Personal Ethics Development Paper

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Personal Ethics Development Paper Danielle Church PHL/323 July 9, 2014 Tony Calloway Personal Ethics Development Paper The definition of "ethics" according to Nelson and Trevino is "the principles, norms, and standards of conduct governing an individual or group" (Rotta, 2007, pg. 13) .The success of any group, whether community, business organization, or family unit depends on the development of a set of agreed upon ethics or rules of behavior. Sharing ethical standards fosters cohesion in groups and allows a harmonious work and living environment. Human civilization produces on the development of ethical standards and the expectation that all individuals will abide by these standards. Even cross-culturally there are many ethical codes that human beings can recognize on. Most individuals, from every nation, will agree that dishonesty, stealing, and hurting other individuals (or animals) on purpose is unethical. From this primary standard, groups develop own codes of conduct that align with their cultural environment. How Ethics Develop The human individual begins developing an ethical standard or character almost from birth. As a small child one is taught right from wrong, develops empathy for others through behavioral observation, and learns to behave in a manner acceptable in his or her immediate environment. For most children, the parent plays a key role in helping to develop an ethical system3. The parents' system derived from their parents' ethical codes as well as what they personally have experienced over their lifetimes. For many families, the church or religious belief has a great deal to do with how ethics and morals are definable. As a child grows older he or she begins to attend school to develop skills and ethics. Everything one needs to know to be successful in society one learns in kindergarten such as, clean up after yourself, be kind to

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