Question

explain this statement ethical behavior is required of the owner before ethical behavior can be expected of the employees

Answer 1

Every company/organization has a code of ethics which is basically a policy/statement of company's values, ethics and responsibilities. Such values are required to be followed by each and every person who forms part of the organization. This includes the top management/owner of the company. It is only the owner which sets the right atmosphere in the company by following values of honesty and ethical behaviour.

A written statement of code of ethics and ethical behaviour is of no use unless it is been appropriately enforced and followed by every employee. What plays the most important role in influencing and convincing the employees to follow such ethical behaviour are the top players of the company including the management or the owner. If the owner himself follows unethical behaviour, that will only encourage his employees to do the same. Such an organization will not go far and it is highly detrimental to the future growth of the company. Hence it has been rightly said that "ethical behavior is required of the owner before ethical behavior can be expected of the employees".