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Posted: 15 Mar 2011 10:20 PM PDT

Overview

Ethics refers to well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues. It comes into play when we work, when we play, and at any time that we are interacting with others. Ethics is a set of rules that we each live by, essentially, although they are generally unwritten rules.

Definition

Ethical behavior is acting in ways that are consistent with one's personal values and the commonly held values of the organization and society. It is the continuous effort of studying ones own moral beliefs and moral conduct, and striving to ensure that he or she lives up to standards that are reasonable and solidly-based.

Development of an Individual's Ethical Behavior

Each individual has his or her own set of moral code. The sense of right and wrong for each person is based on what the individual sees around him or her. Often, despite what you were raised with, you can redevelop your moral code and practice ethical behavior as a grown up. This is first done by establishing what ethical behavior or unethical behavior is exactly in the world that you live or work in.

Ethical Behaviors

Ethics are basic to the establishment of a moral obligation. The following are few principles and conduct that defines an ethical behavior.

Taking responsibilities sincerely for which an individual is morally and legally accountable for.
Identifying and knowing the importance of decisions. The individual then, considers the effect of his or her decision on others and on him or herself.
Stating the fact.
Being true to oneself.
Respecting the rights of others.
Stating honest statements when another individual wants and needs to know the truth as the basis for self-determination or participation in decision making.
Communicating feelings openly.
Promoting honest relations to other individuals to foster effective communication and establish trust and confidence.
Abiding not only to personal values but also to professional standards, codes, institutional policies and procedures and societal and legal responsibilities.
Assessing interventions done and what will be the benefits of those actions and the possible harm it can cause.
Evaluating the alternatives in choosing decisions and choosing an intervention.
Differentiating right from wrong and acting accordingly.
Showing genuine concern and interest in the welfare of others and in oneself.