Doing the Right Thing

I think I picked up from Auditors something that became a truism for me. They indicated I must not only do the right thing, but be seen to be doing the right thing.  I guess that meant a lot to me as I was involved in Finance.  People seem to be really touchy about their money.
At the moment we are seeing many executives come undone.  Their philosophy seems to have been, do what you can get away with.  I mean charging dead people for services surely is never right.  With my limited picture of these events it seems they were not being audited properly, and/or the auditors were in cahoots with the perpetrators. Unfortunately, people suffer as a result.  There always seems to be a lag, but misdemeanours can only be gotten away with for so long, and extreme damage to others can result.
Of course doing the right thing, and to be seen to be doing the right thing, does not only apply to finance.  It seems to apply to all of life.  I have heard it said, it is best not to lie, as it is too hard to remember who one told what.  I think I understand that. Doing the right thing is often harder and more time consuming, but at least I know at all times where I stand.  Doing this does not mean I will always be treated the same way, but at least I can sleep well at night.
It seems to me that so much of this is a habit.  Form the habit of doing the right thing, and I will be more inclined to do it. Conversely, if I habitually try to get away with things, I will be more inclined to follow that direction.  I have seen it, and no doubt am guilty of it, in matters that mean more to others than they do to me (I heard someone say it was good to beat the New Zealanders at rugby union, as it was good to beat them at something that meant more to them than it does to us.)  Personally I would rather be over the top than being touch and go.
So much of what I say and do is what I aspire to.  It does not mean I am there yet.  But I want to be.