Creating, implementing and sustaining quantifiable workplace ethics is a moral responsibility of leaders and provides a backdrop for societal morays common to the majority of successful businesses throughout America.

In one’s personal life, if the chosen path is that of being unethical, it could cost an individual relationships. In one’s professional life, it could cost an individual their livelihood. There are those that would argue that formal ethics procedures hinder their business progression. In the wake of numerous corporate downfalls in the last several years due to unethical business practices, there is indeed a significant amount of scrutiny surrounding how business is conducted. Unfortunately, those that see such formal ethics policies as nothing but red tape are those that are most likely to violate them.Although many managers and executives may behave unethically, justifying and rationalizing their behavior, they must take into consideration that their behavior is being closely observed by those that they employ. If an employee sees that this is acceptable behavior from the top leadership in a company, then what is to stop them from behaving in the same manner?

If a company has good leadership at the top that practices good ethics, and who embraces educating all employees on what the company expects, then most likely employees will follow.

If employees are not familiar with the standards, education is the key. Most companies today have ethics policies in place. In doing so, they should be obligated to communicate those policies to their employees. Once it is made clear of how employees are expected to conduct themselves, there should be no question of what the company’s standard of conduct are. What the employee chooses to do with that education is up to him or her.

In light of the downfalls of several top executives due to unethical business practices, you will find that most companies are making a move towards putting policies in place. Those that fail to comply with this movement will not have a sustainable future as their competitors pass them by.

Once a company has established formal policies and procedures relating to ethical business practices, it is the job of Human Resources to educate all employees. This can be accomplished one of two ways, by formal memo or scheduling formal training sessions. Once education has taken place, maintaining the standard is essential, which should include discipline for those that violate the policies and procedures.

Ethics also plays a role in the culture of your work environment. Do you really want to work for someone who promotes dishonest business practices just to make a sale or become more profitable? It may seem like you have a straightforward answer and that may well be. However, we can find ourselves in situations where the line is not always clearly drawn and decisions are not blak and white but instead, shades of grey. How do you make a decision then? SilkWeb offers ethics and compliance training that is right for your business. We are confident because we tailor the content to your specific organization and industry using situations specific to your field. Contact us for more information and to view a demo of our online courses.