ETHICS AND CONDUCT

The word "ethics" is derived from the Greek word "ethos". Ethos means character. "Ethics refers
to good character and morality. Ethics teaches us what we ought to do. Ethics is defined as a
systematic approach to analyzing and distinguishing between right and wrong, or good and bad,
and choosing the right ones for the wellbeing of people. Ethics in business is just as important
as ethics in personal life. Business leaders have a unique role and a great responsibility in
shaping the ethical culture of their businesses and thereby influencing their broader
communities as well.

The importance of ethics

Ethics is important because the wellbeing of individuals, families, institutions and society is an
important concern for us. Ethics tries to create a sense of right and wrong in individuals and
organizations. Often when the law fails, it is the ethics that may stop the individuals or
organizations from harming the society or environment. In detail, the importance of ethics can
be explained as follows.

Satisfies human needs: Being fair, honest, and just is important for people to live together in
harmony. Ethics guides people working together in organizations to create products and
services, which are not harmful to society.

Creates credibility: An organisation that is believed to be driven by moral values is

respected in society. Tata and Infosys, for example, are well known for their corporate
governance and social responsibility initiatives. This perception is held far and wide, even by
those who do not even know what business the organisation is in.

Integrates employees: An organisation thrives on shared values. They are the common thread
that brings the employees and the decision-makers together on a common platform. They help
align employee behaviours within the organisation towards the achievement of the mission and
goals.

• Improves decision making: A man's destiny is the total of all the decisions that he or she
takes in the course of his life. The same holds for organizations. Decisions taken based on
ethical principles will benefit individuals and organizations.

Long-term gains: Organizations guided by ethics and values are profitable in the long run,
though in the short run they may seem to lose money. For example, companies spending part of
their profits on social responsibility activities may see their growth slow. However, they are more
sustainable than others, ignoring social responsibility are.
Ethical decision making
Decision-making is a challenge that we face in our daily life. In the case of managers, it is more
challenging as the issues are complex. Whether it is a minor or major decision, it is important to
make it according to ethical principles. Making ethical decisions requires sensitivity to the ethical
implications of problems and situations. The following steps are advised to make ethical
decisions.

1. Recognizing an ethical issue: One of the most important things to do in decision-making is

to identify the ethical issue at hand. From this perspective, an ethical issue can be identified by
examining the process and outcomes from the perspectives of right and wrong.

2. Consider the parties involved: The next consideration is the people affected by the
decisions. There can be five types of situations:

No one is affected. In such a čase, there is no ethical issue.

Very few people are affected, but the effects are trivial. (Minor ethical issue)

Very few people are seriously affected. (Major ethical issue)

A large number of people are affected. (Major ethical issue)

Some people are harmed, but a large number of people are benefited. (Significant

ethical issue)

3. Gather all of the relevant information: Gather the information relating to the issue and the
feelings and opinions of people. Information may be obtained from primary and secondary
sources.

4. Formulate and evaluate alternatives: Develop alternative courses of action by discussing

them with others in the organisation. You may use the help of consultants and experts in the
field. Then evaluate them based on the following ethical principles:

Which action will produce the most good and do the least harm? (The Utilitarian Approach)

• Which action respects the rights of all those who have a stake in the decision? (The Rights
Approach)

• Which action treats people equally? (The Justice Approach)

. Which action serves the community as a whole, not just some members?
(The Common Good Approach)

• Which action leads me to act as the sort of person I should be? (The Virtue Approach)

5. Make a decision: After evaluating the alternative courses of action, choose the alternative
that is considered ethical.

6. Implement and appraise the consequences: After implementing the decisions, gather
information on the consequences. Examine them by asking the following questions,

What were the results of my decision?

What were the intended and unintended consequences?

Would I change anything now that I have seen the consequences?

Personal and professional moral codes of conduct

A code of values' guides, à man's choices and actions-the choices and actions that determine
the purpose and course of his life.

Personal ethics refers to the ethics that a person identifies with respect to people and situations
that they deal with in everyday life. Professional ethics refers to the ethics that a person must
adhere to in respect of their interactions and business dealings in their professional life.

How to create a personal code of conduct?

1. Determine the purpose of the code. Establish your reasons for developing this code. For
example, you may want to do it to guide your behavior in day-to-day situations.

2. Make a list of your traits. These can include honesty, kindness, integrity, or any other
characteristics that are indicative of your behavior. For example, be honest.

3. Consider your relationships with others and determine the way you would like to behave with
them.

4. Develop a list of statements based on what you are and what you want to be. Make sure that
the statements can be used as true guides to your future actions.
Here are some illustrative statements.

I will treat others as I wish to be treated.

I will be honest and transparent in my personal and professional life.

I will always put forth my best effort and excel in my work.

1 am dedicated to continually improving myself.

I will keep my promises and honour my commitments.

How to create a professional code of conduct?

1. Consider your organization's mission, values, and goals, including its position on

sustainability.

2. Tailor it to fit your business. Focus on your specific business practices and issues.

3. Include expectations for general conduct at work, as well as examples of unethical behaviour.

4. Use clear language to make the code user friendly.

5. Include employees in developing a code of ethics.

Given below are sample statements from a professional code of conduct.

Be inclusive

Our differences can be our strengths.

Be patient and courteous.

Do not harass others.

Creating a harmonious life

Life is a process in which we live by ourselves as well as for others, with whom we associate
either in informal or formal contexts. Everyone wants to live a happy life without any stress or
worries. To live well, we nood to find harmony in life, which involves finding harmony in different
spheres of life. It means finding many balances, as given under.
Harmony in your closest inner circle of family and friends.

Harmony in your business life and in building relationships with your colleagues.

Finding balance in your mental and physical health

Every sphere has a purpose, and all the spheres are connected, depending on each other for
survival. Here are ways to lead a harmonious life:

Celebrate your life every day. Live with passion and excitement. Wake up in the morning and
smile. Take a deep breath and say, "It's another great day to be alive!" Look at your body and
soul.

Follow the tips given below, to create a harmonious life.

1. You should be clear about what you want: Define what you want in life. Know where
you
are going and have a well-thought-out plan for getting there. Get curious about the things you
can achieve and how much more you can accomplish. Remind yourself that, at the end of life,
the most important thing for a human being is the legacy she or he leaves behind.

2. Have compassion: Compassion is a prerequisite for a harmonious life.

Have compassion for yourself and others. Accept people as they are and listen to find out new
things. understand, and see the person in front of you. See yourself, acknowledge when life is
tough (for you) and give a hug to your soul. Forgive yourself when making mistakes. Accept
your unchangeable limitations.

3. Learn how to communicate: It is observed that communication plays a strong role in

building relationships. Learn to communicate verbally when you can. When you are busy, use
your body language. Smiling or waving a hand can show thers that you do care for them
Needless to say, active listening is important to gain confidence and stay close to people

4. Show gratitude and appreciation: Nourish your relationships. Show gratitude t appreciation
to your loved ones. Let them know how important and dear they are to. how much better your
life is for having them close. Gratitude and appreciation are your to give in return for all the
things you get. In the case of indifferent people, they can be li charigees.

5. Teach others how to treat you: The way you treat yourself sets the standards for what
you expect from others. Treat yourself with respect. Talk nicely to them and about yourself. You
are the guardian of who you are and who you want to hecome. Like & lion protecting his
kingdom, protect your well-being, self-image, and future.

6. Learn, Un-learn, and Re-learn: Be constant learner and never stop learning. Opas mind and
be receptive to new things. It is also lifelong. It never ends.
7. Love your work and do it with passion: Whatever you do, always try to do it with passion
and follow your heart. Your work has to be your priority. Working gives expression to your talent
and fulfih your ambitions. Invest in your work life. It is like gardening, nature gives you back
what you invest in it. Show your passion and you will make others sparkle with you

8. Invest in your health: Make time for periodical check-ups and exercise. Exercise is an
excellent way to boost your mood and get in shape. A healthy mind in a healthy body can create
wonders in various spheres of your life.

9. Stay positive: Almost everything that happens in life brings something positive to you. It may
not be obvious or known at present. If you wait confidently, it will manifest before your eyes
someday in the future. Know that there is no problem without a solution. So do not curse the
problem. Sometimes, a problem presents an unexpected opportunity.

Understanding the persona of a leader for deriving holistic

inspiration
Great leaders are inspirational to others. Whether it is employees in an organisation or citizens
in a movement, they are more likely to be inspired to achieve their goals, if they have a
holistically inspirational leader. Holistic leaders know how to integrate their character and values
into their leadership, and they understand that they bring their whole selves to their leadership
role - body, mind, and spirit. People observing them will identify the following key
characteristics, that set them apart from others.

• Ethical: The behaviours and decisions of virtuous leaders are guided by moral excellence.

• Transparent: Holistic leaders are open, honest, direct, and forthright in the way they act and
communicate. Transparency is also linked to the virtue of humility. They admit what they do not
know and accept their faults when their decisions go wrong.

Trusted: When leaders are truthful and follow through with what they say they will do, they build
strong trust, which inspires others to follow them.

Capable: People are attracted to leaders with character, but they are inspired when the
character is compounded by capability. The functional abilities to do the things expected of them

Balanced Holistic leaders have a balanced view of others, work, teams, and themselves as a
composite of body, mind and spirit.
• Self-aware: Being aware of oneself and others is essential for managing one's emotions and
relationships.

• Servant: Holistic leaders are servants first because they are focused on people and their
needs.

Drawing insights for leadership

Based on some of the research findings, and either from personal observation or reading of
biographies of leaders, we can draw the following insights on leadership.

(a) Success requires a clear, vivid, and explicit vision. A clear understanding of the future states
is important for defining goals and making a commitment to them.

(b) Goal setting requires a holistic approach. One has to consider what they value spiritually,
emotionally, and materially.

(c) You do not have to destroy others to achieve success: Success achieved by disrespect or
cruelty cannot be called a success at all. Great success is a win-win solution, rather than a win-
lose.

(d) Success hinges on minutiae, not pivotal moments. Enduring success is built upon equalizing
attention to detail, focus, and effort across everything you do. Pivotal moments are only for
recollection.

(e) Courageous leadership is about using your influence to challenge the way things are and
where we are headed because you know we need to do better.

(1) Leadership is for creating conditions that drive people to aim for greatness because they
believe in their ability to attain it.

(g) Optimism in leadership is about not letting setbacks and failures hold you back from
achieving your goals.

(h) Leaders must recognize that the pursuit of new truths and clearer meanings is critical to
creating value in a world dependent upon knowledge and information.
How do leaders sail through difficult situations?

• Accept and take accountability: Take control of the situation. Accept the reality of the
situation and always take accountability for all your actions. Your team looks up to you for
guidance and support during a crisis. Great leaders can guide their teams even in the face of
danger.

Maintain transparency: Enlighten them about the severity of the situation and encourage them
to embrace uncertainty during the crisis. The crisis may shake their confidence, but the leader's
confidence helps overcome all fears and doubts.

Lead with resilience: Fill your mind with optimism. Gain the strength to face problems
enthusiastically. Your team reflects you, and your positivity and focus will drive your team to
victory. They pay attention to the things you do and say, as well as the decisions you take and
the things you choose to ignore.

• Have a great sense of empathy: Bring about a sense of importance amongst each of your
followers. Understand them their fears, weaknesses and limitations. Encourage them to
focus on looking forward rather than pointing fingers at each other. Be more committed to
moving ahead.

Communicate: Tough times call for constant and transparent communication, and leaders who
practice effective communication find their people performing efficiently

How to develop human-centric solutions for creating social

good?
Human-centered design, (HCD) is based on a philosophy that empowers an individual or team
to design products, services, systems, and experiences that address the core needs of those
who experience a problem.

It's a mindset that starts with understanding that solutions lie in the communities where the
problem is experienced Human-cantered design (HCD) can therefore be explained as follows:
"It is a creative approach to problem-solving that starts with the people you're designing for and
ends with new solutions that solve real problems."

The HCD process (Human Centred Design) was re-interpreted as an acronym to mean,
"Hear, Create, and Deliver."
Hear: Learn about the end-user by observing them with an open mind. Your goal is to
understand the people you are designing for. Identify their behavioural patterns and negative
points, such as the pain they feel, the places where they have difficulty doing something, and so
on. Empathize with them. Put yourself in their situation and try to see what their experience is,
and feel what they feel.

Create: During this phase, you will begin brainstorming ideas with your team based on what you
have learned from your observations and experiences. Your goal is to come up with as many
ideas as you can. Relate the ideas to the needs of the users. If you do this, your group's ideas
will eventually evolve into the right solution.

To facilitate user testing, quickly build a simple prototype of your idea. This makes it tangible
and makes it easy for end-users to test. Once you get feedback from your users, use that
information to make changes to your design. Keep iterating, testing, and integrating user
feedback until you have fine-tuned your solution.

Deliver: Now that you have validated the usefulness of your solution with the end-user, move to
implementation. Obtain user feedback and make the necessary changes. With each new update
that you implement, continue to observe your users, design for them, and use their feed back to
direct your future solutions.