Personal Ethics Development and Workplace Culture

Personal Ethical Formation

Everyone possesses a unique ethical system, set of morals, and values. Our ethical systems are not products of a single source but are shaped by many influences as we grow up and throughout our lives. From our earliest years, we are heavily influenced by our parents, teachers, counselors, and environments. All these sources and interactions have largely shaped who we are today—either ethical or unethical in our conduct.

My upbringing taught me a great deal about the kind of person I wanted to become. My parents served as a cautionary example: I witnessed their unethical behavior and decided firmly that I did not want to end up like them. My parents were separated, both unreliable, dishonest, and untrustworthy. My counselors and teachers, however, taught me that I could choose to act one way or another regardless of my home environment. They showed me that agency and choice exist even when surrounded by negativity.

As children, we felt worthless watching those around us doing unethical things for their own personal gain, regardless of who was hurt. My father was deeply prejudiced, which crystallized in me a strong belief that all people deserve equal treatment. I wanted to treat everyone as I would want to be treated. This conviction cost me: my father's side of the family disowned me at an early age. Rather than break me, this rejection reinforced my resolve. I learned that integrity sometimes requires standing alone.

The negativity surrounding my childhood taught me to become a person of worth, trust, fairness, and justice in all my interactions. I found myself naturally drawn to helping others in school and in my community. I joined fundraisers for those with disabilities and worked to be a genuine, caring person. I learned right from wrong by observing those around me, understanding that knowing the difference between right and wrong can determine whether we are rewarded for good deeds or face consequences for unethical decisions.

As I grew older and experienced more, I learned to value all that surrounded me. Some argue that ethics are instilled and cannot be taught, but I believe this is incorrect. A person's ethics change as their beliefs change through life experiences and through the people they meet in personal and professional contexts. Morals and values play a large part in ethical makeup, and both can evolve.

Values Shaped by Adversity

I suffer from four different mental health conditions and serious medical issues, including cancer in remission, PTSD, severe clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. Despite all of this, I have not given up and continue to find the strength to pursue my dreams. I help others as much as possible—whether homeless individuals, family members, coworkers, or friends. I try to make a positive difference in everyone I encounter.

When faced with the option to receive government assistance such as welfare or food stamps, I chose instead to work and pursue education. I refuse to let my disabilities prevent me from achieving my goals. I recognize that others need assistance more than I do, and I believe it is unethical for people to abuse taxpayer money—an act that, in my view, warrants serious consequences.

In my professional life, I encounter people who act unethically, which makes it challenging to maintain respect for them. Yet I often find myself trying to be a positive influence. Managers who make unethical decisions for personal gain or nepotism have tested my ability to remain kind. I have been asked to overlook violations of company policy and federal regulations, but my ethical and moral code does not permit this. I have lost a job for refusing to compromise my principles, and I stand by that decision. I would rather stand alone for what I believe in than compromise my integrity.

I surround myself with positive people because they sustain me through difficult times. I am hard on myself and my character. When people who know me describe the kind of person I am, they say I am "a girl that wears her heart on her sleeve for all, one that would do anything for anyone, and would give you the shirt off her back or last dollar if you needed it." When they shared this with me, I cried, because it meant I had become the person I always hoped to be.

Ethical Standards in Organizations

Some view me as weak, suggesting my compassion is easily taken advantage of or exploited. But I cannot change my beliefs or how I feel based on those who judge me. I love being the person that I am. When managing others, I am firm in driving them to do what is right, and most respond positively. However, I also work with individuals who show little concern for ethics, and this behavior has negatively affected others. These individuals have been terminated. I do not agree with unethical practices and will not tolerate them. I feel sad about having to make such decisions, but I know I must stand for what is right or no one else will.

A corporation without ethics is a corporation that will fail. An organization's culture is largely defined by its code of ethics and values. Today, most organizations maintain a value statement to demonstrate trustworthiness and communicate the principles they stand for. For a company to succeed, it must adhere to its values, follow its policies, and maintain a strong ethical foundation. Clients, customers, and partners do not want to work with or purchase from dishonest companies.

The Enron case provides a stark example of this principle. While Enron's values statement promised integrity and accountability, the company's unethical decisions led to catastrophic failure. The consequences were borne not only by the company but also by the general public and employees who lost their savings and livelihoods. With ethics genuinely incorporated into operations, a company can run effectively, achieve profitability, and reach its intended goals.