"The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life." ~ Albert Einstein ~

When I look around me, I see that Ethics is one thing that many desire to incorporate in their lives and apply in their relationships with others.  Yet, a good number of them do not learn about the principles of ethics or adopt it in their daily interactions.

Ethics in my view, is a two-sided coin; with one side invoking admiration and the other stripping one of honour.  That is to say, if good ethics and ethical behaviors are part of one's daily life, he or she can gain respect while the absence of ethics can deny the same person of honour.

Even though ethics in our society means different things to different people, there is a universally accepted ethical standard that any individual and group can adopt.  With all this been said, I ask; what are some general principles that promote good ethical behavior that society can adopt?

According to scholars like Manuel, Claire, Thomas, S.J. & Michael, ethics is described as "…….. well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues".  This defies the notion conceived by my society which insinuates that ethics is based on feelings vs. standards.  No wonder behaviours such as discrimination and harassment, fraud and misuse of resources are generally acceptable especially in leadership positions.

I strongly believe that ethics and good ethical behaviour should be the fabric of any progressive society.  Therefore, the absence of both values – like in my society, prevents effectiveness, efficiency, productivity and high performance.  For a society to be impactful, there must be and acceptable set of ethics and ethical behaviors that they must adopt and value.

As you are reading, I want to challenge you to check your ethics gauge.  Are you influencing others with your behavior?  And no matter where you find yourself, you can improve yourself and contribute to building a better society.  I invite you to join me in the challenge to build a better society where ethics and ethical behavior are upheld at high standards. 

Author:  Jacob Fernandy Mendy

Editor:  Dr. Margaret Ellis