A question of ethics: Is what I am doing wrong or right?

The world's ethical preoccupation has gone to hell. Nobody cares about rules and regulations anymore. The end justifies the means, who cares how you did as long as you get it done? At a seminar on Management and Administration, I had the opportunity to discuss ethics and ethical dilemmas. The topic made me reflect on the kind of leadership we have in major organizations around the world today and even in countries. Everyone is talking about results these days, not many people are concerned about how those results are attained. Did we go by the book, use a little blackmail, arm-twisting, inducement or extra ordinary persuasion that borders on the ethical? Meet your targets, the boss says, do what you have to do as long as you get what the organization wants. 
If you believe in right and wrong, you will once in while find yourself in an ethical dilemma! Picture the situation you are in, in a sector where everyone is cutting corners to make profit. They know its wrong, you know its wrong. You are lagging behind in your profits and targets would you do it or not? What if you are getting queries for non performance?
Here's the catch: you ought to be able to get the job done within the ethical frame work of the organization and without cutting corners and going against your own principles and beliefs that are based on morals. 
Reviewing the following questions help to serve as a guide to what is ethical and what is not, what is wrong and right. Even if you do not want to answer, your mind will tell you the right answer.

—

Is it legal/ethical?

—Does it feel right?

—How would it look in the newspaper?

—Will it reflect negatively on you or the company?

—Who else could be affected by this?

—Would you be embarrassed if others know about your course of action?

—Is there an alternative action that does not pose an ethical conflict?

—Is it against your policy?

—What would a reasonable person think?

—Can you sleep at night?

The yes/no answer will help you know if you working on the right path.