Ethics – a foundation competency

Businesses cannot ignore ethics. Indeed, for some ethics has been added to their corporate values. But help is needed by businesses in integrating ethical practices and competencies. Initially this requires an increased and shared understanding of ethics in business. Three possible approaches are explained and explored, viz; social, transcendental and tactical. The case for ethics in business is made by highlighting the consequences of potential dilemmas between individual and organisation values. The role of ethics in being emotionally intelligent is explored. Specifically, aspects of emotional intelligence are considered in the context of leaders experiencing day‐to‐day ethical challenges. Finally, the challenge to trainers is highlighted in tackling what can be a major transformational process for organisations.