Business Ethics Training

Loss of conscience has made business ethics training a high priority for corporate America. Since ethics is the study of what is right and wrong, sometimes in the moral sense, sometimes in the circumstantial sense, and often in combination of the two aspects, its principles are a highly sought after commodity in the commerce community. Companies have fallen under the loss of conscience and many lives ruined from the failure to recognize a moral dilemma or a conflict of interest. The Judeo-Christian values that underpinned the moral fabric of the United States for two centuries have been replaced by a new acceptance of amorality as the benchmark for decision making. In other words, right and wrong have become subjective, opening up society, and in this discussion, business, to a new world of unprincipled decision making.

Ethical conduct in the commerce sector has its own set of distinctive parameters for discussion. In many employee ethics training seminars, the true story of an early twentieth century auto maker is given as an example. The auto mogul wanted to begin providing a benefit to his workers, a moral decision the owner felt was an obligation. His stockholders felt differently, reminding the manufacturer that ethically the decision could not be made without stockholders' approval, which they did not give. His moral duty was trumped by ethical considerations. Another case in point with a different twist is a company employee who has had his per diem travel expense and mileage reimbursement lowered substantially is now hurting financially. The employee has found a loop hole in the company expense reporting process and has made up the money that was lost through the company edict.

The worker may feel his actions are morally justified because the lowering of expense account allowances has affected the well being of his family. The extra money from the expense account was helping to support the worker's loved ones. But is the action taken ethical? Does morality take first place over ethical behavior? The value of employee ethics training cannot be overvalued. Giving employees tools to make good decisions at work, and perhaps also at home can only strengthen the platform on which commerce is conducted.

It is a truism that says as the head goes, so goes the body. In business ethics training, a strong principle is repeated over and over again. If the top of the food chain, meaning those who occupy the executive suites, are not committed to ethical behavior, the disregard for decency will seep into the minds of hearts of the rest of the company's workforce. Even if unethical behavior is hidden from the general public's eye, the atmosphere that breeds disregard for principled actions will permeate an establishment's aura. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat." (Matthew 7:13)

When developing a way of introducing employees to a system of thinking in the right manner to make decisions, the typical starting point is creating a Code of Ethics. In employee ethics training, this code becomes the benchmark for all other teaching topics. This statement includes not only the company's stand on behavioral issues from the company's point of view, but also what standards have been mandated by federal law. Consultants about these matters suggest that before drawing up a code, the core values of a company be revisited and included in the code of ethics to be created. It makes sense that employees from all levels of responsibility be included in the creation, because in the end, all employees have to personally embrace it as a viable document. It is also helpful if many drafts of the code are written, with input from all employees included along the way towards a polished product completion.

Important tools have to be given employees in this ongoing crusade of awareness. As part of business ethics training, a one page model, such as a flow chart, ought to be given to each worker to assist in making hard decisions at work. Typically, a flowchart begins with the issue needing to be decided, and then through a series of guided questions that are formulated to spark ethically correct responses. A good suggestion would be to have this one page chart laminated so that it will not be destroyed by spilled coffee or a greasy hamburger. Such a tool is not totally without flaw, but can be a good way to engage otherwise careless minds to consider all options before action is taken.

Presenting ways to ethically make decisions is no small cottage industry. Dozens of companies, hundreds of books and video presentations, countless white papers, seminars and conventions have been created and held on the topic of business ethics training. Even the government has a committee to investigate unethical behavior by its members and other entities. Unethical behavior, closely linked to an attitude of amorality, can be traced easily to the rise of wealth, consumerism, media portrayals of heroes displaying decisions without scruples and other contributing factors to the unprecedented needs for employee ethics training. Such amoral behavior is the result of individuals growing up without a strong moral compass being instilled in the mind and heart. The crumbling American society, once united by biblical standards born out in the Old and New Testaments, is trying to be shored up by teachers and consultants in business ethics training courses, who are basically regurgitating the Ten Commandments in a manner that can be accepted by a pluralistic society.

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