ABSTRACT
When ethical uncertainty becomes a conscious decision not to comply with laws and regulations, it becomes a real crime and transforms itself into corruption when it is aimed at winning business illegally, or in occupational fraud when it is at the expense of employers. The economic and financial consequences of the ongoing and evolving crisis that started in autumn 2008 should highlight the need to adopt new rules but to spread a more solid culture based on respect for recognised ethical principles. The process of learning ethics must then carry on over the years, because future businessmen within modern capitalism must get used to facing with the right tools those moral dilemmas they will inevitably come up against in performing their tasks and fulfilling their responsibilities. At the level of the social system, greater alignment of company objectives with social objectives will create a host of advantages, which will ultimately translate into a better quality of life for everyone.
