Ethics, Public and Private

Our text points to several influences that dilute the moral imperative of ethical organizational behavior. One of the factors cited was a "breakdown of traditional bonds as many societies have experienced a public-private 'split'" (p. 421). I believe ethics are a value system of behavior that is enacted in relationship to other people. As responsibility for ethical behavior becomes increasingly diffuse in the public sphere, accountability in the private sphere, also suffers. Moral issues that are played out in the public (media) can act as models to reinforce private behavior. Although lapses may be considered more newsworthy than good citizenship, I feel showcasing ethical behavior could be a worthwhile contribution to society for its own sake.