What It Means To Be Ethical: An Explanation

Natashaexplain What It Means To Be Ethical As It Relates To Personal

Explain what it means to be ethical as it relates to personal, academic, and professional growth. To be ethical, to me, is to do no harm to others. Harm can be created in a multitude of ways. In a blog by jwood (2017), they note the scientist Richard Feynman, who created the atom bomb, had deep regret after the creation of the atom bomb. Initially, he thought it would be used for helpful purposes, but after witnessing its destruction and effects, he changed his mind. Intentionally or unintentionally creating harm to others has effects that impact others on a larger scale.

As we grow in education and society, it is important to uphold this moral code. We may know more than others or believe we know more, but we should never use that knowledge to take advantage of others, especially those in less advantageous positions. An ethical dilemma I encountered involved unethical activity at my workplace. A colleague was using a broken process within one of our systems to benefit financially. When I discovered this, I spoke to my colleague and explained the potential implications and harm to the company. They ignored my warning, but soon, complaints from customers arose due to the system no longer functioning correctly. The system eventually rectified itself, and the unethical activity ceased. I reported the issue to management, and while I am unclear about what happened to my colleague, no further unethical actions were observed. We addressed customer issues, but at a cost to the organization.

My general education courses have influenced my understanding of ethical values by enabling me to explore what it truly means to be ethical and the business impacts arising from unethical behavior. These courses have reinforced my existing values and helped me find evidence to support them. According to jwood (2017), the responsibilities of an educated person include understanding the importance of ethics and applying them in real-world contexts.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding what it means to be ethical encompasses personal integrity, academic honesty, and professional responsibility. Ethics serve as guiding principles that inform our behavior and decisions at every stage of growth. In personal life, ethics manifest as respect for others and a commitment to doing no harm. For instance, treating others with kindness and fairness reflects an internal moral compass built on empathy and respect. These values foster trust and harmony within communities and families, forming the foundation of a morally upright character.

In an academic context, ethics revolve around honesty, integrity, and respect for intellectual property. Academic integrity involves producing original work, citing sources appropriately, and acknowledging the contributions of others. Upholding academic ethics is crucial because it maintains the credibility of scholarly work and fosters an environment of trust and fairness. Violations, such as plagiarism or cheating, undermine the educational process and diminish trust among peers and educators. Ethical challenges in academia often involve balancing personal ambition and honesty. For example, a student might be tempted to copy material to meet deadlines, but resisting this urge and citing sources correctly demonstrates academic integrity and respect for the scholarly community.

Professionally, ethics are fundamental to maintaining credibility, trust, and accountability. In the workplace, ethical behavior includes honesty, transparency, and adherence to organizational policies. Professionals are expected to act in the best interests of their organization and clients, avoiding conflicts of interest and dishonesty. An ethical dilemma might arise when a colleague engages in financial misconduct, such as manipulating data for personal gain. Handling such situations requires courage and adherence to ethical standards, often involving reporting the misconduct to management. The consequences of unethical behavior can be severe, including loss of trust, reputational damage, and legal repercussions. Thus, fostering an ethical workplace not only ensures compliance but also promotes a culture of integrity and respect.

An illustrative ethical dilemma I encountered at work involved a colleague using a flawed process to personally benefit financially. Upon realizing this, I addressed the issue directly, warning the colleague of potential harm and repercussions. When ignored, I escalated the matter to management. The unethical activity was halted, and the organization addressed customer complaints caused by the misconduct. This incident underscored the importance of integrity and proactive ethics in maintaining organizational health. Although the outcome was positive, the experience reinforced my belief that ethical behavior is vital in safeguarding not just individual reputations but also the well-being of the entire organization.

My general education courses have significantly shaped my ethical outlook by broadening my understanding of ethical principles and their application in various contexts. These courses provided insights into the consequences of unethical behavior, emphasizing the importance of honesty, fairness, and responsibility. They also reinforced the idea that ethics are not merely abstract concepts but practical guidelines for decision-making in everyday life. For example, coursework on business ethics demonstrated how unethical practices like corruption and fraud can devastate organizations and communities. Conversely, ethical leadership and corporate responsibility foster sustainable growth and trust. These lessons have strengthened my conviction to uphold ethical standards and advocate for integrity in all areas of life.

In conclusion, being ethical entails acting with integrity, respect, and responsibility across personal, academic, and professional spheres. It involves making decisions that do not harm others and uphold fairness and honesty. Throughout my experiences and education, I have come to appreciate that ethics are the backbone of trust and credibility in society. Upholding these values is essential for personal growth, academic success, and professional reputation, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable world.

References

• JWood. (2017). Responsibilities of an Educated Person. Retrieved from [URL if available]
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Gert, B. (2013). Morality: Its Nature and Justification. Oxford University Press.
• Kidder, R. M. (2005). How Good People Make Bad Choices: Resolving the Dilemmas of Ethical Living. HarperOne.
• Kidder, R. M. (2009). Moral Courage: Developing the Habits of Ethical Leadership. Jossey-Bass.
• Johnson, C. (2014). Organizational Ethics: A Practical Approach. SAGE Publications.
• Vogel, D. (2012). The Encyclical and Corporate Social Responsibility: Changing Norms and the Role of Business. Business and Society, 51(4), 487–511.
• Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2017). Managing Business Ethics: Straight Talk About How to Do It Right. Wiley.
• Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage Learning.
• Schwartz, M. S. (2017). Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Business Practices. Routledge.