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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...