Why should we care about ethics and standards?

Why should we care about ethics and standards?

One should care about ethics and standards because it is something that should be embedded in our moral fiber.   Living in a large society, ethics and standards are often compromised.  However, how does these two elements fit in human performance technology?  Ethics is heavily supportive of values and establish a set of principles that are perceived to be right and what it ought to be. The HPT foundation of ethics consists the following: 1) Add value, 2) Make use of and promote validated practices, 2) work collaboratively, 3) Continuously improve efficiency, 4) Exhibit integrity, and 5) Uphold confidentiality.  (Pershing, 2006 pgs. 1036-1037).

It is in our nature to want to strive for what is morally right. For instance, I have to state that I have always respected and admired Greek Philosopher, Aristotle.  Aristotle have originated the complacency of virtue ethics.  Virtue ethics is supportive with helping people develop good character traits such as honesty and responsibility.  It involves the negative traits such as greed and dishonesty. (Pershing, 2006 pg. 1028). However, it is up to us to recognize right from wrong and what is morally right versus what is morally wrong.  For example, there are laws stating that it is wrong to steal and punishable by imprisonment and fines.   Now ethically, sometimes it can differ especially is someone was poor stealing just to feed themselves or their family.

Ethics and moral standards are what helps our society keep walking the line on the straight and narrow.  Doing something that is for the greater good, rather than for selfish gain.  I really admire stating that I am an honest person and it would bother me morally from the way I was raised to do something wrong or be dishonest.  Coming from a family of 13, my parents have always emphasized how important it was to be an ethical and moral individual.  If our society did not care about ethics and standards, we would not have laws, rules, and regulations helping to defend what is right and handle what is wrong. In summary, our society cares about ethics and standards. We can take the examples of the types of laws that have been mandated and enforced to keep us at our highest moral obligation.  HPT must maintain value and ethical standards within an organization and improve business processes.

Reference

Pershing, J.A. (2006). Handbook of Human Performance Technology: Principles, Practices, and Potential (3rd ED). San Francisco, California: John Wiley & Sons Publishers, Inc.