Business Ethics, Social Responsibility

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best illustrates the distinction between a business and an organization?

  • A business is primarily focused on profit generation, whereas an organization may have broader goals including non-profit objectives. (correct)
  • An organization is legally required to have a formal structure, while a business can operate informally.
  • A business is involved in buying and selling goods only, unlike an organization engaging in diverse activities.
  • A business always operates with multiple stakeholders, while an organization can function with a single individual.

Which action primarily reflects the 'value' basis of ethics?

  • An employee following a supervisor's order, despite personal reservations.
  • A manager establishing a profit-sharing program to motivate employees.
  • A parent instilling honesty and responsibility in their child. (correct)
  • A company modifying its pollution output to adhere to environmental regulations.

A general partnership differs from a limited partnership primarily in that:

  • General partnerships are suitable for large corporations, while limited partnerships cater to small businesses.
  • Only general partnerships are required to register with the state, limited partnerships can operate informally.
  • All partners in a general partnership have unlimited liability, whereas limited partnerships have partners with limited liability and operational involvement. (correct)
  • General partnerships require more than two partners, while limited partnerships are restricted to two.

Which of the following best describes the role of shareholders in a corporation?

<p>Shareholders own a portion of the corporation through stock ownership, entitling them to a share of the profits and voting rights. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do cooperatives primarily differ from corporations in terms of profit distribution?

<p>Cooperatives distribute profits among their members, whereas corporations can distribute profits to external shareholders and reinvest in the company. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which core principle of corporate governance would be most violated if a company's financial records were intentionally misleading to investors?

<p>Transparency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios highlights a conflict between personal loyalties and official responsibilities within a business setting?

<p>A manager promotes a less qualified relative over a more qualified candidate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does 'technical morality' differ from 'legal responsibilities' in the context of business ethics?

<p>Technical morality encompasses ethical standards specific to a profession, while legal responsibilities refer to duties imposed by law. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company adopts a 'code of conduct' primarily to:

<p>Influence the behavior of its employees and promote ethical actions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction between a 'code of ethics' and a 'code of practice'?

<p>A code of ethics focuses on broad ethical principles, while a code of practice centers on specific professional or industry standards. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ethics

A discipline that examines what is morally good and bad, and morally right and wrong.

Business Ethics

Written and unwritten codes of principles and values that govern decisions and actions within an organization, guiding policy and practice.

Social Responsibility

Acting in the best interest of the environment and society as a whole.

Sole Proprietorship

A business owned and run by one person, where there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business.

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Partnership

Business owned by two or more people who agree to share in the profits or losses of a business.

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Corporation

A business structure with separate legal and tax identity from its owners.

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Fairness

Impartial judgment free from discrimination.

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Accountability

The obligation of an individual or organization to accept responsibility for their activities.

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Transparency

The authentic way an organization operates, open communication.

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Stewardship

Managing resources responsibly for the betterment of creation.

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Study Notes

  • A business is an organization engaged in buying and selling goods and services with the purpose of making a profit.
  • Ethics is a discipline concerned with what is morally good and bad, right and wrong.
  • The three bases of ethics are value, principles, and purpose.

Business Ethics

  • Business ethics involves written and unwritten codes of principles and values that govern decisions and actions within an organization.
  • It includes implementing business policies and practices in an ethical manner.

Social Responsibility in Business

  • Social responsibility involves acting in the best interest of the environment and society as a whole.

Forms of Business Organizations

  • Sole Proprietorship: Owned by one person.
  • Partnership: Owned by two or more people.
    • General Partnership: All partners share responsibilities and liabilities.
    • Limited Partnership: Some partners are active while others are inactive.
    • Limited Liability Partnership: Partners are not liable for each other's debts.
  • Corporation: Involves more complex ownership structures.
    • Types of ownership: Founders, stockholders, shareholders, and staff
    • Examples: Amazon, food/beverage companies, Google, Microsoft, motorcycle corporations
  • Cooperation: Owned and operated by member staff.
  • Cooperative (Coop): Profits are only distributed among members.

Core Principles of Good Corporate Governance

  • Fairness: Making judgments free from discrimination.
  • Accountability: The obligation of an individual to be responsible for their actions.
  • Transparency: Operating in an authentic and open manner.
  • Stewardship: Managing resources responsibly for the betterment of creation.

Types of Business Ethics

  • Personal Responsibilities: Based on an individual's personal beliefs.
  • Official Responsibilities: Tied to the position a person holds.
  • Personal Loyalties: Subordinate to superiors.
  • Corporate Responsibilities: Obligations of a corporation as a separate legal entity.
  • Organizational Loyalties: Loyalty towards the organization as an entity.
  • Economic Responsibilities: Guiding individual actions of an economic nature.
  • Technical Morality: Ethical standards adhered to by professionals.
  • Legal Responsibilities: Responsibilities imposed by law.
  • Illegal actions are typically considered unethical.

Codes of Ethics, Conduct, and Practice

  • Codes of ethics, conduct, and practice involve understanding the difference between right and wrong.
  • Code of Conduct: Designed to influence the behavior of employees.
  • Code of Practice: Policies adapted by a profession, government, or non-government organization.
  • Code of Ethics: Written and unwritten principles guiding ethical business practices.
  • Ethical behavior is truthful and aligns with legal responsibilities. Unethical behavior involves actions that are wrong.

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