Personal Values and Ethics
University of Phoenix
Professor Balcerzak
Management 521
February 9, 2009
We live in a society where there are many different people that have different values based on their race, gender, religious background, and all around upbringing. At times this has created barriers in our society especially in the work place. Dealing with these different types of people in a business atmosphere can turn into one big ethical problem. Mainly because what one person might see as ok or right to do another sees it as wrong or not ok to do. An ethical problem doesn’t only exist between two people; a majority of them exist within a single person. They create questions such as; should I be doing this? Or how long can I do this before a rule/law is broken? To look at these questions more closely we need to go back to a person’s core values.
Values and Me
According to wordnet.princton.edu values are defined as beliefs of a person or group in which they have an emotional investment. These beliefs or values are usually pasted down or taught to us by elders in our family or community. Our personal values are what we hold highest in our life and breaking one of these values is one of the hardest things to do because they hold the highest consequences. Once you break one of your personal values it begins to “eat” at you from the inside and affects your body mind and soul. I personally have always been taught that family is first no matter what followed by honesty and dependability. I have a very large family that is very active in our community and has gained a reputation for being very dependably and trustworthy. I know that it is my responsibility to continue my grandparents and parents legacy and if I ever go against those values I experience some of the worst feelings I’ve ever had. For me work has never been too high on my personal value list. I value a strong work ethic but as far as my job/career there are other values I hold...