by George S. May International Company
The 3R'S of Ethics

Who's responsible for acting ethically? You are! It isn't the "company." It isn't just the business owner. It isn't only your manager. It is every person. Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own actions, including being ethical. Considering the "3R's" will point you and your employees in the right ethical direction.

The first "R" of business ethics is RESPECT. It is an attitude that must be applied to people, organizational resources and your environment. Respect includes behavior such as:

Treating everyone (customers, co-workers, vendors, etc.) with dignity and courtesy.

Using company supplies, equipment, time, and money appropriately, efficiently, and for business use only.

Protecting and improving your work environment, and abiding by laws, rules and regulations that exist to protect our world and our way of life. The second "R" of business ethics is RESPONSIBILITY. You have a responsibility to your customers, your co-workers, your organization and yourself. Included are behaviors such as:

Providing timely, high-quality goods and services.
Working collaboratively and carrying your share of the load.
Meeting all performance expectations and adding value.

The third "R" of business ethics is RESULTS. Essential in attaining results is an understanding that the way results are attained - the "means" - are every bit as important if not more important than the ultimate goals - the "ends." Using the phrase "The ends justify the means" is an excuse that is too often used to explain an emotional response, or action that was not well planned or carefully considered.

Obviously, you are expected to get results for your organization and for your customers. However, you are also expected to get those results legally and morally, by being ethical. If you lose sight of the distinction, you jeopardize your job, your business and your career.

By considering Respect, Responsibility and Results before taking action you will avoid the following common rationalizations for not doing what's right:

"Everyone else does it."
"They'll never miss it."
Nobody will care."
The boss does it."
No one will know."
"I don't have time to do it right."
"That's close enough."
"Some rules were meant to be broken."
"It's not my job."