Character is developed through a number of influences and over many years. Family has a strong influence on our values and how we behave in society. From the time that we are children, family is directing us in the "right" direction. The concept of "right" is different for many people, stemming from different cultures, regions of the world, and paths of life. But there seem to be an understood idea of right and wrong in all societies. As a child my parents did a number of things to assist in the development of my character. I was encouraged to be honest, fair, and friendly and was punished for things like misbehaving at school or lying to them. Parents establish rules from the start and that becomes the basis for our values and norms. These rules of what is right and wrong are the very core of our character, yet there is much more to be developed. Family continues to influence us but our

As I stated earlier, I feel that character is the most influential and important factor in making sound ethical decisions. It is what makes up our very being and is reflected every day in our behaviors - both good and bad. Character is how we act when no one is looking, so if man is true to his character then business and personal ethics should be one in the same. The difference only occurs when man strays from integrity and experiences a tremendous imbalance and conflict of values.

art in defining what is expected of us in society and even in the business world. It is often with our friends that we have to actually start making those ethical decisions. Friends invite us to steal a pack of gum, try a drink of alcohol, like to our parents, and the conflict of integrity begins. We start to develop a habit of standing up for our beliefs or going along with the crowd. It is so easy to follow the crowd because it is a lot less lonely of a place, so that is what many kids do. Another strong influence on our character is religious beliefs - which can, more often than not, be coupled with the influence of family and/or friends. In my life, this would be the factor that has had and continues to have the strongest influence on my character. All religions have a higher power that man ultimately "answers up to." This has a strong bearing on the choice that we make and the road that is taken. I look to Christ as an example of excellent character. The story of his life reveals that he was always looking a bigger picture and not focused on himself. That is a good basis for man's integrity - to think of others first. I think that would make the right decision clearer in many situations. Another part of my char

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Approximate Word count = 1162
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)