Ethics is a code of behavior that is defined by the group to which an individual belongs. Ethics help members of a group understand their roles and responsibilities so they can work together to achieve mutual benefits such as security, access to resources, and the pursuit of life goals.

The law is a system of rules that tells us what we can and cannot do. Laws are enforced by a set of institutions (the police, courts, law-making bodies). While legal acts are acts that conform to the law, moral acts conform to what an individual believes to be the right thing to do.

Laws raise important and complex issues concerning equality, fairness, and justice, but do not provide a complete guide to ethical behavior. As a result, practitioners in many professions subscribe to a code of ethics that states the principles and core values that are essential to their work and, therefore, govern their behavior. The code can become a reference point for helping an individual determine what is legal and what is ethical; however, an individual will also be guided by his or her set of morals.

consider 'legal' versus 'ethical' behavior.

Look at the chart shown in Figure 1-2, of Chapter 1 . Provide a variety of examples of activities that fit into each of the four quadrants of the legal versus ethical chart. Consider actions based on situations faced in their own lives as well actions that might be taken by managers, CEOs, and public officials. Brainstorm a number of examples for each quadrant and make a list of your best ideas for each one. Have a mix of examples that draw on own experiences as well as experiences that managers and community leaders might have.

Provide one example for each quadrant. examples must be distinctly different from one another.