ETHICS Ethics—or, I should say, the perception of a lack of ethics—is an emotional topic. Like so much of negotiation, ethics is usually situational. There are some absolutes, but far fewer than you might think. Let’s define ethics: it’s a system of behavior in which people are supposed to treat one another fairly. “Fair” includes judgment, but clearly it includes not hurting people on purpose, except as part of a socially agreed process of justice. It also includes acting in a way that people think is fair. “Ethics” varies depending on culture and perception. While the law is a guide for
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