Business Ethics, Part 1 of 5

Business Ethics is such an important topic that I plan to dedicate the October “Coaching Tips for the Top” to the subject. Events of the last few years have inspired a lot of discussion about the absence of ethics in business. I was recently introduced to a powerful book by William J. Byron, S.J. on this subject and am so inspired by the content that I want to share Mr. Byron’s words. He discusses “ten classic ethical principles” which are pretty weighty so I’ll include a few each week. As you read each week’s segment please consider a few questions:

Are these principles part of what I consider important?
Do they currently influence my actions and choices?
How might they in the future?


Excerpt from The Power of Principles

“I’ve identified ten classic ethical principles and invite the reader to come up with his or her own understanding of each one. You are the world’s leading expert on your own opinion. It is important that you articulate your own opinion on these matters so that you can assess how widely shared, in your present or future workplace, are your values and the understandings you have of these classic principles. Remember, a culture is a set of shared meanings and values. How widely shared are your meanings and values relative to these ten points?

First, the Principle of Integrity. I think of integrity in terms of wholeness, solidity of character, honesty, trustworthiness, and responsibility. What would you add or subtract from that list?

Second, the Principle of Veracity. This, to me, involves tell­ing the truth in all circumstances; it also includes account­ability and transparency.

Third, the Principle of Fairness. By this, of course, I mean justice, treating equals equally, giving to everyone his or her due.”


Byron, S.J., William J., The Power of Principles: Ethics for the New Corporate Culture, Orbis Books, 2006. Chapter One, Old Ethical Principles, p 5.