Articles

Ethical wellness: it’s a goal worth pursuing

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in CoachingNews.Africa - Vol 3 Issue 6
August 2021
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Ethical lessons from the looting and mayhem

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published on LinkedIn
20 July 2021
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Another ethical fail for South Africa – Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2020

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published on LinkedIn
29 January 2021
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Corporate ethical responsibility should encompass supply chain ethics

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published on LinkedIn
7 December 2020
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Dealing with unintended ethical failure (think Clicks)

If the current ethical outrage is a reflection of the recognised importance of ethics, there needs to be a clear, proactive answer to the question, ‘what can we do?’.

By Cynthia Schoeman
September 2020
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Responding to rampant corruption: get your own house in order

A critical first response is to move beyond public sector criticism to get the ethics in your own house in order.

By Cynthia Schoeman
August 2020
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The growth of corruption opportunities: state capture, the Covid crisis and, the big one, the IMF loan

By Cynthia Schoeman
July 2020
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The ethics of the side hustle and making ends meet

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in ACFE SA Veritas Magazine: Issue 2
June 2020
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Compliance and the ethics of making ends meet

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Directorship, Q2 2020, The Discipline Edition
May 2020
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Corporate South Africa can – and should – contribute to building an ethical state

By Cynthia Schoeman
Directorship Q3 2019
November 2019
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Corporate South Africa must make a contribution to building an ethical state

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Voices360
28 June 2019
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Ethical leadership matters

Without it, abuse of power and the preservation of power has far-reaching implications

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The Star & The Cape Argus
12 June 2019
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The importance of ethical leadership is well illustrated by its absence

In case you are not convinced of the importance of ethical leadership or think it is not such a big deal, consider the alternative.

By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on Voices360
11 June 2019
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Do you have an ethics strategy in place?

An ethics strategy and a supporting ethics plan are essential for all organisations. And it is than just trying to reduce unethical behaviour.

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Accountancy SA (ASA)
June 2019
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Consumers can curb counterfeiting

Thursday 6 June 2019 is World Anti-Counterfeiting Day. Once viewed as a problem limited to high-end luxury goods, counterfeiting now applies to goods of all kinds, including pharmaceuticals, electronics and works of art.

By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on Voices360
6 June 2019
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The case for the recognition of ethical capital as part of the Six Capitals model

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The Corporate Report, Volume 9, Issue 1
April 2019
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Workplace Ethics – Saying and doing beyond mere compliance

To avoid the risks and negative consequences of ethical gaps, there needs to be an alignment between what is said and done within the organisation. Saying and doing need to be focused on what’s right for the business, its people and its stakeholders.

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Accountancy South Africa
4 March 2019
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Unconscious bias, latent discrimination and real consequences

The primary guidance as regards offensive or discriminatory behaviour is clearly articulated in the South Africa Constitution.

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The Corporate Report, Volume 8, Issue 3
December 2018
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Do Boards fulfil their ethical roles effectively

Given the spate of ethical scandals in the private and public sectors, it would be prudent for governing bodies or board of directors to review whether they are fulfilling their ethical role effectively

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Directorship, The Institute of Directors in South Africa
April|May|June 2018
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The corporate culture continuum: from ethical to toxic

The importance of organisational culture rests on the definition of culture as ‘the way things are done around here’ because it illustrates that culture shapes behaviour in organisations. The quest for more ethical workplace behaviour makes culture especially pertinent, and the establishment of ethical conduct as the norm should be reason enough to position an ethical culture as a primary goal. However, organisational culture can stray very far from being ethical to being extremely toxic.

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Directorship
July|August|September 2017
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Creating an ethical culture in your organisation

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in SABPP HR Voice
July 2017
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What is the role of business in response to the state capture scandal?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Thought Thursdays, University of Stellenbosch Business School – Executive Development
7 July 2017
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What modern day slavery means for your organisation

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Voice
May 2017
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The ethics of leadership power

“The imperative for ethical leadership lies not only in its benefits, but also in the consequences of the abuse of power.”

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Directorship 2017 Q1
Jan|Feb|Mar 2017
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What’s the quality of your ethics strategy?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Thought Thursdays, University of Stellenbosch Business School, Executive Education
8 December 2016
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Follow three top ethics trends and get a return on integrity

Just as organisations seek a return on investment, so too they should pursue a return on integrity – the ethics ROI.

By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on USB Executive Education Thought Thursdays
11 August 2016
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Ethical confidence is essential for growth

For sustained growth, African countries will need to attract foreign investors. To do this successfully, they must run an ethical ship.

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The Official NEPAD Yearbook 2016
May 2013
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A major ethical dilemma: national security versus personal privacy and data security

What do you think Apple should do?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Setting the Example newsletter
February 2016
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Commentary: Nkandla, negative role models and sycophantic followers

To the extent that we can learn from what’s wrong and unethical as much as we can from what’s good (and sometimes more), the ethical lessons arising from the Nkandla saga deserve our attention.

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Setting the Example newsletter
February 2016
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Does the need for speed erode ethics?

Resist the temptation to cut ethical corners in order to get things done quicker

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
November 2015
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Guidance for social and ethics committees

Greater clarity regarding social and ethics committees is helpful

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
26 October 2015
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What are golden handshakes really paying for?

Do not use golden handshakes as a method for removing or replacing people in an organisation

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
August 2015
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Ethical capital: ignored, recognised or valued?

Are punitive measures sufficient to curb unethical practices, or is there another factor that could motivate an ethical approach in the workplace more effectively?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in ED Focus, USB Executive Development
July 2015
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Ethics and the new ROI: return on integrity

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Trialogue Annual Sustainability Review 2015
A supplement of the Financial Mail
21 May 2015
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Ethics at high speed

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in GIBS Acumen, Issue 12, Second Quarter 2015
May 2015
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CSR makes good business sense

There are a number of business benefits to implementing a corporate social responsibility initiative.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
May 2015
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Supply chain ethics

Expand your ethical boundaries.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
April 2015
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Embrace care as a core workplace value

Approached smartly, care can serve as a business benefit for your company.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
February 2015
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Can SMEs afford to be ethical?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on PRISA Newsletter
Jan 2015
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Ethics and remuneration

Follow these practical steps to ensure your payroll is managed ethically.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
December 2014
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SMEs can afford to be ethical

By Cynthia Schoeman
Publish in HR Future
November 2014
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To improve a due diligence, add ethics

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Professional Accountant, Issue 22
October 2014
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Six reasons to measure and report on ethics:Part 2

Consider the first three reasons that make a case for monitoring, measuring and reporting on your company’s ethics
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
October 2014
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When leaders lie

By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on PRISA Newsletter
September 2014
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Six reasons to measure and report on ethics:Part 1

Consider the first three reasons that make a case for monitoring, measuring and reporting on your company’s ethics
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
September 2014
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How ethical (or unethical) is your organisation’s culture?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in SABPP Newsletter, HR Voice
September 2014
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Clarify ethical guidelines

THave a policy for conflict of interest
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
August 2014
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Can SMEs afford to be ethical?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Publish in Professional Accountant, Issue 21
July 2014
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Aligning personal and company values

By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on HR Pulse
2 July 2014
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Ethics is not just about corruption and compliance

By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on HR Pulse
20 June 2014
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How to crack your company’s code of ethics

The five fundamental factors influencing critical documents
By Cynthia Schoeman
Publish in The Star and Pretoria News Workplace
June 2014
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Be the ethical leader you want

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in SABPP HR VOICE
June 2014
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Personal values versus company values

Employees are required to comply with the values of the company for which they work.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
May 2014
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Ethics is now a business imperative

Ethical capital is your company’s most valuable asset.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
April 2014
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Valuing ethical capital

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Directorship
April/May/June 2014
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Of course ethics matters – except when it doesn’t?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Professional Accountant
Quarter 1 2014
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Ethics reporting: what and why

Ethics in public relations and communication management.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on PRISA Newsletter
April 2014
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Ethics is core to a due diligence

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in BoardRoom
Issue 1 2014
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Five key ethical issues

It’s important to understand these key ethical issues.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
March 2014
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Why corruption costs?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in BusinessBrief
February/March 2014
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HR fulfils a crucial role to advance ethics

By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on BusinessBrief
January 2014
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Manage your social media risks

Challenges employers face with regard to social media might not be what you think they are
By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on HR Future
January 2014
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An ethics assessment should be essential for any due diligence

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Directorship
December 2013
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Get the basics right

Follow these guidelines for drafting or revising a Code of Ethics
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
December 2013
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Ethics without borders

A policy of borderless ethics can build and maintain excellent levels of trust with stakeholders
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
November 2013
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HR’s role in ethics

By supporting clear ethical standards, HR professional can help create an ethical workplace
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
October 2013
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Build your company’s ethics rating

Using ethical capital to improve your company’s ethics rating
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
September 2013
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Women, leadership and ethics

Leadership committed to an ethical culture will address intentional or unintentional discrimination regarding women
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
August 2013
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Ethical capital is an asset to any organisation

Good conduct is as important as financial and tangible assets
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The Star & Pretoria News Workplace
July 2013
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An Ethical Workplace Culture: The Three Primary Factors

What does it take to have an ethical culture? Cynthia Schoeman identifies the three primary factors that contribute to an ethical culture and demonstrates how HR can positively influence all three areas.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on Human Capital Review
June 2013
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Ethics without borders

Borderless ethics in a company requires effort, but it has great rewards.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The Wits Business School Journal, Issue 33
June 2013
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Do you know your ethical status?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in AV Specialist, volume 126
May/June 2013
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Ethics and the nation

Can a country or a company be ethical if its leaders are not?
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Acumen, Issue 4, Second Quarter, 2013, GIBS
May 2013
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Return on integrity:the new ROI

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in WBS Journal, issue 32, 2013
May 2013
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Ethical sellers should insist on an ethics assessment as part of a due diligence

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future, May 2013
April 2013
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Choosing the path of ethical behaviour

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The Star and Pretoria News Workplace, 24 April 2013
April 2013
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Recovering from ethical failure

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Construction World, April 2013
April 2013
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Ethical decision-making unpacked

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR future, April 2013
April 2013
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The ins and outs of a due diligence

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The Star and Pretoria News Workplace, 13 March 2013
March 2013
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Get a return on integrity

Workplace ethics deliver excellent business results
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future, March 2013
March 2013
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Sports need role models to cleanse them of rot

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The Star & Pretoria News Workplace, 13 February 2013
Posted on IOL, 15 February 2013
February 2013
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Integrated approach to ethics is crucial

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future, February 2013
February 2013
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The real cost of bribery and corruption

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Ethical Living, issue 14
February 2013
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Get your ethics reporting right

By Cynthia Schoeman
Clarify who should tell what to whom
Published in HR Future, January 2013
January 2013
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Is ethics your responsibility?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Professional Accountant, Quarter 4 2012
December 2012
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An ethics strategy is essential to create an ethical business

Six steps to help an Organisation plan a sound strategy to achieve ethical goals.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The WITS Business School Journal, Issue 31 2012
November/December 2012
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Assess your company's ethics

Use this workplace ethics checklist to assess the ethics in your company.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future, December issue
December 2012
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Cost of corruption is higher than we can afford

Abandoning “best person for the job” principle damages productivity
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The Star & Pretoria News Workplace, 5 December 2012
Posted on IOL
December 2012
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An ethics strategy: Every company should have one

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Ethical Living, issue 13
December 2012
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An ethics strategy is essential to create an ethical business

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in The WITS Business School Journal
November 2012
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Business ethics: An oxymoron?

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Ethical Living, issue 12
November 2012
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Costs and consequences of bribery and corruption

Corruption results in lower service delivery and higher costs
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future, November issue
November 2012
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Workplace ethics 101: The checklist

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Ethical Living, issue 11
October 2012
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Is ethics truly embedded in your firm's culture?

While ethics is – or should be – important in all businesses, it is especially relevant for businesses that are trust-based, such as legal practices.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Posted on Legal Leaders Blog
11 October 2012
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Why investment in business ethics makes cents

Despite the obvious value of business ethics a discussion on the topic elicits a range of perceptions and opinions.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in the Star & Pretoria News Workplace, 3 October 2012
Posted on IOL
October 2012
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Stamp out unethical behaviour

Maintaining high ethical standards requires courage from those who tell as well as those who listen
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in HR Future
October 2012
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Business ethics: Is there really such a thing?

The concept of ethics, particularly in business, is always a grey area.
By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Professional Accountant
September 2012
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Workplace ethics 101: the basics

Workplace ethics is not a new or unknown concept
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in Ethical Living, issue 10
September 2012
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Essence of ethics and values

When it comes to ethics and values, what should change, differ or stay the same?
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in HR Future
August 2012
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Practical tips to teach your people ethics

These ideas will help you build an ethical environment in your company.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in HR Future
August 2012
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It is essential to understand workplace ethics

Personal values can differ widely, as they are affected by a great variety of factors including upbringing and culture – and consequently they can also differ from the organisation’s values.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in The Star & Pretoria News Workplace
Posted on IOL
1 August 2012
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The new ROI

Businesses succeed, in part, because of the things they measure and the things they incentivize. Cynthia Schoeman asks if the right things are being measured
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in Directorship
July/August/September 2012
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Confidence in financial services industry very low

Much of the blame for the 2008 global financial crisis has been laid at the door of the financial services industry.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in The Star & Pretoria News Workplace, 11 July 2012
Posted on IOL, 12 July 2012
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Bridging ethical gaps

Avoid ethical pitfalls by closing the gaps that exist
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in HR Future
July 2012
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How ethical is South Africa?

Countries are like businesses, says Cynthia Schoeman, and like companies, corruption will ultimately end in their downfall
Published in Ethical Living
July 2012
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The good, the bad & the ugly

Cynthia Schoeman looks at the best and worst of ethical behaviour in business
Published in Ethical Living, Issue 9
July 2012
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Every company needs an ethics strategy

Develop and implement a clear ethics strategy to prevent ethical issues becoming a problem.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in HR Future
June 2012
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Saying and doing beyond mere compliance

By Cynthia Schoeman
Published in Ethical Living
June 2012
Read on.... (pdf 684kb)

Creating a self-regulating ethical environment

Creating an ethical workplace needs to address improving ethical behaviour and reducing or preventing unethical conduct. Decreasing misconduct is often the greater focus area, and there are a number of ways Organisations can work on realising this goal.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in The Star & The Pretoria News Workplace
Posted on IOL
6 June 2012
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Ethical leadership in the public sector

Leadership is, and has always been, extremely important in government, business and the many institutions in society. Cynthia Schoeman examines why this is particularly true of the public sector and those who hold public office.
Published in IoDSA Directorship
June 2012
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Social and ethics committees: a value or a cost?

The Companies Act mandates that every state-owned company, listed public company and any other company that scores more than 500 public interest points in any two of the previous five years establish a social and ethics committee by 1 May 2012.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in the Wits Business School Journal, Issue 29
May 2012
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Good ethics makes good business sense

Sound ethics is one of a company’s most valuable intangible assets
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in HR Future
May 2012
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What is property's moral code?

The ethical status of an organisation refers to the extent to which ethics is practiced by its people both internally and relative to external stakeholders. People who interact with an organisation, such as employees, customers, suppliers or investors, assess the ethical status informally all the time.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in the South African Property Review, a SAPOA publication
May 2012
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Leadership cracks

That much is expected – arguably demanded – of leaders today is not new. Much has always been expected of leadership. What is new is the degree of publicity accorded to leadership failure. While success is recognized, failure to meet demands and expectations is often highlighted far more.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in Ethical Living, Issue 6
May 2012
Read on.... (pdf 756kb)

Take a sensible approach after an ethical scandal

Reports of new or brewing ethical scandals are a regular feature in our daily newspapers and business magazines. Sometimes - regrettably not always - the perpetrators have to face the costs and penalties for their misconduct - whether the loss of their position or even jail sentences for individuals, or fines or damage to reputation or share price for companies.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in The Star & Pretoria News Workplace
2 May 2012
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Is there a return on integrity?

ROI as the acronym for ‘return on investment’ is central to most businesses. Their investment of capital and resources is intended – and expected - to deliver a financial return.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in Ethical Living, Issue 5.
April 2012
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Turning around a morally bankrupt company

Publishing a resignation letter in the New York Times– as former Goldman Sachs executive, Greg Smith, did in mid-March - highlighted their “toxic” cultures a prime reason why he resigned. Amid denials, Goldman Sachs suffered a temporary (but quite spectacular) fall in their share price. For Greg Smith, it has led to a book deal with a reported advance payment of $1.5 million.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in The Star & Pretoria News Workplace
Posted on IOL
11 April 2012
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Every company needs an ethics strategy

Develop an implement a clear ethics strategy to prevent ethical issues becoming a probelm.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in HR Future
April 2012
Read on (pdf 1.4mb)

Banks & lawyers audit, fire staff & assess damage to reputations

People are being dismissed, reputations have been impugned, clients have been lost and won by other (supposedly cleaner) competitors. Banks and legal firms are auditing furiously – heads have rolled and many more will follow. Can Auction Alliance be saved? What will become of the auction industry?
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Posted on myshtetl.co.za
13 March 2012

Auction Alliance: can it be saved?

The Auction Alliance saga has revealed some very questionable business behaviour. The costs and consequences that continue to unfold warrant considering what they should have done.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Posted on Moneyweb
9 March 2012
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Focus on the leadership potential of everyone

The value and importance of ethical leadership cannot be overestimated.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in The Star and Pretoria News Workplace
Posted on IOL
7 March 2012
Read on...

Measure, manage and report on ethics

Six reasons why businesses should actively manage, measure and report on ethics.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in HR Future
February 2012

Cricket SA needs an ethical make-over

Cricket as the supposed “game of gentlemen” has revealed anything but gentlemanly behaviour. The incidences of unethical behaviour stretch from Hansie Cronje, to jailed Pakistani cricketers, to the current Cricket SA bonus scandal.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
November 2011
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Ethics and billable hours

With the many on-going reports of ethical scandals from all around the world, it is no surprise that the goal of improving ethics is shared by most organisations.Despite this, the overall management of ethics is often not given as much attention as is ideal. Ethics is frequently only addressed reactively, after a problem has occurred, or in an ad hoc way
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in Headstart (BDO's client publication)
October - December 2011
Read on... (Pdf 183kb)

Six reasons why businesses should actively manage, measure and report on their ethics

There are six key reasons why businesses should actively manage, measure, monitor and report on their ethics.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
November 2011
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It is vital for a business to manage ethics well

There are six key reasons why businesses should actively manage, measure, monitor and report on their ethics.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in The Star and Pretoria News Workplace
Posted on IOL
24 November 2011
Read on...

Know your ethical status

Management theory has long held that if you can’t measure something, you can’t manage it. An example is your HIV status.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in the WBS Journal, Issue 27
November 2011
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Recovering from ethical failure

There is hardly an issue of a newspaper or business magazine which does not include at least one story about a new or brewing ethical scandal.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in Directorship
November 2011
Read on... (pdf 437kb)

Workplace ethics - luxury, illusion or necessity?

While the many ethical scandals in the private and public sector keeps an on-going focus on ethics, it can nonetheless be questioned whether ethics in the workplace is an illusion, a luxury or a necessity.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Posted on Quisme.co.za
1 November 2011
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Accountability moves sideways in the public sector

The normal range of career moves is up, sideways or out. Up should reflect success and follow on the employee making a positive contribution. Sideways can be a positive move when it is used to broaden an employee's experience. However, sideways mostly indicates that the employee is not contributing and that the organisation's leadership lacks the courage to take decisive action.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Posted on Bizcommunity.com
28 October 2011
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Sideways is preferred to dismissal

In the public sector, dismissal does not seem to be an option. Sideways moves appear to reward those who should instead be held accountable for their actions
Letter to the editor, published in By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Business Day
19 October 2011
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8 Lessons for directors – “put ethics first”

IoDSA Annual Business Update 6 October 2011: Overview & Speaker Presentations 2011
By Ansie Ramalho, CEO of IoDSA.
Posted on iodsa.co.za
6 October 2011
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SA in need of courageous leadership conversations

The Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA) will hold its 6th Annual Business Update on October 6, 2011 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Issued by Siyenza Management.
Posted on Bizcommunity.com
6 October 2011
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The costs of bribery and corruption

Bribery and corruption continue to occupy a dominant position in our press and our society. This ranges from apparently petty bribes to traffic officials to significant amounts paid as "commissions" for securing tenders. While the amount may differ - whether R100 or R1 million - the nature of the action is not different. It all amounts to bribery and corruption.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Posted on Bizcommunity.com
29 September 2011
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Fraudulent degrees a 'growth industry' in SA

Employers should verify the information on applicant’s CVs
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in the The Star & Pretoria News Workplace
7 September 2011
Read on... (pdf 1.95mb)

Ethics are an advantage, not a cost, to business

It would serve modern companies to explore how they are viewed
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in the The Star & Pretoria News Workplace
24 August 2011
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One false move and you’re dead

Reputational monitors are essential
Published in the Insurance Times (South Africa)
August 2011
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News of the world: the cost of ethical failure

The scandal arising from the News of the World phone-hacking has continued to escalate. So, too, has the reaction, with Gordon Brown, former UK prime minister, commenting that its publisher News International has "descended from the gutter to the sewer".
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Posted on Bizcommunity.com
27 July 2011
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The Ethics Monitor

New survey tool to monitor and manage your organisation’s ethical status
Ethics Monitoring and Management Services has developed a five minute online survey which enables leaders to measure, monitor and proactively manage their organisation’s ethical status.
Posted on Achiever, www.achieveronline.co.za
25 July 2011
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Establishing social ethics committee

One of the legal ramifications of the new Companies Act is the requirement of all listed business, companies with over 750 on their public interest score (in two of the last five years) and state-owned companies to establish a social and ethics committee.
Posted on Bizcommunity.com
31 May 2011
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Business is cleaning up its act

The new Companies Act calls on directors to rethink their ethics strategy
Posted on itinews, South African Insurance Times & Investment News, www.itinews.co.za
30 May 2011
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Workplace ethics: the new fault line of leadership

Today the leadership terrain brings with it new fault lines - not replacing those of the past, but rather adding to them. And, like geographic fault lines, the damage and cost once they have been activated and exposed can be very high.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
April 2011
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What is your (ethical) status?

Management theory has long held that if you can’t measure something, you can’t manage it.
By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
April 2011
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Business ethics: an illusion, a luxury or a necessity?

The current international economic crisis has, not surprisingly, resulted in trust in the business community being at an all time low: a BBC debate at the World Economic Forum in Davos in early 2009 noted that this extends to CEOs who are also not regarded as trustworthy. By Cynthia Schoeman, MD, Ethics Monitoring & Management Services (Pty) Ltd
Published in the Wits Business School Journal, issue 17
April 2009
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