What Does It Mean to “Do the Right Thing?”

By Linda Fisher Thornton

The “Keep it Simple” approach is good for many situations, but keeping it simple will set you up for failure in ethics. Using an oversimplified approach to solving a complex ethical problem just means you leave out variables you should be considering.

5 Reasons a “Do the Right Thing” Message Isn’t Enough

Nobody knows what it means
Even though it is positive, it is too vague to direct good choices
Everyone defines it differently, and acts on their definition
Unless you painstakingly define what you mean by “do the right thing,” there is no common understanding of ethical expectations across the organization
A vague definition can be used to justify unethical choices that “seem right” when you’re not using an ethical framework

“Do the Right Thing” is a wonderful starting point, but we need to define it in great detail. Otherwise, people will do whatever THEY think is the right thing, and that could pull your organization off course.

Ethical leaders don’t just ask people to “do the right thing.” They share examples of people who have done the right thing. They explain ethical performance standards that define “the right thing” according to ethical values and bring it to life in discussions about how to handle competing interests. This approach keeps everyone headed in the same positive direction.