We often hear and read items that refer to either ethics or
ethical behavior. In fact, many professions and indeed, many state
licenses require mandatory courses in ethics as part of the licensing
requirement. While there is certainly a need for ethics and ethical
behavior, what does it say about our society that courses are deemed
necessary? Does it mean that we believe that there is indeed very little
ethical behavior in our society? Shouldn't ethical behavior
automatically be a basic tenet of human nature? While most people would agree about the need for ethical behavior, and perhaps even insist that they exhibited the best behavior and commitment to ethics, an objective evaluation often indicates that one's stated intents often conflict with their actual behavior, often inadvertently. Two of the principle reasons for this are: 1) wanting to fit in; and 2) competitive forces such as seeking sales, commissions, etc.
1. In real estate, there is a required ethics course as well as a code of ethics. However, as a Licensed Salesperson in New York State who truly believes ethics should be automatic, I have often observed many licensed individuals whose behavior certainly does not always appear ethical. Attorneys have a code of ethics, yet we have all seen lawyers who don't always act with the utmost ethics. Ethics should be more than a word or a code, and it should not have to apply to behavior in specific circumstances or professions. Ethics must mean people should always act with the utmost integrity, and should basically observe and follow the Golden Rule. Our ethics should be guided by what is the right thing to do, and not by some artificially contrived set of codes.
2. Many individuals exhibit an almost contradictory behavior when it comes to religion and religious observances. Have you ever observed someone who is a regular attendee at religious services and claims to be devout in his observance, yet often seems less than ethically pure in his business and personal behavior? How many mobsters were active in their church, or how many of these devout people cheated on their spouse, or in some business activity. Shouldn't the meaning of being religious be judged by an individual's behavior, and not by mere adherence to traditional observance? While one who wishes to be observant may often be of great moral and ethical fiber, the two often do nor go hand in hand. Ethics and morality must not be like a faucet that gets turned on and off. Like true integrity, either one is ethical all the time, or he is not truly ethical.
3. Beware of anyone in leadership who uses his ethics as an explanation for not taking timely action. One of the most overused expressions is, "I could not in all good conscience," which generally means that the speaker was afraid, unwilling or unable to look at alternatives, etc. Ethics must never be confused with merely following traditions, but rather should be a measure of proper behavior, which provides value and serves the need of others, with respect and understanding.
Like many other things today, I feel that in far too many cases ethics has just become another casualty to our over- reliance on rhetoric and jargon, which often makes it just another set of empty words. The only question that should come to mind when there might be some sort of ethical dilemma is, "Is it the right and moral thing to do, and are my motives pure?"
1. In real estate, there is a required ethics course as well as a code of ethics. However, as a Licensed Salesperson in New York State who truly believes ethics should be automatic, I have often observed many licensed individuals whose behavior certainly does not always appear ethical. Attorneys have a code of ethics, yet we have all seen lawyers who don't always act with the utmost ethics. Ethics should be more than a word or a code, and it should not have to apply to behavior in specific circumstances or professions. Ethics must mean people should always act with the utmost integrity, and should basically observe and follow the Golden Rule. Our ethics should be guided by what is the right thing to do, and not by some artificially contrived set of codes.
2. Many individuals exhibit an almost contradictory behavior when it comes to religion and religious observances. Have you ever observed someone who is a regular attendee at religious services and claims to be devout in his observance, yet often seems less than ethically pure in his business and personal behavior? How many mobsters were active in their church, or how many of these devout people cheated on their spouse, or in some business activity. Shouldn't the meaning of being religious be judged by an individual's behavior, and not by mere adherence to traditional observance? While one who wishes to be observant may often be of great moral and ethical fiber, the two often do nor go hand in hand. Ethics and morality must not be like a faucet that gets turned on and off. Like true integrity, either one is ethical all the time, or he is not truly ethical.
3. Beware of anyone in leadership who uses his ethics as an explanation for not taking timely action. One of the most overused expressions is, "I could not in all good conscience," which generally means that the speaker was afraid, unwilling or unable to look at alternatives, etc. Ethics must never be confused with merely following traditions, but rather should be a measure of proper behavior, which provides value and serves the need of others, with respect and understanding.
Like many other things today, I feel that in far too many cases ethics has just become another casualty to our over- reliance on rhetoric and jargon, which often makes it just another set of empty words. The only question that should come to mind when there might be some sort of ethical dilemma is, "Is it the right and moral thing to do, and are my motives pure?"
Nice Read! The meaning of the word ethics is debatable today. Many people like to use this word to make themselves believe that they are doing the right thing - surely they must feel what is truly right or wrong?
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