Ethics refers to a sub discipline of philosophy that study about morality (Mersserly, 1995). It is classified into theoretical and applied ethics. Applied ethics is a sub classification of ethics that addresses morality issues of both the public and private life. Thus applied ethics applied to issues in regard to companies or other public institutions is known as business ethics. Thus in this essay I will discuss the different ethics theories and how they are applied in business ethics.
Ethical theories are different moral theories that entail different rules and concepts that can be used in order to arrive at a particular decision (Messerly, 1995). There are different ethical theories but we will address the Katian theory, Mill’s theory,
…show more content…
This theory entails three phases that explain the developments involved in making the right decisions (Garz,2009). The first phase is the pre-conventional phase. During this phase an individual differentiates what is right from what is wrong depending on the consequences they experience in when they make a particular choice or dependent on the physical strength or power of the individuals in authority. According to Garz, children are particularly known for making decisions based on what the conventional phase entails (2009). The second phase is known as the conventional phase. In this phase individuals will choose to make the right decisions not necessarily because they perceive them as the right thing to do but because they want to associate with a particular institution. Thus, individuals uphold the rules and regulations of that institution for example a family, company or an educational facility. The third phase is the post conventional or the autonomous level. This level entails that an individual makes their decisions based on their principles. Thus the decisions made may not necessarily be according to the rules of the institution they are in but because they believe that based on their principles the particular choice is right. This may or may not sometimes coincide with the rules and regulations of the
Ethics are principles of behaviour that distinguish between right and wrong. Resnik (2011) defines ethics as” a method, procedure, or perspective for deciding how to act and for analysing complex problems and issues” (p.1). People face ethical decisions; however, People working in business frequently face ethical decisions. Business ethics is the evaluation of business activities and behaviour as right or wrong (Society for Business Ethics, 1991).
This will be an over view of ethics as it relates to business in our society. Concepts from Philosophy will seek to describe the correlation between actions that are classified as morally right or ethical in our dealings with each other as human beings. Clear and concise examples will be given as well as ways in which to improve upon business ethics.
Business Ethics is a set of moral principles applied in the commercial world. Business ethics provide guidelines for acceptable behavior by organizations in both their strategy formulation and day-to-day operations. An ethical approach is becoming necessary both for corporate success and a positive corporate image. Following pressure from
Ethics deals with the moral principles and standards that evaluate actions or events of an individual or group. Companies with strong ethics have the ability to influence the success of their business such as their reputation. They can act and evaluate their ethical environment to improve and maintain their short-term and long-term goals. They can scope out the danger signs by developing written code of ethics, impose financial costs, design a quick fix solution to ethical issues and solely focus on the legalities issues or public relations. Having an ethical environment can also improve the morale of the employees and the violations can be detrimental to the company financial portfolio. The written ethic policy is developed
Business Ethics is another important college textbook written by Peter Stanwick. The book is filled with real world case studies on different businesses and business situations. Understand the ethics of business helps students, employees and managers to make ethical decisions in today’s complex world. The writer has focused on adding the importance of leadership, decision-making and strategic planning while examining the changing trends of business ethics. The chapters of the book covers important topics like role of morals, foundation of ethical theory, global business standards and business
Business ethics is a form of applied ethics it deals with ethical rules and principles within a business or commercial context, the various moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business setting, and any special ethical duties or obligations that apply to people who are engaged in commerce, including workers and managers, customers and suppliers, and the larger group of people who have some interest in the business.
As a whole they testify to and exemplify the current vibrancy and richness of work in ethical theory.” —David Archard, Queen’s University Belfast “For students, this Guide provides helpful introductions to themes and topics which they are to study in more detail, and lucid surveys of other aspects of ethical theory. It will also be read with profit by academics unfamiliar with the field; some of the papers are not just guides, but original contributions, to the subject.” —Antony Duff, University of Stirling and University of Minnesota “The Guide provides a wide-ranging survey of the major topics in contemporary ethical theory and includes a good amount of new and important work. It should be of use to anyone wanting acquaintance with the subject in its current state.” —Barbara Herman, University of California at Los Angeles.
Ethics refer to the study of right and wrong behaviors in our daily lives. Business Ethics is a form of applied ethics or professional ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that arise in a business environment. It applies to all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of individuals and entire organizations. Government ethics refers to a professional code of conduct for those working in and for government and involves protocols about behaviors for individuals and groups like elected leaders, congressmen, and public servants. The purpose of all governmental communication is to encourage an “engaged citizenry.” Principles must be developed as a guide on whatever platform develops in the future. Business ethics are important in creating a cohesive understanding of the boundaries within an organization and the standards set for interacting with external stakeholders. It can also assist in protecting reputations and legal standings in the event of a breach of ethics by individual employees.
Ethics is defined as the moral principles, values, and beliefs that a person uses to interpret a given situation and then decide the appropriate course of action based on these values (Jones). When we think about ethics, we usually think of honesty and doing the “right thing.” Ethics is an important facet in any business environment. When a company behaves ethically in communicating with its stakeholder, both internal and external, the organization gains trust and is able to build a strong, solid reputation. Many books and news articles are available online which discuss making ethical decisions and the importance of maintaining a high level of ethical standards in business.
Ethics is not a subject that is lost in history with the likes of Aristotle, Plato or Machiavelli, but is relevant in with more modern philosophers such as John Mill, Ayan Rand and Immanuel Kant. Business and higher education centers find ethics relevant enough to hold classes, seminars and pay experts to host on-site training sessions that focus on the relationship between business and ethics. The two subjects are inseparable and even more important with the speed and widespread availability of news. Three common theories of ethics are utilitarianism, egoism, and care ethics each of which have their positive and negative points.
Business ethics are the foundation of business, despite business thriving on competition, it survives on the basis of its ethics. Comparing business with a game (practices) makes it easier to understand things like for example how having ‘players’ who cheat can impact badly on the business. Ethics is a way of thinking which can defined under Solomon’s eight rules.
Ethics are to do with what is right and what is wrong. Ethics plays an increasingly important role in business. A business is part of society and just as society requires a certain standard of behaviour from individuals; it also expects businesses to abide similar standards. Business ethics is therefore the application of ethical values to business behaviour. It applies to all aspects of business conduct from boardroom strategies and how companies treat their suppliers to sales techniques and accounting practices. Ethics goes beyond the legal requirements for a company and is therefore a matter
The form of applied ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that arise in a business environment in known as business ethics. It applies to all components of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of entire organizations as well as individuals. These ethics originate from the individuals. An organization is formed from individuals; therefore, the organization’s ethical standards can be traced to the ethical standards of the individuals.
Business ethics are moral principles that guide the way a business behaves. The same principles that determine an individual’s actions also apply to business. To practice ethics, it involves the understanding of right and wrong or making a right or wrong decision in business. The way business is run should be transparent and lawful (Mullins & Christy, 2013). For example, companies’ products should not violate copyright and patents. Also, they should not use child labour in any business operation.
Ethics was defined by Nelson and Trevino (2005) as ‘‘a set of moral principles or values’’ a definition that depicts ethics as highly personal and relative. Every individual has his own moral principles and neither of them should try to impose their ethics on the other. But proposed definition of ethics ‘‘the principles, norms, and standards of conduct governing an individual or group’’ focuses on conduct. Employers are expected to establish guidelines for work-related conduct, including what