How to manage an ethical crisis

1. Quotable quote

Most people assume that different areas of activity have different ethical standards. For example, used-car traders (like the horse traders that preceded them) are thought to be, in general, rather less honourable in their dealings than, say, the people in medical care. But even in medical care, the courts occasionally reveal cover-ups of medical incompetence that make us question such assumptions.

The cynics among us say ‘they’re all at it’ - it’s just that organisations with a suave, professional image are less likely to be found out. The realists will say that, while even the most public-spirited fields of activity have their occasional bad apples, the most shady trades have the occasional individual who is struggling to do the decent thing.

What sort of ethical standards prevail in your field of activity and in your particular organisation?

2. Viewpoint

"There is no such thing as business ethics. There’s only one kind - you have to adhere to the highest standards."

3. Ask yourself

How many of the following ethical situations have you encountered in your workplace in the past two years?…