Which Values Are Ethical Values?

By Linda Fisher Thornton

My Applied Ethics students asked a great question that I want to answer in today’s post: “Which Values Are Ethical Values?”

Quick Overview

Not all values are ethical values. Some values, such as efficiency, do not have an ethical component. Some ethical values involve qualities of an ethical self (such as honesty and integrity). Others describe positive and ethical behavior toward others, the environment and society.

Ethical values by definition are positive and they often require that we stretch outside of our own interests to respect, protect, serve and help others.

A (Starter) List of Ethical Values

Accountability
Altruism
Avoiding Harm
Benevolence
Care
Citizenship
Collaboration (See also Mutual Benefit)
Competence (Ethical)
Confidentiality
Doing Good
Fairness
Global World View
Greater Good
Honesty
Inclusion
Integrity
Justice
Kindness
Long-Term Thinking
Moral Awareness
Mutual Benefit
Open-Mindedness
Personal Congruence (Thoughts, words and actions aligned)
Positive Intent
Precaution (Choosing safe, healthful ingredients in food products, for example)
Preventing Harm
Respect For Boundaries
Respect For Others
Respect For Human Rights and Dignity
Service
Support For Well-Being of Others
Sustainability
Taking Responsibility
Transparency
Trustworthiness
Valuing Differences

Our values define who we are and drive the choices we make. Don’t let your daily decisions be made on autopilot. Choose the ethical values that will guide your life and your leadership.

For more on ethical values, see ChangeThis.com publication “What Ethical Leaders Believe” and Linda’s leadership book 7 Lenses, which gives a clear picture of ethical values through 7 Lenses and 14 Guiding Principles.