All across the world, we all face global ethics issues every day. We have in our mind a standard by which people should make choices and operate in their lives. All individuals should develop an ethical framework that they use to make important decision in their lives.
What is a definition of ethics?
Basically, ethics are standards that of high moral conduct that are used to make decisions. They determine how you will act and react in situations dealing with people and the world in which we live.
Ethics should be thought of as treating people, businesses, animals, plants, and the world with respect. This is in contrast to the idea of treating such entities as an object to be used for one’s will.
Five Approaches to Ethics
- Santa Clara University defined five different approaches to ethics.
- The Utilitarian Approach: Decisions and actions are made based on what does the most good for the most people.
- The Rights Approach: Decisions and actions are made to that respects and protects the moral rights of those that will be impacted by the decisions.
- The Fairness or Justice Approach: All actions and decisions are made on the premise that all are equal and should be treated equally.
- The Common Good Approach: Decisions and actions are made to build up the community where one lives, be it neighborhood, country, and even world.
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The Virtue Approach: decisions are made based on an ideal set of virtues will help mankind to develop to its full potential
What is an appropriate ethical framework for our lives?
There is no simple answer to this question. In fact, there are entire classes taught on this subject at colleges and universities. In order to come up with your personal structure, begin by asking questions such as the following?
- What would I die for?
- What do I live for?
- What kind of relationships do I want?
- What actions need to happen to create good relationships?
- What makes people good or bad?
- What is the difference between good and bad bosses, managers, supervisors, leaders?
- How do my actions impact others at home? at work? in my neighborhood? and in the world?
What is an ethical leader?
As you answer the questions above, you will also be defining your leadership style. It can be said that true leadership really comes from an ethical leader. Otherwise, it is not leadership, but management or control. When you take the opportunity to develop your ethical framework, you will find that you are a moving force in the global ethics issues of today.