Business Ethics Introduction and Definitions
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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes ethics from law and etiquette?

  • Ethics is based on authority.
  • Ethics revolves around religious beliefs.
  • Ethics is a solitary endeavor.
  • Ethics focuses on social existence. (correct)

What is identified as the central problem of ethics today?

  • An abundance of ethical dilemmas.
  • A failure to understand moral principles.
  • A lack of moral reasoning.
  • A lack of moral engagement. (correct)

What is required for ethical living?

  • Concern for the well-being of others. (correct)
  • Religious authority and guidance.
  • Self-centeredness and personal interests.
  • Strict adherence to laws and rules.

How is ethics described in relation to our social existence?

<p>A communal exercise involving relationships. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ethics require individuals to stop doing, according to the content?

<p>Thinking of themselves as the universe's center. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental Socratic lesson mentioned in the content?

<p>The goal is to escape doing wrong. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way are people described to live privately, as opposed to publicly?

<p>Absorbed with self and unempathetic. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as the primary concern of ethics?

<p>Rights shared with others and their well-being. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Dewey believe is essential for true ethical acts?

<p>Doing the right thing for the right reason, on purpose (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Dewey, what is a significant distinction made in morality?

<p>Between custom and reflective morality (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Dewey describe the acceptance of cultural rules without critical reflection?

<p>Ethical happenstance or ethics by virtue of circumstantial accident (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between theory and action in Dewey's concept of ethics?

<p>They must be integrated for ethical conduct. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the common issue with the usage of 'ethics' and 'morality' in society?

<p>They are frequently used interchangeably without clear definitions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Dewey imply about the nature of ethical decision-making?

<p>Reflection and choice are essential components. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of ethics, what does Dewey identify as the center of gravity in morality?

<p>Logical reasoning and individual choice (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is often questioned in discussions of business ethics according to the content?

<p>The differences between ethics and morality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation?

<p>Upholding laws unless they conflict with societal duties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation, what becomes the emphasized method for reaching agreements?

<p>Utilizing democratic consensus and due process. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles Orientation define right action?

<p>Based on moral principles chosen for their logical comprehensiveness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Stage 5?

<p>Expectation of absolute adherence to societal traditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the moral reasoning in Stage 3 from Stage 4?

<p>Stage 3 embraces interpersonal relationships more than societal obligations do in Stage 4. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the person in Stage 4 primarily see about laws?

<p>Laws are to be upheld unless they interfere with social duties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which stage does an individual start questioning laws and societal values?

<p>Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is fundamental to Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles Orientation?

<p>Moral principles must be universally applicable and consistent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of meta/analytical ethics?

<p>Exploring the nature of goodness and badness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kohlberg, how do individuals progress through moral development stages?

<p>They must pass through stages sequentially without jumping. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental aim of normative ethics?

<p>To create and assess moral standards for right conduct (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Kohlberg believe moral dilemmas contribute to moral development?

<p>They help individuals comprehend higher stage morality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle exemplifies normative ethics as per the content?

<p>The Golden Rule: treat others as you wish to be treated (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of moral standards implies they address situations that can significantly harm or benefit individuals?

<p>Seriousness of matters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does social interaction play in moral development, according to Kohlberg?

<p>It is critical for the progression of moral understanding. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes moral standards from legal standards regarding their establishment?

<p>Legal standards rely on majority votes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does meta/analytical ethics primarily seek to analyze?

<p>The underlying motives behind moral judgments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic indicates that moral obligations may override personal self-interest?

<p>Preferred over other values (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does normative ethics attempt to establish about moral behavior?

<p>A clear set of guidelines for ethical conduct (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when moral standards are said to be based on 'impartial considerations'?

<p>They evaluate interests equally across all individuals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do moral standards differ in validity compared to legally established standards?

<p>Moral standards require ethical justification. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the statement that moral standards should override self-interest?

<p>Moral obligations have a higher priority than personal gain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the 'moral point of view' referenced in the context of moral standards?

<p>Universal standpoint (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way are moral standards often perceived in relation to self-interest?

<p>They are prioritized even at the cost of self-interest. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary motivation characterizes the first two stages of Kohlberg's preconventional level?

<p>Fear of punishment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does descriptive ethics focus on according to Kohlberg's research?

<p>The reasoning behind moral decisions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a characteristic of descriptive ethics as discussed?

<p>It can identify common moral beliefs in a population (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial difference between descriptive ethics and prescriptive ethics in relation to Kohlberg's work?

<p>Prescriptive ethics outlines how moral reasoning should progress (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Kohlberg's study, what moral dilemma was presented to the group of boys?

<p>Should a man steal a drug to save his wife (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what developmental stage do children primarily view morality in relation to punishment?

<p>Preconventional stages (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the responses of young children when asked about the concept of stealing?

<p>They see stealing as wrong due to external consequences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the role of descriptive ethics in moral philosophy?

<p>It serves as a foundation for evaluating moral theories. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ethics vs. Law

Ethics delves deeper into the essence of social existence, unlike law, which focuses on rules and regulations.

Ethics vs. Religion

Ethics seeks reasons to justify principles, unlike religion, which often relies on authority.

Ethics Purpose

To create valid principles of conduct and values that improve human actions and character.

Ethics and Relationships

Ethics is a communal effort to understand and manage shared rights and responsibilities in relationships.

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Moral Engagement

The willingness to actively consider ethical issues and act on them, prioritizing the well-being of others

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Self-Centeredness

Prioritizing one's own desires and needs above the needs of others.

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Moral Creatures

Humans fundamentally depend on one another and must constantly make choices about how to treat others.

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The Goal of Life

To live well with others, avoiding wrongdoing rather than simply avoiding death or suffering.

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Ethical Thinking

Evaluative process where individuals choose to accept, modify, or reject cultural norms.

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Ethics vs. Custom

Ethics involves reasoned decision-making, while custom relies on habit.

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Reflective Conduct

The core of ethics; involves doing the right thing intentionally for the right reason.

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Ethical System

Formal system that rejects uncritical acceptance of cultural norms.

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Theory and Action

Ethics requires alignment between beliefs (theory) and actions.

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Ethics by Accident

Acting ethically without conscious reflection or choice; not a truly ethical act.

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Morality vs Ethics

Though often used interchangeably, 'morality' and 'ethics' may be used differently by some sources.

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Business Ethics

Study of moral principles applicable to the workplace.

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Moral Standards

Rules or principles concerning what is right or wrong in human behavior, judgments about right and wrong actions

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Characteristics of Moral Standards

Features that distinguish moral standards from other standards, like legal or personal ones.

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Serious Harm/Benefit

Actions that significantly impact people's well-being, either positively or negatively.

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Authority's Role in Moral Standards

Moral standards aren't established by laws or voting processes; their validity relies on the reasons that justify them.

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Preference over Self-Interest

Moral obligations take priority over personal gain or desires.

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Impartial Considerations

Moral decisions should account for everyone's interests equally, without favoritism.

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Moral Point of View

A perspective that evaluates moral standards without personal bias, considering everyone's interests equally.

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Examples of Moral Standards

Theft, rape, murder, child abuse, assault, slander, fraud, etc.; actions that cause significant harm.

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Descriptive Ethics

Describes people's moral beliefs and behaviors, without judging whether those beliefs or behaviors are right or wrong.

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Moral Reasoning

The thought process behind a moral decision.

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Lawrence Kohlberg

A psychologist who studied moral development and created a theory to reflect it.

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Preconventional Stages

The first level of moral development, where children base decisions on consequences or authority figures.

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External Imposition

A child basing moral decisions based on what their surrounding rules/parents/people dictate.

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Kohlberg's Research Method

Presented scenarios and asked participants to explain their decisions. Focus was on the reasoning behind the moral decision not the final answer.

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Prescriptive Ethics

Describes how people should act from a moral perspective.

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Stage 5: Social Contract

In this stage, individuals understand diverse perspectives and seek consensus through agreement, contract, or due process. All values are viewed as relative.

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Moral Dilemma (Stealing Drug)

A scenario where a person faces a difficult choice between two morally undesirable options.

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Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles

At this stage, right action is defined by ethical principles focused on justice, equality, and human dignity. These principles are abstract and not concrete rules.

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Postconventional Morality

Individuals evaluate laws and personal values independently, guided by self-chosen principles.

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Conventional Morality (Stages 3 & 4)

Right and wrong determined by societal loyalty, duties & upholding laws.

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Law and Order Orientation

At this stage, individuals prioritize upholding societal laws and duties.

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Social Contract

A perspective emphasizing agreement, contract, and due process to settle conflicts with diverse views.

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Universal Ethical Principles

Moral principles, not concrete rules, emphasized for fair and just treatment with consideration for human rights and dignity.

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Moral Principles (Postconventional)

Self-chosen, justifiable rules, like justice, human rights, and societal welfare, used to evaluate and redefine values.

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Meta-ethics

The branch of ethics that investigates the nature of morality itself, asking what goodness, rightness, and wrongness mean.

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Normative ethics

The branch of ethics focused on providing moral standards and guidelines for conduct, determining what is right and wrong, and how people ought to behave.

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Moral Principles

Fundamental moral beliefs that guide decision-making and behavior, providing a foundation for judging actions.

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Kohlberg's stages

Sequential stages of moral development, progressing from self-interest to concern for others and societal rules, according to Kohlberg's theory.

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Moral Development

The process of acquiring moral reasoning and principles that guide ethical judgments, behavior, and choices.

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Moral Dilemma

A situation with conflicting moral obligations, requiring difficult choices that impact people.

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Kohlberg's Approach

An educational strategy to promote moral development by encouraging discussion of moral dilemmas.

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Social Interaction

The process by which people learn and develop moral standards and behavior through interactions with others.

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Study Notes

Business Ethics Introduction

  • Ethics distinguishes itself from law and etiquette, by exploring the essence of social existence, from religion by seeking reason for principles, to guide human actions and produce good character.
  • Human beings are dependent on each other for survival. Collective existence involves making choices in a way that benefits others.
  • Ethics is a communal endeavour, focused on understanding rights and relationships.

Defining Ethics

  • Defining ethics is straightforward, but applying it in life is complex. Ethics requires concern for others' well-being and moving beyond a self-centred perspective.
  • Moral engagement is essential, willing to confront ethical dilemmas and extend oneself to consider others' needs.
  • Kierkegaard emphasized subjectivity as the starting point of ethics, suggesting that ethical awareness begins with self-reflection, leading to acknowledgment and consideration of others.
  • Sartre states that our collective existence necessitates choices impacting others. Moral existence is unavoidable

Morality and Ethics Defining

  • Morality and ethics are often used interchangeably but can be distinguished.
  • Morality refers to norms, values, and beliefs that shape perceptions of right and wrong within a community or individual.
  • Ethics is the systematic study of morality, applying reason to clarify moral principles.

Moral Standards Characteristics

  • Moral standards concern significant harm or benefit to humans.
  • Moral standards are not created by authority but by reasoned justification of their validity.
  • Moral standards take precedence over other values, including self-interest.
  • Moral judgment requires impartial considerations, considering all perspectives impartially.
  • Moral standards are tied to emotions and vocabulary, such as guilt or shame when violating moral codes.

Descriptive and Comparative Ethics

  • Descriptive/comparative ethics looks at people's ethical beliefs and behaviors.
  • It is an empirical study, focusing on observation of values, actions, and moral agents.
  • Comparing ethical systems across times, societies, or cultures to understand variations in moral convictions.

Lawrence Kohlberg's Descriptive Ethics

  • Kohlberg's theory explores moral development through stages.
  • Preconventional stages focus on punishment and obedience, where rules are obeyed based on external consequences.
  • Conventional stages emphasize conforming to social norms, seeking approval from others, and maintaining social order.
  • Postconventional stages emphasize moral principles, with individuals developing their own ethical standards.

Meta-Analytical Ethics

  • Meta-analytical ethics focuses on the nature of morality, such as good vs. bad.
  • This branch seeks to understand the concepts and foundations of ethical judgments.

Applied Ethics

  • Applied ethics examines moral conflicts in specific real-world contexts.
  • It applies ethical frameworks to dilemmas in areas like bioethics or business ethics.
  • Business ethics studies ethical questions in organizations, policies, practices and individual behaviours.

Business Ethics and its Importance

  • Business ethics is the application of moral principles to business contexts.
  • Ethical principles, such as honesty, trustworthiness, and cooperation, are fundamental to maintaining business success.
  • Ethics in business creates customer loyalty and brand trust that contributes to long term profitability.
  • Business activity needs ethical considerations to function properly, otherwise leads to social dilemmas and collapse.
  • Ethical considerations are consistent with financial success and profitability, as ethical companies are usually viewed positively by consumers and stakeholders.

Globalization and Business Ethics

  • Globalization has created interconnected businesses in many regions, which leads to complex ethical quandaries.
  • Multinational corporations face challenges balancing profit with ethical conduct in different cultural contexts.
  • Issues around ethical treatment of workers, environmental concerns, and respect for cultural norms arises with globalization context.

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Business Ethics Unit 1: Introduction to Business Ethics PDF

Description

This quiz delves into the concepts of business ethics, highlighting the importance of ethical reasoning, social responsibilities, and moral engagement. It explores the perspectives of thinkers like Kierkegaard and Sartre on the complexities of applying ethics in real life. Test your understanding of how ethics shapes our interactions and choices.

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