me.

Based on the actions of individuals today, values play a huge role in determining what is right or wrong and legal or illegal. "Values are certainly the foundation of ethical behavior" (Copeland, 2004). Since personal values vary depending on the circumstances, I teach personal ethical beliefs to my children in ways that will help them adapt to and accept cultural values. My children are forced to think about their actions and form educated decisions before acting.

Cultural values are anything from family, peace, age, or religion. I strive to make all of the previously described values a part of my daily life. Family values are created and followed within the individual family component. This includes eating breakfast lunch, and dinner; taking trips; watching television as a family. Communities have set the tone for peace by designating certain times of the day as "quiet hours" or even creating no-play zones. Cultures have also designated a specific age that is considered elderly, which entitles one to certain benefits such as Medicare and social-security payments. While religion continues to be a subject of much controversy, it has remained an integral part of my cultural values. Cultural values are even viewed as a predictor of the 2004 Presidential election. "The religious-vs.-secular dimension explains many differences on other cultural attitudes" (Ayres & Mc Henry, 2004).

Cultural values have guided me throughout my entire life. Being together as a family is important, and keeps the household peaceful and content. As a family, we have created values that we strictly follow, such as only certain music is played in the house,

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restricted channels are strictly forbidden, and curfews are enforced. These values are the building blocks to a strong family set.

Organizations create statements or values that suit the goal of the business. These statements can be classified as mission statements, organizational visions or values, or a catchy phrase that conveys the direction the company is moving. Patten (2004) explains that "shared, visible values that are talked about affect performance and impact business. They provide a stable base for guiding employee decisions and actions in an otherwise rapidly changing workplace". Unfortunately, these statements are simply words unless practiced. Organizations that do not post their values cause employees to speculate about what is expected.