What Is Ethics?

Two concepts loom large in contemporary discussions of corporate ethics: values and compliance. Yet as a guide for decision-making, these concepts fall flat. While many corporate value statements do present useful opinions about important factors for long-term prosperity, the absence of a general priority structure provides little guidance when making a choice between two alternatives. Likewise with compliance to codes and laws: the sentiments expressed in these regulations are often useful reflections of reality, but the gray area is much too big to provide useful direction in actual and/or uncertain circumstances.

The failure of values and compliance to deliver has led many leaders to an incorrect understanding of ethics as an abstraction. Consequently, they push the whole subject to either a "values guru" or the HR and Legal departments. Our aim is to correct that misunderstanding and help leaders take ownership of the ethical culture of their organization.

Ethical action IS NOT an abstract statement of values NOR is it mere compliance with a mandated code. Ethics IS the use of our human freedom in each situation to practice the priorities that will help us to achieve our true potential both as individuals and organizations.

Hence, to the Priority Thinker, the notions of what are commonly thought of as right, wrong or legal behavior are important but secondary considerations. The Priority Thinker sees business ethics as the study of the way individuals (all of the players in the drama of business) use their freedom to practice priorities that are beneficial or harmful to the business enterprise of which they are a part.

Click here to learn more about our priority-centric approach to Ethics education.

The "Science" of Truth

It's no secret that Einstein's theory of relativity revolutionized the way human beings have come to think about their place in the world. Yet few people realize that one of his greatest fears was that others would try to extend his brilliant insights from the world of physics into the ethical sphere.

Einstein knew that although the physical laws of the universe may operate differently depending upon the observer's particular standpoint, the distinctly human domain of ethics is governed by the unchanging principle that man "is a social living animal."