Ethics in business: making choices that matter

ACT on Business Ethics! We created the fun acronym, ACT, for business practices using some key principles learned in our ethics training from @The Right Use of Power Institute in Boulder, CO. L👀k in the comments for a link to their website and power-up your business ethics! 🅰️ is for Active Listening -give your undivided attention (Put your phone away!) -look to understand verbal and non-verbal communication -show understanding by offering verbal and non-verbal feedback 𝑪 is for Conflict Resolution Skills -be accountable -learn how to make effective repairs-make skillful repairs with a how-to-do-better plan for the future 𝑻 is for Transparent Communication -share both positive and negative relevant information -communicate the “why” behind the words -deliver message in a clear manner that is easy to understand

Professional ethics is far more than a checklist of do's and don’ts. It is the invisible foundation upon which trust, credibility, and long-term success are built. In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, where technologies disrupt and boundaries blur, ethics becomes the compass that guides not only our decisions but the very identity of our professions. Why does professional ethics matter so profoundly? Because ethics shape how we interact with colleagues, clients, and communities. They define the integrity of our work, influencing perceptions that echo beyond individual transactions. Let’s break down the essence of professional ethics into key reflections: • **Accountability is non-negotiable.** Taking full responsibility for choices, even the difficult ones, fosters an environment of transparency and trust. • **Confidentiality nurtures respect.** Protecting sensitive information is not just a legal obligation but a moral duty that honors the dignity and privacy of others. • **Fairness drives equitable outcomes.** Striving for impartiality ensures that decisions are inclusive, just, and empower diverse voices. Professional ethics is not static; it requires continuous reflection and courage. It challenges us to look beyond immediate gains and consider the broader impact of our actions. Ask yourself: - Are my decisions benefiting stakeholders fairly? - Do I uphold the values that my profession stands for, even when it’s inconvenient? - How am I contributing to a culture where ethical behavior is celebrated, not compromised? Ethical leadership is visionary leadership. It means setting a precedent where principles guide innovation, where doing what is right becomes synonymous with doing what is smart. Imagine a professional ecosystem where: - Each action embodies integrity. - Mistakes become opportunities for growth, not cover-ups. - Trust is the currency that propels collaboration and progress. This vision is attainable if every professional commits to living their values authentically and intentionally. In the end, professional ethics is the legacy we leave behind—a testament to our character, influence, and the positive change we inspire across sectors and societies. Let’s remind ourselves today and every day: **Excellence without ethics is an empty achievement.** Our true measure lies in how we uphold the moral fabric of our professions, building a future where success and integrity walk hand in hand. #ProfessionalEthics #Integrity #Leadership #Trust #CareerGrowth #ValuesInAction

Ethics training works best when it mirrors real-world messiness — using role-play, safe discussion, and tailored content to help employees spot and stop ethical dilemmas early. GAN Integrity

IIA NZ celebrates Global Ethics Day 2025 Today we’re marking Global Ethics Day by spotlighting Domain 2 of the Global Internal Audit Standards, Ethics and Professionalism. Ethics is the anchor of effective internal auditing: it sustains trust, independence, and the credibility of our work. What Domain 2 reinforces - Acting with integrity and objectivity - Exercising due professional care and accountability - Respecting confidentiality and the public interest - Role-modelling professionalism across the audit lifecycle https://lnkd.in/g2ChS6wg This morning we’re delivering the IIA NZ Ethics Workshop, bringing practitioners together to work through real scenarios, refresh their understanding of the Code of Ethics, and take away practical tools for ethical decision-making. Thank you to everyone participating. Strong ethics, strong assurance, stronger organisations. If you missed today’s session, keep an eye out for upcoming workshops in 2026 and resources from IIA NZ and The IIA (Global).

What do ethics do? Ethics provide a moral framework that guides decision-making, behavior, and actions by establishing principles for what is considered right and wrong, good and bad, or fair and just in both personal and societal contexts. They are a systematic way to understand values, define moral duties, and evaluate how people and organizations should interact to achieve positive outcomes and avoid harm.  -- google assistant

We recently celebrated Ethics & Compliance Week at Jackson, focusing on the universal nature of ethics and The Golden Rule. Here is a document we used to show that ethical concepts have been part of societies for thousands of years. Being ethical is not about being perfect. When facing ethical questions, consider your actions from all angles and pay particular attention when those actions come with a personal benefit. You may not always make the right call but improving your decision making will move you significantly toward long term ethical success, which, by the way, has been proven to be part of long term business success.

Purpose of the Ethics Blueprint The Ethics Blueprint provides InsuraBuild builders with clear, practical standards to guide ethical decision-making in high-pressure situations. It emphasizes patient and supportive communication so all parties feel heard and respected. By fostering trust and transparency with clients, adjusters, and insurers after a loss, it strengthens long-term relationships. Finally, it establishes consistent moral expectations across provinces to ensure a unified approach to rebuilding physically, emotionally, and ethically.

Let’s talk about ethics. (Not the kind you skim in a GDPR slide deck. The real kind.) Like what to do when a respondent gets upset mid-interview. Or when a client wants “just a few more details” that weren’t consented to. Or when a panellist says yes, but you can tell they’re not 100% sure what they’ve agreed to. This is the stuff that doesn’t show up on project timelines. But it’s baked into how we work, from our screeners and consent forms, to how we brief moderators and treat people like humans, not quotas. Because ethical rigour isn’t just about compliance. It’s about care. And we’d rather lose a project than cross that line. Want a fieldwork partner that actually cares? 🔗 https://loom.ly/ybk3TXk

In business, ethics isn’t a checklist. It’s not just compliance, codes of conduct, or a section on your website. It’s a living culture — the way decisions are made, how people are treated, and what’s done when no one’s watching. So, how do you develop yourself into a truly ethical organization? Lead by Example: Ethics starts at the top. When leadership walks the talk, teams follow. Transparent Practices: Open communication with customers, employees, and partners builds credibility. Fair Dealings: Choose fairness over shortcuts in contracts, negotiations, and pricing. Accountability Systems: Own mistakes, correct them quickly, and build systems that reward honesty. People First: Treat employees, customers, and stakeholders with respect and dignity. Sustainable Thinking: Focus on long-term trust over short-term wins. True ethics isn’t about looking good; it’s about doing good consistently. When ethical practices become a habit, your organization’s brand speaks louder than any marketing campaign ever could. An ethical organization doesn’t just do business — it earns trust. And in a world where trust is rare, ethics is the greatest competitive advantage. Be the business people are proud to work for, partner with, and recommend #business #ethics #organization #trust #linkedinforcreators.