Learning Team A
GEN200
November 15, 2010
Lisa Wittenhagen
Ethical standards and an individual 's personal code of moral values are extremely subjective topics often based on belief systems. Furthermore, upbringing commonly influences an individual 's code of ethics thus affecting important personal and professional decisions. Renowned Brazilian professor Valdemar W. Setzer once said of moral values, "Ethics is not definable, is not implementable, because it is not conscious; it involves not only our thinking, but also our feelings" (Thinkexist, 2010, para. 3). Setzer 's idea that moral values are indefinable may be facetious, and ethics and values are definable; nevertheless thought and emotion are typically a basis for individual ethics.
Obviously companies set a foundation for business principles based on an ethically sound, value-based system, but individuals define his or her own personal ethics and values. Nevertheless, developing one 's ethical system and beliefs is not an easy task; however, discovering and employing available resources to help with an emergent ethical system is essential. Although personal beliefs and upbringing are a basis for ethics and values, one 's moral principles can positively influence but may also adversely affect career success.
Defining Values and Ethics
Values and ethics are inherently similar terms with regard to definition. In fact, the two terms are often mistaken for one another, and although the definitions vary slightly, each term has its own distinct characteristics thus making defining the term value and ethics essential for the business world. Values, for instance, are main beliefs that individuals consider he or she personally accountable for. Furthermore, values are a personal assessment list that represents an individual 's highest priorities with regard to human behavior. In addition, an individual 's value
References: Hodge, C. (2010) Business Management, The sources of professional values and ethics, Retrieved 111010 from HYPERLINK "http://www.helium.com/" http://www.helium.com Thinkexist Website (2010). Retrieved November 11, 2010, from HYPERLINK "http://thinkexist.com/quotes/valdemar_w._setzer/" http://thinkexist.com/quotes/valdemar_w._setzer/ Value Quotes Website (2010). Retrieved November 13, 2010, from HYPERLINK "http://www.valuequotes.net/" http://www.valuequotes.net/ Professional Values and Ethics PAGE * Arabic 1