For years it seemed that business ethics was an oxymoron. Expediency was the rule of business. Now, the risk of an ethical lapse is much higher. Ethical lapses such as sexual harassment, pollution, or product defects may cost a company millions of dollars.
Business logic (the head) is sometimes at war with organizational values (the heart). Logic should dictate that things get done right on time. Values should show us how the right things get done right. The problem is that doing the right thing may take longer and cost more. Time and cost risks must balance against ethical risks.
Ethics is basically doing the right thing. We all believe in this motherhood. The problem is that ethics and integrity are sometimes perceived as something apart from business. Business for many is ‘dog eat dog’ or Darwinian. While this may be true, the risks and exposure from ethical lapses can be huge.