Professional_Values

Professional Values and Ethics Even though unethical people can further his or her career by bending rules and taking shortcuts, ethics need to be part of every person’s professional toolkit to be successful because ethical people create trust and loyalty and ethical people follow laws and regulations, which allow a strong foundation for any business. How often do people turn on the news and hear about another scandal taking place in major corporations. Too often the next thing that happens is that corporation goes under because the public has no reason to trust them. People with ethics and values make a company successful but also keep a company successful. What are values and ethics and why do they benefit people and their professional lives' Define Values and Ethics The authors shall provide an accurate definition to understand what values and ethics are. The Oxford English Dictionary (2010) defines the noun values as The relative status of a thing, or the estimate in which it is held, according to its real or supposed worth, usefulness, or importance. In Philos. and Social Sciences, regarded esp. in relation to an individual or group; gen. in pl., the principles or standards of a person or society, the personal or societal [judgment] of what is valuable and important in life. The definition of values is so broad that the co-authors should provide a narrower definition. The writer Robert B. Perry’s book General Theory of Value, discusses the science behind the philosophy of values or axiology (Encyclopedia Britannica online, 2010). In his book, Perry states that values are divided into eight categories: “morality, religion, art, science, economics, politics, law, and custom” (2010). In the professional arena most would consider basic values to consist of honesty, integrity, loyalty, and hard work, to name a few; of course there are too many to list here. Values are important because each provides a moral compass, especially when hard decisions are being made. The decision to take the hard road versus the easy road when the easy way seems less painful or arduous is an excellent narrative of values in the workplace. The Oxford English Dictionary defines ethics, in the noun form, as “The moral principles by which a person is guided” (2010). This definition of ethics follows the philosophical study of what is good or bad, right or wrong; philosophy students consider this study of ethics as normative ethics. Normative ethics studies “established norms or standards of conduct” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2010). Just as with values, ethics deals with morality and doing what is right. The author raises the question, what is the difference with values and ethics' This author believes that values and ethics are viewed by humanity from a philosophical standpoint and both deal in morality. The difference is, values are what society believes to be good and right. Ethics are the rules, or guidelines, for the application of those values. It would be impossible to have one without the other. Three areas where professionals practice, or at least debate, values and ethics are medical ethics governed by the American Medical Association, business ethics guided by the International Business Ethics Institute, and bioethics with guidance from the Center for Bioethics and Culture Network. Each professional area must balance what each believes to be right and just along with how best to implement those practices; ensuring that each stays right and just. Professional Values and Ethics Equal Success Professionals need to have personal values and ethics to be successful; an individual makes choices between different options for how to live his or her life based on each person’s personal values. This also includes the principal philosophies that every person values in life. This author believes every person is deeply governed by the beliefs that help him or her separate what is right from wrong. These beliefs may come from their family, valued traditions, religion, or by their culture. No one practices a religion that encourages people to do the wrong thing but religion does not govern every individual’s life. Some positive personal values include influencing people positively by leading by example, being appreciative to coworkers, and showing loyalty to one's family, employers, and company. John Brennan, a writer for Executive Excellence Journal states “Professional development is all about expanding your knowledge while also developing the wisdom and skill to apply that knowledge appropriately” (2000, p. 1). By applying good values and ethics, an individual can distinguish what is right or wrong in his or her decision-making paradigms. Practicing good values and ethics in the professional arena greatly enhance the individual’s greatest attributes, along with the company’s. Good values and ethics go hand-in-hand with companies’ superior success! Conclusion As stated previously unethical people can further his or her career by bending rules and taking shortcuts, but ethics need to be part of every person’s professional toolkit to be successful throughout his or her career. Whenever a person compromises his or her professional or personal values he or she is taking the risk of becoming a failure. People’s values are forever-changing so it is important to practice using his or her values and ethical standards as often as possible to keep them strong and make them stronger. Success will be sure to follow those who do follow those values learned throughout life and the ethics put in place because of those values. Reference values. (2010). In Oxford English Dictionary. Retrieved October 5, 2010, from http://dictionary.oed.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/cgi/entry/50274674'query_type=word&queryword=value&first=1&max_to_show=10&sort_type=alpha&result_place=4&search_id=IysM-0TcHky-16414&hilite=50274674 ethics. (2010). In Oxford English Dictionary. Retrieved October 5, 2010, from http://dictionary.oed.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/cgi/entry/50078466/50078466se2'single=1&query_type=word&queryword=ethics&first=1&max_to_show=10&hilite=50078466se2 axiology. (2010). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 06, 2010, from Encyclopedia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/46184/axiology normative ethics. (2010). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 06, 2010, from Encyclopedia Britannica Online: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/194023/ethics Brennan, J.J. (2000, September). Reputation assets. Executive Excellence, 17(9), 5. Retrieved October 8, 2010, from http://proquest.umi.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/pqdweb'did=62066696&sid=4&Fmt=3&clientId=13118&RQT=309&VName=PQD