The importance of business ethics

What do you do when no one is watching? Are your actions in line with your values, your commitments, established laws, and the concepts of right and wrong? Do you have integrity? In short, are your actions ethical?

Ethics, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is nothing more or less than behavior “based on ideas which are morally right or wrong.” To align your choices, actions and priorities with what is inherently right, regardless of the situation, is the very basis of ethical behavior. A strong code of ethics in your personal life, in business and in government builds trust. There is virtually no facet of life in which ethics does not play some role.

Henry Paulson, the 74^th U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, said it best when he stated that “there’s nothing more important than ethics.” His belief is supported by renowned musician Wynton Marsalis, who proclaimed, “Ethics are more important than laws.” Why is that? Laws govern the land, but the adherence to not only written law but principles of right are governed by individual choices. Ethics. Something may not be illegal, but that doesn’t make it right. Ethics help make those gray areas clear.

Employees of service districts in Utah are expected to know and follow the Utah Public Officers and Employees Ethics Act. The document itself may seem complex; however, the code of conduct can be summed up by this quote from Potter Stewart, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States: “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.”

The state code of ethics is designed to help Utah residents gain a strengthened faith and confidence in their government. Members of the Utah Association of Special Districts have access to training provided by our knowledgeable specialists who can help you learn about Utah State Code in an informative and educational way, teaching you how to enact its principles and requirements in your district.

Are you familiar with the UASD Code of Ethical Conduct? Members of UASD and Members of the Board of District Representatives and of Trustees pledge to uphold the Association’s Code of Ethical Conduct as follows:

1. To maintain high standards of personal and professional integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all public activities to inspire public confidence and trust in Districts as units of local government.
2. To accept responsibility for and to generate and carefully nurture respect for the truth, for fair dealing with others, for sensitivity to rights and responsibilities of citizens, and for the good of all Districts as units of local government.
3. To be responsible for performance and to never compromise honesty and integrity for advancement, honors or personal gain.
4. To be discreet and respectful of proper authority and our elected or appointed leaders and to be sensitive to the expectations and values of the public we serve.
5. To avoid any interest or activity which is, or appears to be in conflict with the conduct of official duties.
6. To ensure that, in every instance, operations are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations governing Districts.
7. To use only legal and ethical means when seeking to influence legislation or regulations and to issue no false or misleading statements to legislators or to the public.
8. To utilize every opportunity to improve public awareness and understanding of Districts and their role in providing essential public services.
9. To refrain from the dissemination of any malicious information concerning individuals, other associations and organizations and their members, public entities or units of local government.