Business ethics refers to implementing appropriate business policies and practices around controversial subjects. Some issues that come up in a discussion of ethics include corporate governance, insider trading, bribery, discrimination, social responsibility, and fiduciary responsibilities. There are Laws specific to business ethics, providing a basic guidelines that businesses can follow to gain public approval.

In today’s environment a lot of emphasis is placed by consumers on the environment, social Issues, and corporate responsibility. Business ethics goes beyond just a moral code of what is right and wrong, Business ethics promotes trust between employees, consumers and corporations.

Genera areas of Ethical concern:

• Leadership
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Respect for others
• Honesty
• Respect for laws
• Social and “other” Responsibility
• Transparency.
• Compassion
• Fairness
• Loyalty
• Environmental concern

As a rule companies need to create and put in place a code of conduct/ethics program, guiding principles, self-reporting procedures, and training programs to enforce ethical behavior. Usually there is a compliance officer that oversees the process and who reports outside the regular chain of command, directly to a Board of directors.

A successful Business Ethics program will add Brand recognition and growth to an organization, other benefits include: Increased ability to negotiate, Increased trust in products and services, Customer and employee retention, growth, Attracts better talent and Attracts investors among others.

A good Ethics program will always have the company do what is right