Ethics Resource Center: What We Believe

ERC's activities and methods are based upon several fundamental assumptions.

Gathering information is essential.

• Any solution for addressing ethics and compliance in a company should be based on a thorough assessment of areas of vulnerability within the organization. Nuances of culture, standards and pressures should be taken into account to collect baseline data and set priorities.

It's never too late to learn ethical conduct.

• While every person develops his or her strongest notions about ethics early in life, ideas about the right conduct grow and change with experience. Strategies can be employed to strengthen ethical decision-making at all ages.

Organizations impact individuals.

• One of the most powerful influences on behavior is the workplace. Emphasizing ethics through key individuals in an organization can impact business conduct.

Every organization is different.

• Values, perspectives and priorities are different in every organization. An ethics/compliance initiative must be tailored to the unique culture and needs of the organization.

Ethics is a global issue.

• While cultures and backgrounds differ widely around the world, the presence of corruption and the need for integrity is universal.

Leadership matters.

• No effort to address ethics and compliance will succeed without the commitment and role modeling of executive leadership. Ethics programs should "set the tone from the top."

Good business means good ethics.

• Programs in ethics should not be window-dressing. Risk for misconduct is only reduced when an organization is willing to turn away business opportunities if they compromise organizational standards.

Impact is measurable.

• Information can be gathered around key indicators to gauge the impact of an ethics/compliance program and other changes in ethical culture.