While personal ethics are important, they are not enough to define acceptable behavior when one is part of an organization. An organization's code of ethics, collective standards, and formal policies provide consistency by establishing agreed-upon rules and principles to govern group behavior. Evaluating decisions based on their consequences, legal issues, impact on image and culture, and alignment with core values can help ensure actions are ethical from both an individual and organizational perspective. Walking the talk of an organization's ethics over time requires competence, confidence, and tough-mindedness in decision-making.

1. ARE PERSONAL ETHICS ENOUGH? Where is the distinction between individual ethics and the ethics, standards and policies of an organization or profession?

2. Definitions VALUES: Core beliefs that guide action. FIVE CORE VALUES: > Trustworthiness (truthfulness, sincerity, candor, loyalty, promise keeping, honesty). Respect (autonomy, courtesy). Responsibility (diligence, continuous improvement, self-restraint). Justice (fairness, impartiality, equity). Caring (kindness, compassion)

3. ETHICS: A particular code of values. Collective Standards: Particular methods of practice. Code of Ethics: Formal rules which govern behaviour of a group. Policies: Guidelines for behaviour in particular situations.

4. Meaning of Ethics. Most of us think of ethics in very personal terms, the word actually assumes a much greater meaning the minute we become part of an organization or established group of people. At that point, individual values are not enough to define what behaviour will or will not be acceptable or tolerated. Definitions of right and wrong may vary, even if the group is composed of individuals who all consider themselves to be “ethical”.

5. “ If we conclude that ethics is purely a personal matter, and that each person’s private code of values is entitled to equal respect regardless of the content of their beliefs, there is no legitimate basis for distinguishing between Saddam Hussein and Mother Teresa – both live up to their standards.” Michael Josephson. Founder of Josephson Insitute of Ethics.

6. ETHICS GAINS IMPORTANCE Companies, Government Agencies and Nonprofits are now including ethics as a critical part of their employee training and management. Within the organizational context, ethics is a system of rules or principles of behaviour within a group against which actions can be judged. It must be agreed upon by all members of the group to ensure consistency of action.

7. EVALUATING YOUR DECISIONS ‘ CLICK’ MODEL C onsequence – What are the consequences if I do this? Who will benefit? Who will suffer? L egal - Is it legal? Are there considerations based on law? I mage - Would I like to see this on the front page of the newspaper? Will this decision affect our public image? C ulture - Does this decision support or damage our organization’s culture and values? K not - Does it cause a knot in my stomach? Would my mentor or hero approve? Developed by Florida Power Corporation by Lee Garden Swartz Anita Rowe and Patricia Digh.

8. “ Ethics must guide not only what we do but how we do it” Lynn

9. WALK THE TALK Walking the talk consistently over time demands that our decision-making skills include 1.Competence: the ability to recognize an ethical issue when it appears. 2.Confidence: the assurance and self-esteem to seek out different points of view rather than making the decision alone. 3.Tough-mindedness: the strength to ultimately to make a decision and act even though there is no guarantee that it is the absolute “right” decision.

10. “ Moral courage is the quality of mind and spirit that enables one to face up to ethical dilemmas and moral wrongdoings firmly and confidently, without flinching or retreating.” Rushworth Kidder.