by Stephen Butler

About the author: Stephen Butler is the chief executive officer of KPMG Peat Marwick, a financial services firm.

Because of the very nature of what KPMG [Peat Marwick] does and its stature as one of the Big Six [accounting firms], we have access to and knowledge of the best practices of many world-class companies. That inside look has taught me many things, not the least of which is: good ethics means good business. One way you as business leaders can protect your position is to install, enforce and re-enforce a culture and standard of ethical conduct within your organization that can’t be challenged.

Ethics and Self-Interest

Now some of you may be thinking it’s unusual for me to stand up here and promote higher ethical standards in corporate America, especially since I...