🌟 Ethics is not a policy—it’s a practice. In my career, I’ve learned that ethical behavior isn’t just about following written rules or compliance checklists. It’s about the daily decisions that no one sees, the choices that test your integrity when the stakes are high and the pressure is real. I remember sitting in a meeting where a funding decision could have been pushed through quickly with little scrutiny. It would have saved time. It would have been easier. But it wasn’t the right thing for the community. Stopping the process to ask hard questions slowed us down—but it ensured transparency, fairness, and accountability. That pause mattered more than the convenience of speed. In public service, ethics means: ✔️ Transparency – being open with colleagues, partners, and the community about how and why decisions are made. ✔️ Accountability – owning mistakes and correcting them, even when it’s uncomfortable. ✔️ Respect – treating every partner, applicant, and community member with dignity, no matter their position or resources. ✔️ Trust – understanding that the trust placed in us is fragile and must be earned daily. Ethical leadership is not always the easiest path. It often requires slowing down when others want to move fast, asking tough questions when silence would be more comfortable, and standing firm when it would be easier to bend. But over time, those choices build the trust and credibility that allow us to truly serve. 💬 I’d love to hear your perspective: What does ethical behavior mean to you when the easier path isn’t the right one?
Ethics is a daily practice, not just a policy.
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Business Ethics Case (I think it's the last one I had left). I proposed to my manager to do a project for a well-known Foundation that works with people with mental disorders. Reaction: A face of disappointment, and literally "well you do that project on your own". To be honest, it did not differ too much from the rest of the groups or targets. What I deduced: FIRST. He has prejudices and stigma regarding this group (with which he touched my balls). SESUNDO. Obviously I wanted to overshadow myself (you know the story). Business Ethics Case (I think it's the last one I had left). I proposed to my boss to do a project for a well-known Foundation that works with people with mental disorders. His reaction: He made a disappointed face and literally told me: "well, you do that project by yourself". To be honest, it was not too different from what I had done with the rest of the groups or collectives. What I deduced: FIRST. It has prejudices and stigmas towards this group (which touched my nose quite a bit). SECOND. Obviously, he wanted to upstage me (you know the story). On the other hand, as an experience of vital and personal improvement, I proposed this, the assistance of this boy, who created an arm with lego pieces. ANSWER: STRATEGIC SILENCE. We are talking about a CSR department. WELL-KNOWN HAND SOLO. MY PROJECT MINIMIZES HIERARCHIES. IT DOES NOT ELIMINATE THEM. QUESTION: WHO WANTS HIERARCHIES LIKE MY FORMER MANAGER OR GENGISKHAN. IT ADVOCATES HIERARCHIES THAT ARE COMPETENT, WITH A MINIMUM OF TRANSPARENCY, COHERENCE AND OBJECTIVITY WHILE MAINTAINING ITS IDEOLOGY.
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Ethics, Efficiency, and Integrity in Procurement Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what ethical procurement really means in practice. In our field, efficiency often takes the spotlight — faster deliveries, reduced costs, improved lead times. But real efficiency, the kind that lasts, is built on trust and integrity. For me, integrity also means consistent communication. It’s easy to overlook, but clear and timely communication is a vital part of ethical behaviour — it reflects respect for both the process and the people involved. I once worked with a supplier who was to deliver lab accessories for one of our projects. Having worked with them before, we trusted them and made an partial payment as negotiated . But that’s where things went wrong — every follow-up brought a new story, calls went unanswered, and emails were ignored. Eventually, they failed to deliver, and what followed was a long journey to recover the funds. That experience reminded me that efficiency and ethics are inseparable, and they cut both ways — on the organization’s side and the supplier’s. Procurement is a partnership; it thrives on transparency, honesty, and accountability from both ends. Suppliers should trust that bids will be evaluated fairly, without hidden preferences or bias. And as procurement professionals, we must provide honest feedback, not silence. Ethics isn’t just a policy — it’s a daily practice. While we often talk about the Five Rights of Procurement — right quality, quantity, source, price, place, and time — I believe there’s a Sixth Right that binds them all together: the Right Ethics — doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. 👉 What do you think ? Shouldn't Ethics be a Procurement Right ?
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If anyone is interested in developing their skills in Ethical conduct and integrity , a quick thought based on my experience that might be helpful. 💬 Here are some tips for developing this skill: Applying a step-by-step process can help you systematically address ethical dilemmas. The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics offers a model that can be adapted for any professional context. Recognize the ethical issue. Identify situations that present conflicting values, such as a choice between short-term success and long-term consequences, or between compassion and fairness. Gather the facts. Before making a judgment, clearly define the problem and gather all relevant information. List what you know, what you don't know, and who you need to consult for more information. Evaluate alternatives. Brainstorm and evaluate a variety of possible actions by considering which option will produce the most good and least harm, respect the rights of all stakeholders, and best serve the community. You can use a pros-and-cons list for each option. Make a decision and test it. After choosing a course of action, test your decision by asking: The Publicity Test: Would you be comfortable with your choice being published in the newspaper? The Reversibility Test: Would you still think this was a good choice if you were one of the people adversely affected by it? The Virtue Test: What kind of person would you become if you consistently made this choice? Act and reflect. Implement the decision with care and then take time to reflect on the outcome. How did the decision turn out, and what did you learn? Use this experience to improve your future ethical choices. Practice self-reflection and accountability Growth in integrity is an ongoing process that requires constant self-assessment. Clarify your personal values. Define what integrity means to you, and assess how consistently you follow through on your commitments, take accountability for mistakes, and show respect to others. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues. Ask a mentor or peer for an objective viewpoint on your behavior. This helps identify blind spots and areas for improvement. Keep commitments. Follow through on promises and deadlines, even on small tasks. Your word is a reflection of your character, and consistency builds reliability. Admit your mistakes. Everyone makes errors. Admitting a mistake and taking responsibility for it is a key component of integrity and can build trust.
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BEST ETHICAL PRACTICES A business should always be acting ethically, and not just for moral and legal reasons. Business ethics are crucial for fostering trust, ensuring accountability, and promoting sustainable, long-term success for businesses and society as a whole. By adhering to ethical principles, companies build strong relationships with stakeholders, reduces risks, and creates an inspired working environment. I have to share something with you. Recently, a person I know made a decision that adversely affected a group of people. When I asked her as to her reason(s) behind her decision, I was informed that the decision was based on ethical grounds. I questioned her on this, and explained that after spending considerable time in Ethics Committees (of which I am more than certain she has never attended one), that her logical reasoning was not based on sound judgment, and neither on ethics. It was based solely on the input of one individual (who was not her) who wanted to keep control of a situation in a fearful and bullyish way. The reason I am sharing this with you is that it is astounding as to just how many people have no clue what ethics are and how to behave ethically, or worse yet, they try and twist situations to meet their own personal agendas. This should never be tolerated, but unfortunately far too few people stand up against the workplace bullies and those who try and lead by fear, when in fact, these perpetrators should be held accountable for their actions. Being in a leadership role in any institution or organization where you lead by fear and bullying is the very thing that ethics is trying to eradicate. Unfortunately, however, leading by fear and bullying, through corruption or hidden agendas, happens far too often. If you do not have an Ethics Committee in your business, my suggestion is that you create one as soon as you can. What are Business Ethics? Business ethics refers to the principles and standards that guides organizational behavior. It involves applying moral values such as honesty, fairness, integrity, and responsibility to business decisions, actions, and policies, ensuring that companies act in ways that are good for individuals, communities, and the environment, while also maintaining profitability. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/djvD6QWE
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The Elements of Ethics by Johnson & Ridley Integrity. It is not a single trait. It’s a cluster of principles that guide how we professionals act, decide, and lead. At the heart of professional excellence lies integrity — the alignment between what we say and what we do. We distilled it into 13 essential elements that define ethical professionals in every field. - Congruence & Transparency Ethical professionals act consistently with their values. They communicate truthfully, disclose conflicts, and maintain clarity in every interaction. - Accountability They own their decisions. They welcome scrutiny and accept responsibility — even when it’s uncomfortable. – Confidentiality They protect what’s private. Trust is sacred, and safeguarding information is a mark of respect for clients, colleagues, and the profession. – Accuracy They avoid exaggeration or misrepresentation. They describe their services, abilities, and outcomes with precision and honesty. – Self-Awareness They know their own vulnerabilities, biases, and emotional limits — and work to keep those from harming others. – Emotional Discipline They notice when stress or personal issues begin to cloud judgment. They pause, recalibrate, and seek balance before decisions are made. - Care for Others Integrity includes compassion. Ethical professionals act with empathy and safeguard the well-being of those they serve and work with. - Continuous Growth They pursue improvement. Integrity is not static — it evolves through learning, reflection, and feedback. – Courage They stand for what’s right, even when doing so invites risk or criticism. Courage anchors integrity in action. – Humility They recognize they can err. They listen, learn, and admit when they don’t have all the answers. – Making Amends They are quick to acknowledge mistakes, repair harm, and restore trust. Integrity isn’t about perfection — it’s about accountability and redemption. When integrity defines our choices, excellence follows naturally.
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Business Ethics Case TOTAL “GEISHAS” SYSTEMS Well, years ago I worked with a company that acted as an intermediary in a project called Total Geishas Systems. Honestly, when I first heard the word “Geishas,” I didn’t really understand what it meant. But as I interacted with them, I realized why they were called Geishas—or why they called themselves that. The group was made up of four people. All men (honestly, I can’t imagine a woman in that group of degenerates, except maybe one). The first was the Madame. Being a Madame doesn’t necessarily mean being an SOB, but in this case, both things applied. He was a Madame and he was an SOB. Then there were two more “Geishas” who had no technical knowledge and were also pretty nasty people. The Madame, being the SOB he was, actually considered them trash but never said it explicitly. And then there was a fourth person: the one with the highest level of humanization in the group—and, curiously, probably the one with the lowest level of technical knowledge. But that was irrelevant because he was genuinely willing to help, and that made all the difference. That’s when I started to understand how the dynamics of these organizations worked. Basically, they tried to recruit other Geishas from among the employees. Of course, when you hire a “Geisha,” they have to meet certain characteristics. One of them: being willing to do anything. And then some additional traits: being a climber, having no ethics… The worst part was that when they hired these Geishas—or tried to recruit them—it had a very negative impact on the employees who didn’t fit the Geisha profile. This created a highly toxic environment, especially because three companies were involved: the “parent company” (let’s call it that) that provided the project, the company that hired the Geishas, and finally, the employees themselves. From that experience, there are three people I actually remember fondly. One was the Madame, and the other two were employees who got recruited and eventually became Geishas. One of them, I think, even started a company later on—I can’t recall the name now—and the other, I don’t know what happened to him. In the end, entre Geishas anda el juego—that’s how I would define this post. By the way, the whole thing smelled a lot like typical Spanish clientelismo...
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Morals guide the person; ethics guide the people. When a company’s ethics aren’t clear, conflict isn’t far behind. Let me explain. Ethics are shared; morals are our internal compasses. A company’s ethic isn’t about individual morals, it’s the shared commitments that guide its actions. Consensus is rarely perfect; it’s usually a negotiated agreement. And those commitments are shaped by outside forces, law, culture, economics, that create allowances and tensions. But when a company’s ethics aren’t clear or consistent, dissension and frustration are never far behind.
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Ever wondered how ethics and professionalism stand as pillars in public health today? • Here’s why these elements are more crucial than ever. Why It Matters: Public health isn’t just about science; it’s about trust. At the heart of every health strategy lies the need for ethical decision-making. Trust is built on professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Consider the role of doctors during a pandemic. Their ethical responsibility isn't just treating patients but ensuring accurate information is communicated to the public. Real-World Scenario: Remember the widespread concern during vaccine rollouts? Professionals grappled with public skepticism. But by maintaining transparency and ethical practices, they nurtured trust. Actionable Insights: 1. Prioritize Transparent Communication: Whenever you face ethical dilemmas, open communication should be your first step. Lay down facts, clarify doubts, and allow for an open dialogue. 2. Uphold Professional Standards: Regular training and adherence to established guidelines ensure public faith. It’s vital for maintaining credibility. Practical Steps to Instill Ethics: Audit and Educate: Conduct periodic ethics audits. Are practices aligning with ethical norms? Use findings to refocus training. Empower with Knowledge: Train teams consistently on ethical and professional standards. Regular workshops will foster a culture of integrity. Lead by Example: Leadership should model ethical behavior, setting a standard for everyone else. When leaders demonstrate these values, it cascades downwards. Incorporating ethics into public health is about more than policy. It’s about trust, integrity, and doing the right thing by communities. How do you ensure ethical practices in your work? Would love to hear your thoughts!
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Advisors are reporting a scarcity of Ethics IAR CE versus Products & Practice classes. Why? Ethics content must tie directly to fiduciary duties, regulatory obligations, and real‑world conduct risks. That narrows topic flexibility compared with P&P topics about investment vehicles, portfolios, and practice. Teaching about fiduciary obligations is more delicate than teaching about financial product or practice methods. Moreover, product manufacturers have a business interest in providing free IAR CE credit about a product or practice aligned with their business goals. Still, this only partially explains why ethics IAR CE credit is relatively hard to find, and why finding high-quality ethics IAR CE content is even harder. Complicating the search, few providers of ethics IAR CE publish their full course catalog. Read the full story here https://lnkd.in/epFeWY8Z
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Ethics: The Invisible Currency That Determines Longevity In the pursuit of success, many often underestimate one factor that silently dictates the trajectory of careers, businesses, and even reputations—ethics. Skills can secure opportunities, ambition can accelerate progress, but without an ethical foundation, everything built eventually crumbles. Ethics are not merely moral obligations; they are strategic imperatives. A reputation once compromised rarely recovers. The erosion of trust—whether personal or professional—is far more damaging than any financial loss. Consider these two real-world illustrations: 1. Corporate Deception Enron, once hailed as one of America’s most innovative energy companies, collapsed spectacularly when its accounting fraud came to light. Complex financial instruments may have masked the truth temporarily, but the absence of ethical leadership led to bankruptcy, criminal convictions, and the obliteration of thousands of livelihoods. 2. Personal Betrayal of Trust Lance Armstrong, celebrated globally as a cycling icon, was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles when systematic doping was exposed. His achievements, once inspirational, became synonymous with deceit. The lesson was clear—short-term victories secured through unethical practices often convert into long-term infamy. The takeaway is simple: ethics are not decorative virtues. They are essential guardrails. In a hyper-connected world where information is transparent and reputations are fragile, ethical conduct is not optional—it is non-negotiable. Success without ethics is fleeting. Ethics without success still commands respect. The rare individuals who combine both, however, create legacies that endure.
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Clinical Director and Founder
3wThank you for putting this to words! Ethics is something we talk about a lot in Mental Health, and it is easy to feel self-confident that we are taking ethics into consideration with every choice. Being aware of ethics as a practice is so incredibly important!