Professional Ethics and Values
Values and ethics are very similar in the aspect of where they are learned. The definition of values is “things that are important to or valued by someone” (Dictionary.com, 2011). Whereas the definition for ethics is “moral principles, as of an individual” (Dictionary.com, 2011). Each term brings different beliefs and values to every situation. Values and Ethics change when it concerning professional terms, and he or she can have a major influence on career success. Depending, on how each person reflects what they believes.
Ethics is a requirement for human life. It is our means of deciding a course of action. Without it, our actions would be random and aimless. There would be no way to work toward a goal because there would be no way to pick between a limitless numbers of goals. Any flaw in our ethics will reduce our ability to be successful in our endeavors.
Ethics requires a standard of value to which goals and actions can be compared. The standard is our own lives, and the happiness that makes them livable. A system of ethics must consist of not only emergency situations but also the day to day choices that we make. It also must include relationships to others, and recognize their importance not only to our physical survival, but also our well- being and happiness.
Being ethical is not the same as doing whatever society accepts. Society can become ethically corrupt. Standards of behavior in society can deviate from what is ethical. Nazi Germany is a good example of a morally corrupt society.
Ethics can be two things. First, ethics refers to well – founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do. Second, ethics refers to the study and development of one’s ethical standards. It is necessary to constantly examine one’s standards to ensure that they are reasonable and well – founded.
“Values are those things that really matter to each of us…the ideas and beliefs we