Ethics: Should You Care?

Ethics is a concept that can be quite complex and confusing for many people. It’s not always easy to understand what is and is not ethical, especially since everyone has different beliefs and values.

However, the question remains — does ethics actually mean anything in your life?

What is ethics all about?

The principles of ethics are based on moral values, which vary depending on your cultural, social, and personal beliefs, and how you were raised.

Some common ethical principles include honesty, loyalty, fairness, respect and responsibility. These principles guide our behavior regardless of whether there are any laws or rules in place that regulate them.

Ethics play a vital role in shaping the type of person you are and the kind of people you attract.

But why should you care about ethics?

Other people's ethics do affect you. For one, ethical behavior and principles are the foundation for building trust and promoting positive relationships. If you consistently act in an ethical manner, people will trust you and be more likely to want to work or do business with you.

by John Quam

On the other hand, if you act unethically, you will not only lose people’s trust and respect, but you may also face legal consequences.

Furthermore, your own personal ethics can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your life. Living a life guided by principles that align with your moral beliefs can give you a sense of peace and satisfaction. It can also help you make better decisions and navigate challenging situations with confidence.

Importance of ethics in the workplace

Now let's talk about the importance of ethics in the workplace. Employees are often expected to follow a certain standard of behavior while on the job, which includes adhering to ethical principles. If someone in the workplace acts unethically, it can not only harm the reputation of that individual, but it can also damage the business's reputation. Don’t forget, the world is a small place and information is transmitted rapidly.

Ethics are the moral principles that govern our behavior and guide us toward making the right decisions. The importance of ethics in the workplace can never be overstated.

Do the ethics of the person in charge transfer to how their employees act?

Yes, they certainly do. When leaders display positive ethical behavior, their employees are more likely to follow suit. On the other hand, if a leader acts unethically, it can create a toxic work environment where employees feel uncomfortable and may even engage in unethical behavior themselves. “They did it so I can too” is their rationale.

By setting clear guidelines and expectations, employees are more likely to uphold ethical behavior and create and maintain a positive impact that your group is known for. Leaders set the tone for their teams.

What if the leader is a director of an ethics group and commits an ethics violation?

If the leader of an ethics group commits an ethics violation, it is a serious breach of trust and can undermine the credibility of the entire organization.

It can also have a lasting negative impact on the lives of those involved. If the leader is found to have violated ethical standards, it is important that they are held accountable and take responsibility for their actions.

It is also essential that the organization takes steps to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. This means that the organization must take a hard look at its ethical policies and practices and make any necessary changes to prevent future violations.

Ethics mean a great deal in our lives, and when a leader in an ethics group fails to live up to these standards, it diminishes the value of ethics and undermines the group's causes. It also puts into question those who are a part of the organization and advertise it as a way to attract business.

A damaged reputation is hard to repair. What happens if your ethics are attacked unjustly by an adversary? Should you respond or let it go and consider the source?

Basically, it comes down to you only own your name once.

Costa Rica’s rainy season has been unusually late getting started this year, at least in Guanacaste. But Howler readers can be all set to enjoy this time of year in ways that may seem surprising. Our related cover stories aim to challenge common rainy season myths, while suggesting a variety of outdoor and indoor activities alike — from whitewater rafting to museum visits.

We’re delighted to introduce a new food and dining section, including traditional Tico recipes and a reader’s choice page with eatery recommendations. In the same issue, you’ll find fascinating flora and fauna features, mountain bike tour inspiration and stunning beach images viewed through a drone’s lens. We highlight the sports of kitesurfing and pickleball in Costa Rica, as well as an innovative dog rescue initiative and a local community band’s Rose Parade success story. Our artist spotlight shines on the captivating works of a muralist and a wood sculptor.

Josué Gómez. Attorney and notary public at GM Attorneys in San José.

Karl Kahler. Author of "Frommer's Costa Rica 2017," former travel editor of the Tico Times and former national editor of California's San Jose Mercury News.

Mary Martin Mason. Published author whose latest book, Casa de Doloros, was inspired by her experiences and adventures as a U.S. expat living in Atenas, Costa Rica. A regular writer for the Mango Musings blog, and also an award-winning former columnist with The Southwest Journal in Minneapolis, who also taught high school English in Houston, Japan and Minnesota.

Juan Carlos Rojas. Costa Rican writer and nature guide living in Dominical.

Patricia Sterman. Argentinian fashion design graduate, living in Costa Rica for more than 20 years. Owner of Azul Profundo Boutique, jewelry manufacturer and co-founder of SalveMonos animal protection group.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF

John B. Quam executive director - Terry Carlile

Captain Paul Watson. Globally renowned ocean conservationist and environmental activist, advancing marine ecosystem protection initiatives through the new Captain Paul Watson Foundation. Co-founder of the Greenpeace Foundation and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Anna Kathryn Williams. Freelance writer and children’s book author from Memphis, Tennessee who studied at the University of Mississippi. She will be publishing a series of children’s books called Conscious Kiddos in 2024.

Photographers

Jalil El Harrar. German photographer now living on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. He is a master of capturing art in nature, transpiring over years of disciplined observation and commitment to his craft.

Fred Lipsky. Retired New York police officer, now enjoying kayak fishing and nature photography adventures in Costa Rica.

account executive

Mary Fernández

Editorial Staff

Debbie Bride - Editorial Coordinator

Laurie Quam - Copy Editor

HOWLER (™) 2017

Cont act

John Quam - Managing Partner headmonkey@howlermag.com

Editor: editor@howlermag.com

Advertising: terry@howlermag.com

Design: design@howlermag.com

CR Office: (506) 4701-5942

Howler Magazine Costa Rica @howlercostarica @thehowlermag @howlermagazine

The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Howler organization or its advertisers.

• Artesano Architect and Design

• Bookstore of the Waves

• Force One Security

• GM Attorney

• Hidden Garden Art Gallery

• Horizon Pacific Rental Property

• Grupo Tropigala S.A.

• Liberty Express

• Mar Vista

• Odry's Massage

• Tres Amigos Realty Group

THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISING PARTNERS!

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests write to: info@howlermag.com.

The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements.

Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services.

Copyright © 2023

The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A

Copyright © 2023 Howler Media Holding, Inc. Panama

The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A.

Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213

HOWLER (TM)2021

Click on the section to go directly to those pages.

UP FRONT:

• Busting the Myths About Rainy Season

• Don't be Deterred by the Rainy Season

• Whitewater Rafting and Other Adventures

Editorial: Ethics: Why Should You Care?

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

• Should I Use a Travel Agent?

• Two New Plant Species Indentified

• Tropical Flowers and Hummingbirds

• Mountain Bike Tours

• The Emerald Toucanet

• Blue Zone Drone Takes You Higher

• Presidential Fishing Challenge

Cr Biz

• Costa Rica Issued First License

• Low Impact Environmental Projects

• Why Costa Rica Must Regulate Unlicensed Vacation Rentals

• Costa Rica Needs to Maintain Climate Achieved in Recent

• Honda Launches Preventive

CR FASHION

• Staying Happy in the Rain

• The Bikini

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

• Thank you Hidden Garden Art Gallery

• Marching to the Rose Parade Beat

• The Language of Wood

• Rolo's Then and Now Collections

• Muralist Returns to Restore Atenas Mural

Pura Vida

• A Rescue Quest in Costa Rica

• Pickleball Sweeping Costa Rica

• Sailing Into Harm's Way

• Spanish: Wining and Dining

Cr Surf

• Tide Chart, Sun, Moon Schedule

• The Diversity of Surf Locations

• Kitesurfing Costa Rica

License for Medical Cannabis Projects

Regulate Untaxed and Rentals

Maintain the Good Investment

Decades

Preventive Campaign

Rica Rica

Real Estate

Schedule Locations

• Tuanis Sunset Realty

• Horizon Pacific

• Sun Real Estate

• Grupo Tropical

• Tres Amigos

FOOD/DINING

• Reader's Choice: Grill Alvarito

• From the Kitchen: Plantain Fritters

• Recipe - Smash Tacos

• Recipe - Black Bean Salad