Exploring Ethical Behavior

PROFITT Curriculum Soft Skills Module 12

Ethics – An Overview of Core Elements

Ethical Behaviors

• What do the words Ethical Behaviors mean to you?

Ethical Behaviors DefinitionDictionary definition of Ethical

Ethical means behaviors that are…• in accordance with principles of conduct

considered correct, especially those of a given profession or group

• consistent with what is generally considered to be right or moral

Origin of the Word

• Ethos–Meaning Character

Ethical Behaviors Synonyms

• What are some words or phrases that come to mind that mirror or have the same or nearly the same meaning for the phrase Ethical Behaviors?

Ethical Behaviors Synonyms• Right• Moral• Morally Right• Morally Acceptable• Good• Just• Fitting• Fair• Responsible

• Correct• Decent• Proper• Upright• Honorable• Honest• Righteous• Principled• Virtuous

Hum… Words that mean the

same thing

Unethical Behaviors Definition

Define the phrase:• Unethical Behavior

Give some examples of unethical behaviors

Top 15 Unethical Practices1. Being dishonest2. Being purposefully unfair 3. Covering up mistakes or problems4. Blaming others5. Bad customer service6. Discrimination7. Not responding to complaints8. Ignoring deadlines or agreements9. Scheming or manipulating10. Using information in a harmful way11. Disclosing confidential information12. Being disrespectful or improper13. Exhibiting bad manners14. Committing fraudulent acts15. Being underhanded

Build Ethical Behaviors Reduce Risks

• What are the benefits of building a reputation that embodies Ethical Behaviors?

• How do these benefits reduce risk factors for your microenterprise?

Reflection & ThinkingOn your Reflection and Thinking Journal pageswrite about the following:• What do the words Ethical Behaviors mean to me?• Key words or phrases for the phrase Ethical

Behaviors that are important to me?• How I would know my behavior was unethical and

what I would do about it?• What Ethical Behaviors do I want to build and how

do I think they will help reduce business risk factors?