Integrity-based ethics programs emphasize responsibility alongside compliance with the law. This is best described as?

• A. concern for the law with employee responsibility.
• B. maximizing shareholder value through cost reduction.
• C. relying on punishment to deter misconduct.
• D. external stakeholder pressure as the primary driver.

Answer: (A)

Integrity-based ethics programs blend respect for the law with personal responsibility, aiming for employees to act ethically because it’s the right thing to do, not just to avoid punishment. The option that fits this description describes concern for the law while recognizing the employee’s duty to behave responsibly. It captures both legal compliance and individual accountability, which is what these programs promote. The other choices describe motives or outcomes that don’t reflect the internal, values-driven aspect: focusing on cost reduction and shareholder value is about financial goals; relying on punishment emphasizes deterrence; external stakeholder pressure highlights outside influence rather than internal responsibility.