Differentiate Between Morals & Ethics
- Morals are described as social constructs: A set of rules or values created by the society to determine right and wrong. Morals are more accurately derived from religious, or principle-centered values that do not change within a social organization or culture. Morals are ultimately about right and wrong behaviors and choices. Morals should be the foundation from which ethical behavior and personal character rise.
- Ethics are based on a formal set of rules adopted by an organization, and the formal code of ethics can benefit the organization by promoting consistent results. Examples of ethical codes include professional ethics for the medical field and legal practices. Ethics are internally defined and personally adopted by individuals serving within a particular career path.
- Highly successful individuals integrate their personal ethics and morals. These individuals are described as possessing high levels of personal integrity. These individuals can be counted on to say what they mean, mean what they say, and follow through on their promises. A person is considered to behave ethically when his decisions are consistent with his morals and values.
- Those who make decisions inconsistent with their stated personal morals are described as lacking integrity, or being unethical. The person who has not integrated her choices with her morals, and does not make decisions based on these principles, often creates significant internal emotional conflict. When a professional makes decisions based on changing external social or economic pressures, the resulting internal struggle and external consequences of her decisions often complicates her professional lives and personal relationships.