KEY CONCEPTS

ACTIVITY: 

Prompt:
In your workbook, write five personal principles. For each, include:

• A real-world application (where this would apply)

• Why it matters to you personally

• A potential challenge you may face in following it
  
  

Sample Principle:
Principle: I will speak up when I witness injustice.

• Application: Reporting bullying at school or unethical behavior at work.

• Why it matters: Staying silent makes me feel complicit; I value fairness.

• Challenge: Fear of backlash or being seen as a “snitch.”
  
  

Why It Is Important:
Having a personal code of ethics builds self-respect, builds trust with others, and prepares you for real-world ethical situations—both in your personal life and future career.

2. Integrity

Definition:
Integrity means being honest, trustworthy, and consistent in your values—even when no one is watching. It involves doing what’s right, not just what’s easy or beneficial to you.

Example:
After receiving too much change from a cashier, a person returns the extra money—even though they could have walked away without consequences.

Key Traits of Integrity:

• Accountability: Owning your actions and decisions

• Reliability: Following through on promises

• Moral Courage: Standing up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular
  
  

SHSM Link (Transportation or Logistics):
In careers where safety and accuracy are essential (e.g., truck driving, shipping, dispatch), integrity ensures that mileage logs, vehicle inspections, and delivery documentation are done honestly. Small errors or lies can lead to serious legal and safety consequences.

Reflection Question for Students:
When was the last time you had to choose between convenience and doing what was right? What did you choose—and why?

3. Ethical Identity

Definition:
Ethical identity is how clearly and consistently your actions reflect your personal values. It means your beliefs (what you say matters to you) and your behavior (what you actually do) are aligned. It’s about being authentic—across different settings: school, work, home, or online.

Example:
A person who values kindness avoids arguing or gossiping at work and instead chooses to de-escalate conflict and treat others with empathy, even when stressed or provoked.

Key Characteristics:

• Consistency: Your values show up in every setting

• Self-awareness: You know what you stand for

• Respect from Others: People trust you to act with integrity
  
  

SHSM Link (Any Sector – Especially Community Services or Arts & Culture):
In people-facing careers, such as education, customer service, or performance arts, how you act under pressure or in public reflects your professional identity. Clients, colleagues, and audiences will form opinions based on how well your actions match your stated values.

Think About This:
Ask yourself:

• Do my social media actions reflect my real-life values?

• If someone only saw how I behave online, what would they assume I care about?