Ethics in Business Decision Making

While doing research for this article I found lots of information describing corporate evildoers, a list of 100 top corporate citizens and volumes of university produced case studies. Everything I found described the actions, the good and the bad, and speculated on the question “What motivates unethical choices?”

The writing contained very little that inspired self-reflection or discussion on the subject of motivating ethical decision-making.

So what does motivate individuals to make choices one would label ethical? How do we each discriminate right from wrong? What are the accepted rules of right conduct?

I believe the answer is rooted in one simple statement “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Though simple it challenges us to be forward thinking and considerate of the consequences of our choices. Good intentions are irresponsible intentions if projects are initiated without exploring all the possible outcomes. Will we get it right 100% of the time? Even if a decision is made based on the best information available and sound assumptions, the answer is no.

It is critical to understand that while one choice puts a project into motion, continuously assessing progress, checking assumptions, and making mid course corrections sustains the integration of ethics in decision-making.

What can you do? Find a compass that will support your ethical decision-making – maybe it is the simple statement that I’ve shared. Ask questions. Evaluate your current work environment.

Does your organization’s top leadership role model ethical decision-making?

What does your organization reward? Doing what is best for all the stakeholders or pure revenue and sales generation?

When evaluating project costs and benefits are only financial factors taken into consideration? How about the implications for all stakeholders?

Regardless of the answers you do have the power to make a difference. I encourge you to foster open dialogue with your team. Start talking about ethical decision-making, and start with the small issues so when the big ones come along no one is intimidated to ask the tough questions.