Ethics Ethics being taught to us in institutional facilities or even forming part of certain profession code could never orient

the Professional individual to the right deeds. This statement which I believe that it should be treated as a fact is based on the belief that nothing will drive an individual's action unless it was really born and raised inside him, in other words self motivation is the key ingredient in the ethical approach which should be followed. Moreover ethics could never be split; thus the core values set forth by the RICS could never be respected by a member or a follower of the institution unless, personally, he is committed to such values as no one can follow ethical rules in his work or career unless he is bound to it in his life. The main opposing factor to adhering to generic ethics is the "Social Profile Appeal" which simply means 'if others are doing it why shouldn't I do? It has never been an excuse to justify our wrong deeds by claiming that we are not the only ones acting in the same manner; otherwise the civilized world would retard significantly due to such allegations. Therefore professional bodies as RICS, CIOB and others should pay more attention to the behavioural human nature, the nature which can manipulate the ethical code proportionally with the incremental potential benefit expected in return. This point indeed could be cured if the professional individual attempting doing so was faced with the anticipated consequences of his deception. Sessions, workshops, and induction lectures to new members that would be based on case studies of famous professional misconduct with its results might be one of the suggested solutions. Unfortunately and whilst we think that we develop and grow wise while gaining more experience in the market it is definitely a disappointment that we are losing our moral sense and conscience with time, and somehow profit figures could drive us instead of ethical principles. As a result we may meet in our workstation colleagues whom think that core values should be balanced in equilibrium with generated earnings; and thus these core values could be overwhelmed with the tempting earnings value. Such gray areas should be eliminated, and the burden of this task is shared between the professional bodies and the chartered surveyors whom their performance in work should be exemplary and inspiring, in order to be followed by other colleagues. Although the principle and theory of the Business Ethics and Core Values do indeed seem to provide a basis or grounding for a Surveyor to make sound ethical business decisions in the commercial world, in reality this may not be the case and they may not be appropriate drivers. I do agree that although the business ethics and morals can be taught to some extent, an individuals personal morals will influence their proper or improper professional behaviour in the workplace. Although correct personal morals are instinctive to some degree, this can be developed with knowledge of what is proper behaviour. There is of course another issue as to whether an individual who acts unethically knows they are acting in an unethical manner or not? Are the Business Ethics and Core Values going to be an appropriate driver to an individual who deliberately acts in an unethical and immoral way and knows this is the case? As businesses reply on profit for the business to stay viable, I suspect companies and individuals making unethical decisions based on maximising profit is a primary driver in the real commercial world ahead of the Business Ethics and Core Values discussed in paper 1 "Neither the "Business Ethics" as defined by Ferrell, Fraedrich and Ferrell nor the "Core Values "expected of the Chartered Surveyor are appropriate "drivers" in the real commercial

world " I would definitely agree with this statement in that business ethics nor core values are "Drivers" in the commercial world. However, in my personal experience with business as an Assistant QS at a Contractor, it is extremely important to be transparent, informative and make ethics decisions daily to ensure that you keep good relations for future business. This is a good question. One that we often aren't required to face head on due to the tight schedules of cashflow, valuations and project schedules, but something that I think is of value if you are building up a company's solid reputation for future work. My current experience within the building industry is that despite the respect and niceties within the industry, there is an underlying, unspoken violation of business ethics and core values. Something I feel I face everyday as a woman in the construction industry. "Neither the "Business Ethics" as defined by Ferrell, Fraedrich and Ferrell nor the "Core Values "expected of the Chartered Surveyor are appropriate "drivers" in the real commercial world "
I believe morality and integrity cannot be learned or taught in a classroom or through a set of rules. One can put on a garment to be accepted as part of a business or profession but this garment can also be changed or taken off depending on circumstances. To me such is a list of business ethics or code of conduct. Rules can be imposed on a "take it or leave it" basis and acceptability of business ethics or practices is dependent on whether or not you view them from within or from outside. It could be the means of survival businesswise or individually. I am sure you will agree with me in that it is becoming more difficulty to get any formal employment without some form of professional accreditation, particularly in our field. Therefore as a QS it is crucial to be aware of the core values by means of acquiring the MRICS title or better for employability or skill marketability purposes, which to me is the real personal drive. As others have alluded to, whether or not we apply these values in the job really depends on who you work for. It is a question of loyalty to your current employer. If you are fortunate in these economic troubled times, once you get the job, particularly in the private sector, what matters to the employer is how profitable your skill and experience is in terms of helping to maintain sustainable long term business relationships, managing the risk, ensuring a positive cash flow and maximizing the return(profit). These to me are the real commercial drivers.

With the tendency in current procurement arrangements moving more towards partnering based on openness and transparency many of us QS s are finding ourselves working in environments where the application of core values is the norm as you have to declare your cost as well as your profit. One may still ask though as to whether or not the cost on which a predetermined margin is applied is declared in honesty. My personal belief is that intergrity and honesty are vital to any professional career. I am glad to say my employer makes it possible for all employees to express their feelings and make their stand known, even though it may mean bypassing your line manager where deemed necessary.