November 20, 2015: Ethics & Ethical Behavior: Ethics can be defined in many ways, but essentially they are the choices we make that reflect our values. As a value driven firm, ethical behavior is critically important to me. Integrity is the core value for our firm and ethical behavior is the key to all of our firm's values. How do we ensure that the choices we make are fair, honest, morally correct and legal?
Our firm uses several resources to ensure our choices are consistent with the firm's values. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants has an ethics resource center which is helpful in that regard. The CIMA site has an accounting specific ethics checklist, but we also have a culture of values driven behavior.
Our firm uses several resources to ensure our choices are consistent with the firm's values. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants has an ethics resource center which is helpful in that regard. The CIMA site has an accounting specific ethics checklist, but we also have a culture of values driven behavior.
Charles Kerns, PhD, MBA describes values driven behavior in his peer reviewed journal article "Creating and Sustaining an Ethical Workplace Culture." Key ethical behaviors in a value driven culture include: (1) Using knowledge to solve problems ethically and to do what is right, (2) Putting personal motivations aside and acting with objectivity by doing what is right, (3) Establishing just and mutually agreed upon criteria and administering them fairly to all people, (4) Putting institutional and/or stakeholder interests above self interests while identifying a personal purpose that is aligned with the organizational mission, (5) Recognizing and encouraging others for their contributions, and (6) Making unpopular decisions based on fair consideration of the facts.
It is my sincere hope that these resources are helpful to you and your business.
- Gene Whitacre
It is my sincere hope that these resources are helpful to you and your business.
- Gene Whitacre
