In-House Counsel as Ethical Leaders

Abstract

Ethical practices, and the need for directors and executives to consider more than a business’ bottom line when making decisions, has been a popular conversation of late. Community expectations of ethical behaviour by businesses and organisations can be seen in the growth of companies introducing Corporate Social Responsibility measures and ethical investment portfolios. Legislators have sought to introduce ethical standards in circumstances where market forces have not been sufficient to drive ethical behaviour, for example legislation regarding modern slavery, whistle blower protections and data privacy. We are also witnessing significant changes in attitudes to the role of ethics in business in Australia as a result of the recent reports into the Australian financial sector.

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