Ethics And Ethics: The Definition Of Ethics

According to Northhouse (2010), ethics originate from the Greek word ethos which interprets customs, conduct or character. Hence, ethics tend to be apprehensive with the kinds of values and morals that individual or society finds fascinating or appropriate. Furthermore, ethics also tend to be apprehensive with the virtuousness of individuals and their motives (p.378). Similarly, Yukl (2010), states that the definition of ethics includes “values, traits and behaviours” (p.330). Mckerrow also suggested that, ethics emerge from the recognition that fundamental needs are the same for everyone so that what is good and right must also be the same for everyone at all times.

April, Peters, Locke and Mlambo (2010), also describes ethics in terms of “moral obligation, responsibility, social justice and noble” which one can learn or it can be intrinsically within an individual (p. 157). In addition, ethics involves rules of conduct through which human beings live in relation to other human beings, nature, God and themselves, and against which human actions and proposals are judged to be respectable or immoral, correct or incorrect within the particular context. Therefore, ethics implies a rationale, discursive practice on the part of the individual and is most evident at a time of ethical dilemma (April et al, 2010). Similarly, Josephson (2001), assert that ethics involves two things. The first one being the ability to distinguish between right from wrong and the second one involves