Business Ethics Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for wearing a proper uniform issued by the company?

To express personal style

To impress clients only

To remain unnoticed in a crowd

To be easily recognized as an employee (correct)

What should employees do to understand the dress code for work-related social events?

Always know the dress code set by the company (correct)

Wear whatever is comfortable regardless of the event

Ignore the dress code and wear casual clothes

Follow the latest fashion trends

How should one address someone during a first meeting?

Using a nickname if known

By their first name only

By their family name with a title (correct)

With a casual greeting without titles

Which of the following is NOT advised during conversations?

Chewing food quietly (B) Signup and view all the answers

What behavior should be avoided to maintain a harmonious environment?

Gossiping (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a formal greeting, who typically initiates the greeting?

The oldest or most important person (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you want to ask a question during a meeting?

Wait for the designated question and answer time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred way to treat everyone in the workplace?

With courtesy and respect always (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which title should you use when addressing a married woman if you know her civil status?

Mrs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advisable to take notes during meetings?

To avoid asking questions that have already been answered. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action regarding cell phones during a meeting?

Turn it off or set it to vibration mode. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate way to present a business card to a client?

With both hands, showing respect. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How long should break time last during meetings?

15-20 minutes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when returning calls or emails?

Introduce yourself and your company politely. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What management practice is often seen in Filipino family-modelled businesses?

Preferential treatment to relatives. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What personal approach is favored in Filipino business practices?

Introductions through friends or acquaintances. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

To create an impact on society's welfare (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of employees in relation to business practices?

To strictly follow the company's governing rules (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is punctuality important in a business setting?

It demonstrates professionalism and respect for others' time (C) Signup and view all the answers

How far in advance should an executive circulate the meeting agenda?

One week in advance (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should an employee do if they cannot attend a scheduled meeting?

Inform the chairperson for necessary adjustments (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice for being prepared before a meeting?

Ensure that all pertinent documents and files are ready (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does appropriate attire in the workplace signify?

Understanding of the company's culture and requirements (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should an employee do regarding the potential for delays when arriving for a meeting?

Arrive 15-30 minutes early to account for unexpected delays (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which Greek word does the term 'Ethics' originate from?

Ethos (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Business Ethics?

The exploration of ethical standards in business activities (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is practicing Business Ethics beneficial for companies?

It builds trust with partners and customers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does a Code of Ethics play in a business?

It directs employees in making ethical decisions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of behavior does ethics primarily examine?

The rightness or wrongness of human behavior (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of adhering to Business Ethics?

Guaranteed market dominance (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of having a Code of Ethics in an organization?

It provides a clear direction for ethical behavior. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What term is often used interchangeably with Business Ethics?

Professional ethics (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Ethics?

Ethics originates from the Greek word "ethos", meaning custom, character, nature, and disposition.
Ethics, or moral philosophy, are principles humans should follow for "right" and "good" conduct.
Ethics is a discipline that examines, develops, and recommends right behavior and judgment.

Business Ethics

Business ethics examines the rightness or wrongness of human behavior in business activities.
It includes the conduct of employees and interactions with stakeholders.
Also known as corporate or professional ethics, it examines principles and conduct of businesses facing moral issues.
Business ethics provides guiding principles for moral and ethical actions within organizations.

Why Business Ethics is Important

Business ethics is a top priority for businesspeople.
It aligns with existing laws, ensuring the organization is crime-free from employees, customers, suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders.
Practicing business ethics builds trust among business partners and customers.
Trustworthy and honest businesses attract repeat customers.
This strategy gives a company an advantage over competitors.

Why is a Code of Ethics Important?

Every organization creates a Code of Ethics for all employees to follow.
This code guides employees in making ethical decisions daily in their work.
It helps employees determine ethical and unethical actions.
A Code of Ethics provides a clear standard for organizational conduct, ensuring all employees align with the same principles.

CSR is a firm's mission to positively impact society's welfare.
It involves economic, social, and environmental aspects, aligned with the company's goals.

Business Practices

Businesses have governing rules and practices to achieve their goals.
These rules guide employee conduct in decision-making.
Employees are expected to abide by company laws and regulations.

Decorum

Decorum represents good taste and appropriate conduct, including dress.
Punctuality is a fundamental aspect of professionalism in a business setting.
Being on time demonstrates respect for others' time.

Punctuality in Meetings

Respect others' time by arriving promptly for meetings (15-30 minutes beforehand).
Acknowledge potential delays and confirm appointments.
Finishing meetings on time demonstrates respect.

Preparation for Meetings

Prepare all pertinent files and documents for presentations.
Ensure questions are ready for interviews.
Test and prepare presentation equipment (laptops, projectors) before meetings.
Fully charge devices (laptops, cell phones) for meetings.

Meeting Agenda

The executive should circulate meeting agendas a week in advance.
Important attendees should make necessary adjustments to meeting dates and times if not able to attend.

Attire and Appearance in the Workplace

Dress appropriately for the workplace.
Formal attire is often required in corporate settings.
Companies focused on manufacturing may have specific uniform requirements.
Employees should always dress appropriately for work-related social events.

Decorum in Meetings

Watch words spoken to others and maintain composure.
Avoid offensive language and gossip, adhering to a harmonious environment.
Respectful conduct, not disruptive, should be practiced during meetings.

Basic Courtesy and Respect

Consider the feelings of others in interactions.
Practice courtesy and respect even in difficult situations.
Keep discussions focused in arguments or disagreements with peers/colleagues.
Treat everyone respectfully, including superiors, peers, and subordinates.
Use mindful language in discussions to maintain harmonious interactions.

Greetings in Business Settings

Handshakes and smiles are typical formal greetings.
In formal settings, the most important person is usually greeted first.
Close friends/colleagues might greet each other with warm embraces and cheek kisses.

Formal/Informal Addresses in Business

Use titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., etc.) when addressing others for the first time.
Unless asked, avoid using first names formally.
Address individuals with respect based on their titles and positions.

###Speaking in Meetings

Wait for your turn to speak during meetings.
Respect designated times for questions and answers.
Don't interrupt others when they are speaking.

Listening in Meetings

Take notes during meetings for clarity and to avoid repetition.
Key information should be noted to reinforce the discussion points.

Cell Phones and Laptops in Meetings

Silence or put mobile phones in vibrate mode before meetings.
Leave the meeting room during phone calls.
Use laptops only when necessary during meetings.

Business and Visiting Cards

Use both hands to present business cards to clients.

Breaks during Meetings

Schedule breaks during longer meetings every two hours or thereabouts.

Appropriate Communication

Return phone calls and emails promptly.
Provide name, company name, and department in phone calls/emails.
Speak politely during all communications.

Building Relationships

Treat employees with respect and thoughtfulness.
Companies often acknowledge employees' birthdays with treats or gifts.
Visiting staff, including janitorial staff, demonstrates a thoughtful approach.

Protocol in the Philippines

Nepotism exists in some Filipino corporations and businesses.
Favoring family relatives for employment is common.
Employees are rarely terminated from their jobs due to bad performance unless they make a serious mistake.

Business as Personal

Business interactions in the Philippines are often personal.
Referrals/connections may assist in business transactions due to the close-knit nature of the relationships.
The ability to know the right people is a key aspect of successful business dealings.

Status Consciousness in the Philippines

Filipino business culture emphasizes respect for status and titles.
Addressing individuals by their titles is common practice in deference.

Politeness and Ambiguity

Filipinos prefer politeness and avoid direct "no" responses in business settings due to their cultural values.
A harmonious and respectful relationship with business partners is important.
Avoiding direct rejection and using indirect language avoids offense.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of ethics and its significance in the business context. It covers the definition of ethics, the importance of business ethics, and how ethical conduct influences organizational behavior. Test your understanding of moral principles and their application in the business world.