When speaking of the importance of ethics in business, most people infer that the term ethics refers to the business as a whole. On the contrary, business ethics apply to the individuals working within businesses. Each individual's action within the company affects the entire company, not just the individual. When an employee acts ethically and responsibly, it helps the entire organization. Business ethics are more than just words used to enhance the image of a corporation; they are the very foundation of success. Business ethics should be applied at the very moment a firm opens its doors.