Ethics as a class?

A few classmates have blogged about Ethics as a business class. I thought I'd offer my two cents on the issue...

Ethics is undoubtedly important in business as it shapes how workers deal with each other, partners, suppliers, customers, etc. Ethics represent a set of values with some buffer in either direction. Different countries, regions, and companies possess different value sets. Once a company identifies the standards and definitions of ethics they wish to portray, they may work to alter employee behavior through rewarding positive ethical behavior and admonishing (or punishing) unethical behavior.

IMHO, I don't believe that ethics should be treated as it's own class. As with any value system a company wishes to instill within its company's culture, the real focus should be motivation. Through motivation, organization, and communication, a company may identify and develop a code of company ethics. My last blog depicted a business where the company encouraged unethical behavior. I believe that if they wished to, this company could easily address these behaviors. Unfortunately in business, ethics often takes a backseat to profits.