2020 Student of Integrity Scholarship Recipients

Sarah writes: “In the ever changing and competitive world of business and with increased visibility of a company’s actions by consumes through technology, it is more important than ever for companies to have high standards in ethics. These high standards ensure a business retains the best employees, maintains a strong reputation, and meets (or exceeds) the wants and needs of its customers. These ethics and sense of integrity are the foundation of a strong community and are vital in the world of business”. 

Emily writes: “Although ethics may seem contrasting among groups, tenets exist that are universally accepted as correct. Habits including a sense of principle, a bond of trust, and a promise of responsibility are important in business and communities. Without the cohesiveness of ethics, businesses cannot prosper because there is no sense of security. In order to keep the private sector secure and ensure a peaceful community, ethics of principle, trust, and responsibility must be prioritized”. 

Mia writes: “Ethical behavior is not only important for the reputation of a business, but it is also important in teaching younger members of the community proper ethical behavior. As a society, it is important for people to exemplify proper ethical behavior so younger generations can learn from those teachings. Without proper examples of ethical behavior, these standards overtime will become devalued and could possibly disappear, resulting in chaotic issues”. 

Katherine writes: “These times are revealing just how important ethics should be in business and the community. It is revealing that good sound ethics should be at the center of business and at the center of our communities. Without good ethics, not only would it be impossible to get through these times, but it would also be impossible to get through life. I have heard it said that unless you live and work under a rock you need to know the proper way to treat people and that does (what good ethics in business, the community, and everyday life) know the proper way to treat people”.  

Evan writes: “Ethics are moral principles that determine behavior and the way one conducts themselves. It is important to all parties that individuals, businesses, charities and communities practice good ethics. Consumers benefit when businesses provide services or products that were promised and at the quality level expected.  Businesses benefit from practicing ethics by creating a loyal customer base and the profits that can be earned. Charities practice good ethics benefit their mission and those they serve. In the end, everyone benefits when ethics is practiced including individuals, businesses, consumers and charities”.  

Michael writes:“Trust and loyalty are hugh factors when dealing with ethics in business. While trust in business and community help to generate positive word of mouth leads, it can also create loyalty from the business and the customer. When you trust a business owner, you are more likely to be a return customer. This creates a working, trusting relationship between the two, resulting in a successful business-community practice. Some key things to consider here are: professional ism, customer reviews and live chats, being prompt, being consistent, and valuing the customer. Customer loyalty and trust go hand in hand are both crucial factors in a business brand’s long-term success. Without loyal and trustworthy business practices, the economy drops, and businesses fail.  There is a balance between trust and loyalty, integrity, and positive service. These are the best business practices for a successful business venture“.

Lexi writes: “Overall, communities and businesses have to learn to respect each other’s morals and beliefs; they do not have to agree with those who have different ethics, but they have to respect them. For example, I would not want anyone to disrespect me for my religious beliefs therefore; I do not disrespect people for theirs. I might not agree with them, but I have to respect them. The same concepts can apply to businesses. Not every business will have morals that I agree with, such as environmentally unsafe business practices or testing on animals. However, I have to respect their decisions and realize not every business has the same morals. In conclusion, ethics are important in business and communities, but it is the respect that we show for one another’s ethics that is crucial for our success and contentment”.  

Andie writes: “The difference between morals and ethics is very insightful, because bringing religious morals into a business may be a deterrent for some customers, while being generally ethical ensure that no man feels he is treated unfairly. If businesses were to vet their decision through a lens of universal fairness, then the inclusion of all people would be a given. The customer and employee pool would immediately broaden as it does for all companies who bear the title “equal opportunity provider”.  Practicing good ethics in business is not easy in a society dominated by the love of money”.  

Jason writes: “ Being ethical, or being moral and righteous, is important in all aspects of life, but it is particularly important in the business world and one’s community because they help in forming strong connections between groups or individuals that produce assets for all. Moreover, behaving ethically strengthens relationships and beyond within the community. The role of ethics in building enduring relationships provides other benefits for businesses and communities as well”. 

Madison writes: “Today we stand on a treacherous ground as the world struggles to keep up with the demands of an ever-growing and ever-changing community. As the effects of globalization continue to blossom, we as a nation are beginning to understand how closely our economy, and the resulting businesses and corporations, are tied to those across our borders. In this area of unchartered expansion and unprecedented challenges, both culturally and socially, the concept of ethics has claimed newfound importance in business and our community; ethics provide the moral principles on which we conduct ourselves as we stumble forward in this unfamiliar territory.  To put the influence of ethics in a current perspective, one could look to the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across our world. One of the most widely used preventive measures is social distancing; people have asked themselves, “Is it ethical to leave my house for this reason”? Thus demonstrating the relevance of ethical behavior in our community”.