Ethics - Walmart

Personal Ethics Development

By

Agapito Martinez

Business Ethics TMGT 3347

September 17, 2011

“The morality of a man is defined when he does the right thing when no one is watching”, I cannot remember where I first heard this or who said it, but it stays in my mind. I grew up in the old school philosophy of hard work, commitment, team work and honesty. These ethical perspectives were developed while living with my grandparents at their farm/ranch, afterwards with my parents and finally in my tour of duty with the United States Army.

Growing up in the family farm/ranch had its ups and down. We did not have plumbing or electricity, and I thought this was normal until I started school. I lived there with my grandparents (mother side) and great grandmother. These people were the major influence in setting the foundation of my ethical perspective. Since we did not have electricity, we did not have a television. Therefore I had plenty of time to sit with my grandparents and great grandmother after a long day of chores and just talk. My great grandmother who was a full blooded Apache Indian always talked to me about commitment and honesty. She would use the example on how her people the Apaches were committed to fighting to the end so they could be free. She would further discuss how the government was dishonest in keeping with the commitment they made with the Apache. Therefore she always lectured me that a true man would be honest and uphold his commitments.

My grandparents would talk to me about commitment, values of hard work, team work and honesty. My grandmother explain to me that her and grandfather were a team, that they depended on each other to ensure the success of farm/ranch. Grandfather would talk to me how hard work would pay off in the end. He would use the example on how he started the farm/ranch as a small 50 acres operation to a 400 plus acres spread. He would also not only talk to me about honesty, but I would see it every...