Ethics as a competence: the ongoing challenge of the Project Manager.

This is an interesting conversation. I am ethical - I do not practice it, I know right from wrong and know how to determine if something is legal versus illegal and combine the two. Even a child knows when they are doing something that is incorrect because of their inner brain workings and "feelings." Each company, typically has a set of standards which need to be followed, but there is always someone who wants to walk on that tightrope or color outside the lines. A project manager's job is to be on the right side, always, advise higher management and if there is disagreement or someone in higher management wants to color outside the lines, it is our job to note it (memorandum for the record works for me) and keep doing the work required of me -- on the RIGHT side of the issue. I think your ethics can be "refined" and "enhanced" through reading, scenario learning and development, but everyone has a core ethical standard. Is it on the Right side of the issue or are you a tightrope walker, is the question.