Basics of an Ethical Education

Recent corporate scandals suggest that greed can overrule intellect, honesty and morality. Can future debacles be avoided by teaching ethics? Yes, says Robert Holmes, Ph.D., dean of the UAB School of Business. "I believe that you can prepare people for the situations, circumstances and temptations they will face as managers and executives. People can be taught to analyze situations and make good decisions." Some of his suggestions: see ethical dilemmas clearly and create solutions; examine the legality of your actions; imagine how you would feel if your family and friends knew what you were doing; ask yourself if you believe your decisions will stand the test of time; and consider how will it look in the newspaper.