A vision of a living code of ethics is proposed to counter the emphasis on negative phenomena in the study of organizational ethics. The living code results from the harmonious interaction of authentic leadership, five key organizational processes (attraction–selection–attrition, socialization, reward systems, decision-making and organizational learning), and an ethical organizational culture (characterized by heightened levels of ethical awareness and a positive climate regarding ethics). The living code is the cognitive, affective, and behavioral manifestation of an ethical organizational identity. We draw (...) on business ethics literature, positive organizational scholarship, and management literature to outline the elements of positive ethical organizations as those exemplary organizations consistently practicing the highest levels of organizational ethics. In a positive ethical organization, the right thing to do is the only thing to do. (shrink)

Ce texte se présente d’abord comme une description de deux portraits de Michel Leiris par le peintre Francis Bacon. Mais il s’agit en même temps d’une méditation sur la ressemblance figurative. Que peut signifier le portrait d’un écrivain qui lui-même n’a pas cessé de se figurer dans son œuvre écrite?