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A Standard Definition Of Ethics

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A standard definition of ethics might be: ”the science of morals,” with morals being defined as: “conforming to, or regulated by what is right” (The Cassell Concise Dictionary, 2012). Defining business ethics is a topic which has numerous opinions; definitions refer to the rightness or wrongness of behavior. What is morally right or wrong, ethical or unethical is not often agreed upon. (Phillip 1985). A person’s ethically beliefs stem from personal opinion which can include, environmental ethics, political ethics, ethics relating to religion, culture and acceptable norms of behavior in that persons environment. Companies are feeling the effects of market forces, brought on by more ethical issues which must be taken into account. Changes in the market include buying habits of ethically orientated consumers and these consumers refusing to buy from unethical companies. The media has growing interest in global ethical issues and publicizing them. Companies have an obligation to ensure shareholders receive a fair return on their investment (Health 2014). Consumerism is the promotion of the consumer’s interests, the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable Economic consumerism promotes global development, the aim to achieve higher standards of living.
Ethical consumerism can be defined as the practice of purchasing products and services produced in a way that minimizes social and environmental damage, while avoiding products and services

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