In other words, ethics ensures that an action that is designed to achieve a certain objective will do so without violating a value. The only thing that is ever judged to be ethical or unethical is an action. The driving force in ethics is to do the right thing all the time and not to do the same thing all the time. We need to understand that legality and ethical compliance are different. An action might be prudent and legal but may well be unethical.
Professional practice is more than simply acting to the letter of the law.
This moral stance can be beneficial to organisations. The most significant input in instigating change is people and their attitudes to change. Success is more likely if influential players in the change process adopt the moral high ground rather than the legal baseline as this will promote a more favourable attitude from all those involved in the change process. The existence of an organisational mission which links purpose, strategy, corporate values and standards provides a framework for ethical behaviour. The question is whether this behaviour is acceptable to individuals and society.