Ethics and Mission Statement

Ethics 101 by John C. Maxwell has become one of my favorite books this year. It has challenged my beliefs and opened up my eyes to many different outlooks on ethics. I have matured in ways I couldn’t have even imagined at the beginning of the semester. There are seven chapters to Ethics 101 and after much helpful class discussion, I can truly understand where Maxwell is coming from. Now I would like to discuss each chapter, what I have learned in discussion, and my perspective on ethics. In addition, I am excited to share my mission statement in which I will soon be fulfilling more actively through my career in hospitality.

Chapter One: Whatever Happened to Business Ethics?

In chapter one of Ethics 101, Maxwell discusses business ethics and the three reasons he believes people make unethical choices. First, we do what is most convenient. “An ethical dilemma can be defined as an undesirable or unpleasant choice relating to a moral principle or practice.” This decision of convenience can be seen through work, school, even relationships. For example, when you have a forty-two page report due on the day before Thanksgiving, as well as two online quizzes and a mathematics problem set, do you try to plan in advance and email your professors when found overwhelmed or do you cheat and ask your friends for the answers? It seems we make exceptions to our values when under pressure. Second, we do what we have to in order to win. Our society has been conditioned to gain approval and fame and after all, no one likes to fail. Therefore, people will do anything to achieve their goal. Not only that, but people even believe that being ethical will limit their options. This isn’t surprising considering we are taught that nice guys always finish last. Third, we rationalize our choices with relativism. In other words, people judge themselves according to their good intentions. They tend to use their love as determination for right or wrong. I truly believe in all of these...