Personal ethics act as the foundation for our moral compass; the internal guide that tells us whats

right and wrong. They drive our actions and, to a certain extent, your emotions, on a daily basis.

But where do they come from? And why do people who appear similar sometimes have completely different sets of personal ethics?

These are the reasons:

Family Influences Personal Ethics While our parents cant dictate our morality, they are typically the first to voice and demonstrate ethical boundaries for us. Most parents consider it one of their critical jobs to instill a strong sense of right and wrong in their children. Religious Beliefs Impact Personal Ethics Religious beliefs have a unique impact on personal ethics. In general, religion allows people to accept an established set of moral rules. By following these spiritual laws, people feel they are behaving ethically. Culture Affects Ethical Norms Culture can dictate the ethical norms that people are used to and come to expect. The culture we live in may impact your ethical code more than we even realize, simply because it surrounds you. Experience Can Shift Your Ethics The events that happen in our life can also impact our ethics. Emotion and personal understanding may cause a powerful shift in beliefs. For example, many people claim to be against the death penalty. However, if a loved one is murdered, they may find themselves feeling differently when looking into the eyes of the person responsible.

Internal Reflection Personal ethics are also developed by our feelings. When we do something that is against our moral code, we feel bad, guilty or ashamed. Likewise, when we do something that fits into our ethical idea of right we feel good, proud or happy. This causes a sort of immediate feedback for creating our moral standards and making ethical decisions.

How do I develop a personal code of ethics?

Developing our own personal code of ethics is one of the most important things we can do for our self. A personal code of ethics puts into writing those ideas and philosophies that are the essence of our life and allows us to say I will do this because I believe this. A code of ethics is a document, which we can look to each day not only as a reminder of what you believe in but also as an encouragement to carry on with your daily walk. The main question most people have is how do I develop a personal code of ethics? The answer really is quite simple, but it will take a little work and thought on our part.

First,
Take stock of our life. Take the time to write down who we are. This is a reflection of who we believe our self to be. Think of it this way. If we asked a friend to describe we, what would they say? An example of this would be someone saying to you that you are helpful or that you are kind. List all the traits that anyone has ever pointed out to you. Second, Think about what you believe. Make a list of all of your ethical beliefs. Dont worry about why you believe them just write down as many of your personal beliefs as you can think of. These are the beliefs that carry you through your everyday life and define your decision-making process. Third, Think about the places you work, rest, and play and how you relate to all the people you come in contact with. Are there things that you would like to change about these relationships that would involve listing them in a code of ethics? I am not only talking about any obvious things like any misdealing with customers or family members. I am talking about the little things as well, such as gossip, etc.

Fourth, Now that you have your beliefs written down, think about why you believe them. This is essential because it sets up how important each of your beliefs are to you. The source of all ethical beliefs is the Bible. So if you have any favorite verses, now would be the time to list them next to each of your beliefs that is shaped by a biblical truth. Now that you have all the information about who you are and why you believe what you do, it is time to write and develop a personal code of ethics. This is not as hard as you think it might be, but it will take you a little time to think about what you want to include and not include. The first part of your personal code of ethics is the purpose for your personal code of ethics. Are you writing it to regulate your behavior or to inspire you to greater heights? Whatever your reason, this is where you will develop the philosophy behind your code of ethics. The only requirement is that the purpose, as well as the code of ethics, be tailored to your needs. The second part of your personal code of ethics is what I like to call the I will section of your personal code of ethics. God, in the Bible, set up His I wills which are based on who He is. This is the same thing you need to do. Go through the list of how people see you and look to see if any match up to what you believe. This is the aspirations section of your document. All the traits that you now exhibit as well as those you wish to develop should be included. The third part of your code of ethics is the rules or beliefs you expect yourself to follow when dealing with other people. These are all the whys listed in the information gathering part of the process of writing a personal code of ethics. In this section, you might want to list some Bible verses that help you to see the importance of applying your personal code of ethics to your life. Once you are done writing the first draft, look it over and refine it as necessary and as changes come in your life. Remember you are writing the code of ethics and it will be up to you to follow it.

This code of ethics is one that I feel is important in life, both personally and professionally.

Personal Code of Ethics

These are my 10 personal codes of ethics:
1. To be honest- the more honest you are, the more trustworthy you become. We should always try to be as honest as possible because it is very much required to maintain our self respect in ourselves. For example: once I went to a shop and purchased a toffee of Rs 30 and I have given him 50 rupees note so he should return me 20 rupees but by mistake he takes 20 and returns me 30. Then it depends upon that our code of ethics that we are returning extra amount back or not, but if we would not return the amount back then certainly our soul will feel guilty even nobody can know it. In other aspect if we will return the extra amount back to shopkeeper then it will make a positive view in this thought and that can be helpful in long term. Everyone knows that stealing anything is very much unethical but steel a do except that in some cases I not ethical but I always try to minimize such situation: Stealing is wrong except for: Copying copyrighted print matter. Reason: many times I have done this to make my work easier but also taking care of it that to what extent it is going to harm other. Copying/downloading software. Reason: because most of software are available on internet that can be easily downloaded and the actual price of these softwares are too high. Copying/downloading movies and music Reason: because they are easily available without any risk and latest updates are made over there. Profiting from others billing mistakes. Reason: because sometimes these shopkeepers try to cheat us as for example taking extra money on the name of service tax. Stealing when everyone is else is doing it

Reason: because if I will not do that I might lag behind the others for example cheating in exams.

My DONTS:
Stealing when it is easy and I wont be caught. Stealing to get ahead.

Stealing to help others. Stealing office supplies.

Inflating billable hours

Borrowing without permission. Stealing from thieves.

Stealing from rich people. Stealing from the big organization.

Profiting from others ignorance Reason: I am not having different reasons for all my dont s that seems to be quite un ethical according to my code of ethics. I dont think this case of stealing can be proved right or unpardonable in most of circumstances.

2. Have integrity- the better of a person you are, the better an image you present.

My DOS

 I always try to became honest to the extent it is possible in any work or activity. Either that is about assignment or exam or anything else. I always forthright that is I always tries to say and propose the relevant things. I always tries to be sincere everywhere either in class or in any other shorts of social or extracurricular activity. I always try to propose anything that should be reliable for everyone in all respect. Maintain healthy group dynamics Intervene when necessary to aid the group in resolving issues Assure that the team members have the necessary education and training to effectively participate on the team Encourage creativity, risk-taking, and constant improvement Recognize and celebrate team and team member accomplishments and exceptional performance

Motivate and inspire team members Lead by setting a good example (role model) - behavior consistent with words Coach and help develop team members; help resolve dysfunctional behavior Facilitate problem solving and collaboration Strive for team consensus and win-win agreements

My DONTS I always try to not become dependable to the extent possible. I never try to discriminate anyone on the basis of colour, sex, race etc. I always try to maintain the integrity of team.

 I never use to prefer one member of team in comparison to other.

3. Be responsible- you must be responsible in life so that others can rely on you.

My DOS I always used to take responsibility of myself and my place for example when I use to be in class I use to be a responsible student. Take responsibility to motivate and direct the team if you are a team leader. Take responsibility of any faults and harm done accidently or intensely. Face the adverse situation as a responsible team member or team leader. My DONTs Dont blame other team member or colleagues for any short of mistakes and faults. Dont provide any false or uncertain information to others who depends on you. Dont take responsibility of work that you cant do.

4. Tell the truth- the value of truth is immeasurable, because without it, the world would just be filled with lies. My DOs Always try to speak truth unless and until it is very much necessary to tell lie. Even if you tells lies then also take care of it that you are not going to harm anyone. Lying/deception Lying and deceiving are wrong, except for: Telling lies to save someones feelings. Reason: because sometimes truth tastes more bitter than a lie. Telling lies to avoid punishment.

Reason: some time in fear of punishment we tell lie to save ourselves.

Telling lies for negotiation. Reason: because most of the time demand for more than actual is made. Telling lies to protect property Reason: sometimes some people try to take undue advantage of others property. Telling lies to prevent harm to self and other. Reason: to protect ourselves and others.

My DONTS Telling lies to avoid embarrassment. Telling lies to get ahead.

Inflating qualification on a resume. Telling white lies.

Telling lies to liars. Telling lies to children

Telling lies to your parents Telling lies to competitors.

Using euphemistic language. Making promise dont intended to make.

 Giving false impression through non-verbal means. Cheating when everyone is doing this.

5. Give credit where credit is due- without crediting people for their ideas/works, it is considered stealing and we are cheating them of their hard work. My DOS Always give respect to others if you want respect from others. Never ever discourage others.

Always give credits to the true deservers. Give proper reward and regard to others. My DONTS Never ever insult others. Dont take credit of others achievement.

Give the proper recognition to deserving people.

6. Be courteous- every act of kindness makes a difference in the life of someone. My DOs Always be loyal. Always maintain positive attitudes. .

Always listen to everyone. Be a kind hearted man.

My DONTS Never hurt anyone. Never behave rudely and arrogantly.

Dont comment on others.

7. Have respect- one of the most important things is to treat other as you wish to be treated. My DOs Always behave with others as you would like to be behaved. Respect for others feelings.

Care for others. Willing to help those who needs. My DONTs Dont hurt anyones self respect Never ridicule or intentionally heart others.

8. Trust- trust is the building block of relationships we create in our lives. My DOs Always trust on others or those who trust in you. Trust is adhesive between your relationships.

Always keep faith in your friends. My DONTs Dont have blind faith in others.

 Dont break the trust or faith of a person who loves you.

9. Be harmonious- to live together and get along with everyone is a delicacy that we all long for. My DOs Always try to live together like a team.

Always keep the team sprit above individual interest

Always remember unity has strength.

My DONTs
Respect everyones individuals interest.

Dont have negative attitudes.

10. Dont change who you are to please others - its not worth becoming a completely different person simply to make other people happy because by doing so, you may be making yourself unhappy.