Ethics have become an organizational priority. In the 21st century, ethics is neither a luxury nor an option. There is a growing impatience within society with selfish and irresponsible actions that impoverish some, while

enriching the crafty. Hewlett Packard demonstrated its commitment to ethical integrity under the leadership of Carly Fiorina. The former CEO of Hewlett-Packard said of her six-year tenure, “Some of the most important

choices I ever made were firing people who weren't conducting themselves with integrity” (Weil, 2007). In contrast, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was caught covering up knowledge about the addictiveness of nicotine.

Tolerating bad behavior to improve the bottom line and justifying it as “not really illegal” creates a climate that ultimately becomes corrosive. In addition to social responsibility, there are other compelling motivations for 21st

century organizations to make ethical values a priority. More than simply a legal or moral responsibility, ethics need to become an organizational priority. Organizational leaders have a lot on their minds in today’s highly

competitive world. They must keep abreast of rapid technological advancements, competitor’s products and services, the effects of globalization, and opportunities and threats within their own industry, to name the most

obvious. Leaders must also keep a constant eye on the mission, vision, values, culture, strategy and goals of their own organizations. In the midst of all of this complexity, it’s not easy to find room on the organizational plate

for another major priority. However, to succeed in the 21st century, organizations will have to figure out how to make ethics a priority. Priorities are those few things that are deemed most important. Many things are important, some more and some less important, but only a few things are most