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Establishing ethics in an organization by using principles

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Abstract

Laws, codes, and rules are essential for any community, public or private, to operate in an orderly and productive fashion. Without laws and codes, anarchy and chaos abound and the purpose and role of the organization is lost. However, danger is significant, and damage serious and far-reaching when individuals or organizations become so focused on rules, laws, and specifications that basic principles are ignored. This paper discusses the purpose of laws, rules, and codes, to help understand basic principles. With such an understanding an increase in the level of ethical and moral behavior can be obtained without imposing detailed rules.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brigham Young University College of Engineering and Technology 265K CTB, 84602, Provo, Utah, USA

    Val D. Hawks, Steven E. Benzley & Ronald E. Terry

Authors
  1. Val D. Hawks
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  2. Steven E. Benzley
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  3. Ronald E. Terry
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Correspondence to Val D. Hawks.

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Hawks, V.D., Benzley, S.E. & Terry, R.E. Establishing ethics in an organization by using principles. SCI ENG ETHICS 10, 259–267 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-004-0021-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-004-0021-9

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