Some planners limit discussions of ethics to relatively simple, though important, questions about the propriety of their daily activities. For example, a government-training program in which government employees asked if it is proper to use public funds for their clothing cleaned while on a business trip. After some discussion, participants in the training program agree that it is ethical to charge the cleaning bill to the government if the cloth soiled in the course of government business, and if prior approval obtained from supervisor (Rohr, 1978).

There are innumerable ethical dilemmas  arise in a business setting. Some of them more obvious while some of them are more obscure. There is a simple basis that helps keep decisions in perspective. Businesses should operate in a manner that is legal, profitable, ethical and within social norms. Within social norms you need to use society to gauge if your decisions are appropriate. Some cultures define what is ethical and different from other cultures. Due to the fact that all businesses need to be profitable, sometimes over emphasis on making more money. Social norms should govern what is appropriate to compensate individuals as well as to charge customers. Profit expectations and goals should not require a business to cut corners in an unethical way or to misrepresent or twist facts.

There are many things that an organization can do to facilitate good ethical behaviors. One of the best things to make sure that the underlying culture of an organization promotes strong values. People should not be punished for coming forward with problems. As a matter of fact, workers should be allowed to communicate problems anonymously.

Always allow employees to share any ethical concerns with authority above them when there are ambiguities about the right thing to do. Include a code of ethics as a written document for employees to read. Develop brochures, mission statements and other media that express the company beliefs. Higher authorities within the organization should possess the beliefs and demonstrate the values that they want to see their employees feel.