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Questions and Answers

What is the primary distinction between normative and descriptive morality?

  • Normative morality focuses on individual perspectives, while descriptive morality focuses on collective outcomes.
  • Normative morality is a universal code of conduct, while descriptive morality is the conduct of specific groups. (correct)
  • Normative morality is based on societal codes, while descriptive morality refers to individual codes.
  • Normative morality is context-dependent while descriptive morality is not.
  • What does ethical absolutism imply about moral principles?

  • Moral principles are unchanging and universally applicable across situations. (correct)
  • Moral principles depend entirely on societal consensus.
  • Moral principles can be derived from emotions and personal experiences.
  • Moral principles are opinion-based and vary according to individual beliefs.
  • Which of the following correctly characterizes utilitarianism?

  • It prioritizes individual rights over collective welfare.
  • It is primarily concerned with the motives behind actions.
  • It is a purely subjective approach to ethics.
  • It judges actions based on their outcomes for the greatest number. (correct)
  • What is the process called when publicly owned companies are sold and move out of the public sector?

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

    Which of the following is NOT a common criticism of utilitarianism?

    <p>Utilitarianism requires a rigid adherence to rules. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a global context, what type of power do companies have when they can threaten governments regarding relocation?

    <p>Political (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which two theories are considered duty-based ethical theories?

    <p>Ethics of duty and Ethics of rights and justice. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which area is least associated with the principles outlined in the UN Global Compact?

    <p>Commercial performance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is attributed to the rise in business-led private regulation?

    <p>Proactive approach from industry (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of egoism in ethical theory?

    <p>It promotes the idea of self-interest as the appropriate foundation for moral reasoning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following business-government relations phenomena is largely due to globalisation?

    <p>Increased scrutiny in authoritarian regimes (A), Weakened national government legislation (C), Heightened power of transnational regimes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the nature of relativism in ethics?

    <p>Relativism holds that moral judgments are primarily based on cultural context. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which standard is associated with a trend towards deliberation and collaboration in the global governance space?

    <p>ISO 26000 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept is NOT associated with the ethics of duty?

    <p>Actions are judged according to their consequences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term refers to a company's ability to influence government through the possibility of relocation?

    <p>Political power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the ISO 26000 standard emphasize more, process or specific norms?

    <p>Process (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is characterized as a dynamic and relational framework producing certain commodities or products?

    <p>Global production network, Dynamic, Relational (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which describes the conflict of interest arising from individuals and their employers?

    <p>Professional, Organizational, Personal, Organizational (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which tactics in negotiation can raise ethical concerns?

    <p>Distracting an opponent (A), Deliberately withholding pertinent information (C), Lying about something material to negotiations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What risks do businesses face when using unethical negotiation practices?

    <p>Damaged relationships and sullied reputation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When do ethical questions regarding intelligence gathering and industrial espionage typically arise?

    <p>The information sought is private or confidential (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant challenge in enforcing corporate privacy?

    <p>Corporate structures are boundaryless (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term encompasses negative advertising and predatory pricing strategies?

    <p>Competitive tricks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which system guarantees fair wages and decent working conditions in developing countries?

    <p>Fair trade (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What enhances focus on waste management and redesign in supply chains?

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

    What concept refers to a balanced network of interdependent organisms in business?

    <p>Industrial ecosystems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What includes approval of a company's activities by society and local communities?

    <p>Social licence to operate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tactic combines research and communication with activism in corporate social responsibility?

    <p>Non-violent direct action (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary aim of CSO tactics in influencing corporate behavior?

    <p>Rewarding beneficial corporate actions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term best completes the sentence regarding campaigns that facilitate a company in achieving increased sales?

    <p>Boycotts, Digital technology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statements reflect criticisms often associated with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)?

    <p>CSOs prioritize donor interests over beneficiaries' needs. (B), CSOs impose their own agendas without understanding the local context. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a recent trend in business-civil society engagements?

    <p>Philanthropy, CSOs, Social enterprises (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which combination represents the factors driving CSOs to form partnerships with businesses?

    <p>Access to more resources, Disenchantment with government aid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the identified risks in business-CSO collaborations?

    <p>Power imbalance, Unfair resource distribution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which broad categories are included in social enterprise models?

    <p>The Entrepreneurial Non-Profit Model, The Social Cooperative Model (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes the regulation that encompasses more than just business-CSO relations?

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

    In which regions is civil society notably less developed compared to others?

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

    What defines corporate political activity?

    <p>Any business effort to sway government or public policy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the means of influence businesses use toward government?

    <p>Direct lobbying, Campaign contributions, Information dissemination (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition contributes to the facilitation of public corruption?

    <p>The close ties between elites and citizens (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a limitation of having feedback mechanisms for beneficiaries concerning CSOs?

    <p>Beneficiaries can be reluctant to provide negative feedback. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about performance measures used by CSOs is accurate?

    <p>CSOs often prioritize their measures over openly communicating outcomes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which country and governance mechanism combination correctly reflects the recent trend towards more __________-based mechanisms?

    <p>China, Relationship (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factors are significant when discussing national corporate governance regimes?

    <p>Heterogeneity in governance systems (C), Corporate governance deviance due to internal pressures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What recommendations are suggested to ensure the independence of non-executive board members?

    <p>Non-executives drawn from outside the company (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are executive directors and senior managers incentivized to align their interests with shareholders?

    <p>Through share options made available (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ethical issues are associated with insider trading?

    <p>Inherent unfairness in trading with superior knowledge (B), Misappropriation of knowledge from the firm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which attributes correctly describe cryptocurrencies in the context of financial crime?

    <p>Cheap and Secure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the key differences between Islamic finance and conventional finance regarding the treatment of interest?

    <p>Requirement for all products to be backed by tangible assets (A), Prohibition of charging and paying interest (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe individuals being hired for specific tasks rather than long-term employment?

    <p>Gig economy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which elements contribute to the definition of modern slavery according to Crane (2013)?

    <p>Physical constraint or restriction in movement (B), Forced work through threats (C), Dehumanization and treatment as a resource (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which obligations describe the duties of workers towards their employers?

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

    What actions are related to affirmative action attempts in workforce management?

    <p>Increasing the representation of women and minorities (A), Targeting under-represented groups (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the flexibility of gig work arrangements?

    <p>Ability to choose work hours (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes characteristics of insider trading?

    <p>It can be legal in certain jurisdictions (B), It is considered unethical (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key issue related to employee redundancy that pertains to their rights?

    <p>Down, Involvement, Remuneration, Compensation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which right has historically been a significant ethical concern for employees?

    <p>Healthy and safe working conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes working practices that involve adaptability in tasks and locations?

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

    What does the 'race to the bottom' refer to in the context of foreign investment?

    <p>Bottom, Globalisation, Social, Environmental (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used to describe the process of empowering employees through job enrichment or enlargement?

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

    What concept describes an employee's ideal balance between work and personal life?

    <p>Work-life balance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The evolution of consumer rights moved from caveat emptor to which concept due to regulation?

    <p>Caveat emptor, Buyer beware, Regulation, National (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factors relate to consumer rights issues in pricing?

    <p>Price fixing; Slotting fees (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do regulatory bodies suggest should not be encouraged in advertisements?

    <p>Unsafe practices, Distress, Fear, Serious (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ethical concern regarding marketing communications is associated with creating consumer needs?

    <p>Intrusive, Artificial, Consumerism, Insecurity, Social Stereotypes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the act of obscuring the true cost of an item?

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

    What describes the condition where a consumer cannot make informed purchasing decisions?

    <p>Consumer vulnerability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which right allows consumers to control how their information is used by companies?

    <p>Consumer privacy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are key benefits associated with micro-finance?

    <p>Financial inclusion; Poverty alleviation; Economic growth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cognitive model attempts to explain consumer behavior through oversimplification?

    <p>Decision, Planned behaviour, Rationality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which strategies are considered means of achieving more sustainable consumption?

    <p>Product recapture; Service replacement for products; Product ownership; Demand reduction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the hypothetical agreement between members of society and those who govern it, establishing inter-relationships, rights, and responsibilities on a fair basis?

    <p>Social Contract (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which criticisms of Western modernist ethical theories highlight their limitations?

    <p>They are too objective and elitist. (B), They are too abstract. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statements accurately describe virtue ethics and ethics of care?

    <p>Virtue ethics focus on individual character. (B), Post-modern ethics assert ethics are context-specific. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ethical theory posits that morality is found in an emotional 'moral impulse'?

    <p>Postmodern ethics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the correct order of the four stages of ethical decision making from a rationalist perspective?

    <p>4, 2, 1, 3 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What reasoning is prevalent within society and businesses, often termed as a specific analysis?

    <p>Consequentialist, Cost-benefit analysis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can factors impacting ethical decision making be categorized?

    <p>Individual, Situational (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What theory posits the existence of three levels of moral reasoning based on cognitive capacity?

    <p>Cognitive moral development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the extent to which individuals feel they control their lives?

    <p>Locus of control (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option accurately describes stable individual beliefs that influence decision making?

    <p>Personal values (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the ability to consider consequences and issues related to moral decisions characterized?

    <p>Moral imagination (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factors are considered in assessing moral intensity?

    <p>Social consensus, Temporal immediacy, Proximity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for using language to either mask or expose the ethical nature of decisions?

    <p>Moral framing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which strategies justify or deny unethical behavior?

    <p>Denial of injury, Appeal to higher loyalties, Metaphor of the ledger (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who are managers primarily entrusted to benefit in a company?

    <p>Shareholders, Care and Skill, Diligence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the relationship between shareholders and the company in terms of roles?

    <p>Agency relation, Principal, Agents (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Normative Ethics

    A code of conduct all rational beings should follow.

    Descriptive Ethics

    Describes the moral codes of a group or society.

    Ethical Absolutism

    Moral principles are universally true and objective.

    Ethical Relativism

    Moral principles are context-dependent and vary by situation.

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    Utilitarianism

    Ethical theory focusing on the greatest good for the greatest number.

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    Utilitarianism Criticism

    Problems of quantifying outcomes, distribution of benefits, and the complexities of the theory.

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    Ethics of Duty

    Principle-based ethics, emphasizing universal moral duties and principles.

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    Principle-based Ethics

    Morality founded on universal principles of right and wrong.

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    Social Contract

    An agreement between members of society and those who govern it, establishing relationships, rights, and responsibilities based on fairness.

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    Criticisms of Modernist Ethics

    Western modernist ethical theories are often criticized for being too abstract, too objective, and elitist.

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    Virtue Ethics Focus

    Virtue ethics emphasizes individual character and the development of virtuous traits for a good life.

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    Post-modern Ethics

    Post-modern ethics argue that ethics are context-specific and guided by internal morality.

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    Moral Impulse

    Postmodern ethics locate morality in an emotional impulse toward others, rather than rationality.

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    Stages of Ethical Decision Making

    The four stages of ethical decision making from a rationalist perspective are: 1) Moral awareness, 2) Moral judgment, 3) Moral intent, and 4) Moral action.

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    Consequentialist Reasoning

    Consequentialist reasoning, often used in business, focuses on the consequences of actions, using a cost-benefit analysis to determine the best outcome.

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    Factors Influencing Ethical Decision Making

    Ethical decision making is influenced by individual factors (unique characteristics of a person) and situational factors (features of the person's environment or the issue).

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    Cognitive Moral Development

    The Theory of Cognitive Moral Development proposes three levels of moral reasoning: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, based on cognitive capacity.

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    Locus of Control

    Locus of control refers to an individual's belief in their ability to control their life.

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    Personal Values

    Personal values are individual beliefs about desirable behaviors and goals that influence decision making.

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    Moral Imagination

    Moral imagination is the ability to creatively consider the consequences, resolutions, and issues related to moral decisions.

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    Moral Intensity Factors

    Social consensus, temporal immediacy, and proximity are factors that influence moral intensity, making ethical issues more salient.

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    Moral Framing

    Moral framing is the use of language to mask or expose the ethical nature of decisions.

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    Justifying Unethical Behavior

    Strategies for justifying or denying unethical behavior include denial of injury, appeal to higher loyalties, and metaphor of the ledger.

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    Market-based Governance

    A corporate governance model where market forces like shareholder activism and competition influence corporate behavior.

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    Convergence of Governance Models

    The trend towards a unified approach to corporate governance across different countries, despite some variations.

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    Heterogeneity in Governance Systems

    Differences in corporate governance practices and regulations across different countries, even when those systems appear similar.

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    Corporate Governance Deviance

    When companies deviate from expected corporate governance standards due to internal pressures, such as profit maximization or short-term gains.

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    Executive Directors

    Board members actively involved in the day-to-day running of the company and represent the interests of shareholders.

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    Non-Executive Directors

    Board members who oversee the company's strategic direction and act as a check on executive management. They are independent of management.

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    Independence of Non-Executive Directors

    The non-executive board members should be free from any bias or influence from management, ensuring objective decision-making.

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    Share Options

    Incentive programs where senior managers are given the option to buy company shares at a fixed price, encouraging them to increase company value.

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    Ethical Issues of Insider Trading

    The practice of using confidential information to gain advantage in stock trading, raising significant ethical concerns about fairness and market integrity.

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    Cryptocurrencies Ethical Implications

    Digital currencies like Bitcoin offer financial benefits but also raise ethical concerns about their potential use in illegal activities.

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    Islamic Finance Principles

    A system of finance based on Islamic values, prohibiting activities like charging interest and engaging in certain speculative transactions.

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    Gig Economy

    A labor market where individuals are hired for short-term, project-based work, often involving a high degree of flexibility and autonomy.

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    Modern Slavery

    A complex form of exploitation involving forced labor, often accompanied by control, dehumanization, and restricted freedom of movement.

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    Employee Duties

    Obligations of employees towards their employer derived from employment contracts and broader legal frameworks.

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    Affirmative Action

    Proactive measures to target under-represented groups in an organization's workforce, aiming to improve diversity and inclusion.

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    Redundancy: Right to Know

    Employees' right to be informed about potential redundancies due to the corporation's information policy.

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    Redundancy: Compensation Package

    The financial and non-financial benefits offered to employees who are made redundant.

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    Right to Healthy & Safe Working Conditions

    Employees' fundamental right to a workplace that is not harmful to their health and safety.

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    Flexible Working Practices

    Working patterns offering flexibility in time, location, and tasks.

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    Race to the Bottom

    Competition between nations to attract foreign investment by weakening social & environmental standards.

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    Rehumanizing the Workplace

    Empowering employees through job enrichment and enlargement to promote worker agency and satisfaction.

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    Work-life Balance

    An employees' preferred balance between work and non-work activities.

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    Caveat Emptor

    The principle that the buyer is responsible for ensuring the quality of goods.

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    Consumer Rights: Regulation

    Increased national, EU, and UN regulations to protect consumers from unfair practices.

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    Price Fixing & Slotting Fees

    Pricing issues that violate consumer rights, involving collusion or unfair fees.

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    Advertising Ethics

    Principles guiding advertising practices to prevent unsafe practices, distress, and offense.

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    Marketing Ethics

    Ethical considerations about the intrusiveness, artificial needs, and social impacts of marketing communications.

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    Deceptive Pricing

    Deliberately obscuring the true cost of a product to mislead consumers.

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    Consumer Vulnerability

    The state of being unable to make informed purchase decisions due to various factors.

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    Consumer Privacy

    Consumers' right to control the collection, storage, use, and sharing of their personal information.

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    Global Production Network

    A dynamic and relational framework extending beyond linear functions, operations, and transactions to produce goods or products.

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    Conflicts of Interest

    Situations where an individual's or a firm's personal interests clash with their professional or organizational obligations.

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    Unethical Negotiating Tactics

    Strategies used during negotiations that violate ethical principles, such as lying, distracting, or withholding information.

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    Consequences of Unethical Negotiations

    Negative outcomes of using unethical practices in negotiations, including damaged relationships, a tarnished reputation, and lost opportunities.

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    Ethical Concerns in Intelligence Gathering

    Questions raised about the ethical implications of gathering information about competitors, particularly when methods are questionable, information is confidential, or the purpose is not in public interest.

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    Corporate Privacy

    The challenge of protecting the privacy of individuals within corporations, made difficult by the boundaryless nature of corporations and the difficulty of controlling information in public spaces.

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    Dirty Tricks in Business

    Unethical competitive tactics employed by businesses, such as negative advertising, customer poaching, and predatory pricing.

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    Fair Trade

    A system of exchange guaranteeing producers in developing countries a living wage, decent working conditions, and opportunities for community development.

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    Supply Loops

    Closed-loop systems that aim to recapture and reuse resources, minimizing waste and maximizing sustainability.

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    Industrial Ecosystems

    Interconnected networks of companies and industries that cooperate to share resources and reduce waste, promoting sustainability.

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    Social Licence to Operate

    The ongoing approval and acceptance of a company's activities by society, especially among local communities and civil societies.

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    CSO Tactics

    Strategies used by civil society organizations (CSOs) to achieve their goals, including indirect action (research & communication), violent direct action (physical attacks), and non-violent direct action (boycotts).

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    Rewarding Favourable Behaviour

    A strategy used by CSOs to encourage positive corporate actions by rewarding companies with positive publicity or support.

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    Privatisation

    The process of transferring publicly owned companies to private ownership, often involving ethical, social, and commercial considerations.

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    Corporate Power of Transnational Withdrawal

    The ability of large companies to influence governments by threatening to move their operations to other countries with more favorable regulations.

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    Globalisation's Impact on Business-Government Relations

    Globalisation has led to increased scrutiny of business operations in authoritarian regimes, weakened national government legislation in some countries to attract companies, and strengthened transnational regimes.

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    Private Regulation in Business

    The rise of private regulations, often driven by cost-effectiveness and a faster approach to achieving objectives, is a trend in business.

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    ISO 26000 - Social Responsibility

    A standard promoting social responsibility that focuses on collaborative processes, emphasizes process over outcomes, and favors frameworks over specific norms.

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    UN Global Compact - Key Principles

    The UN Global Compact, a framework for responsible business practices, includes principles for human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption.

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    What is NOT covered by the UN Global Compact?

    The UN Global Compact does not explicitly cover commercial performance, focusing instead on ethical and social issues.

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    Business-Led, Private Regulation - Advantages

    Advantages of private regulations include their faster pace, cost-effectiveness, and proactive approach to achieving objectives.

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    Buycott

    A form of consumer activism where individuals intentionally purchase products or services from companies that align with their values, in contrast to boycotts.

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    Digital Technology

    The use of digital tools and platforms, such as social media, websites, and online marketing, to reach and engage consumers.

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    CSO Criticisms

    Common critiques of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) include imposing agendas without understanding local contexts, focusing on donors rather than beneficiaries, lacking beneficiary feedback, and spending too much time on performance measures.

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    Social Enterprise

    A business model that prioritizes achieving social and environmental goals while generating revenue, striving to balance profit with purpose.

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    Philanthropy

    The act of giving money or resources to charitable causes, often through donations or grants.

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    CSO-Business Rationale

    CSOs collaborate with businesses because it provides access to more resources, opens routes to markets and consumers, complements government aid, and can help mitigate negative publicity.

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    Power Imbalance

    Unequal distribution of power or resources in a partnership, which can lead to one party dominating or exploiting the other.

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    Co-opted

    When a CSO loses its independence or integrity by becoming overly influenced by a business partner, potentially compromising its mission.

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    Social Enterprise Models

    Different approaches to creating a social enterprise include the Entrepreneurial Non-Profit Model, the Social Cooperative Model, the Social Business Model, and the Private Sector Social Enterprise Model.

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    Civil Regulation

    Not just the relationship between CSOs and businesses, but also includes monitoring the outcomes and consequences of their collaboration.

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    Civil Society Development

    The strength and influence of civil society differ across regions, with areas like Russia and China having less developed civil society compared to countries like Britain.

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    Imperative Regulation

    Government-backed regulations enforced through legal systems, often with sanctions for noncompliance.

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    Private Regulation

    Rules and standards established by organizations like companies, industry groups, and CSOs, emphasizing self-regulation.

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    Corporate Political Activity

    A company's actions to influence government or public policy through various methods, like lobbying, political advertisements, and campaign contributions.

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    Influencing Government

    Businesses utilize different approaches to influence government policies by tailoring their communication, targeting specific decision-makers, and choosing public or private outreach strategies.

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    Study Notes

    Ethical Theories and Decision Making

    • Normative theory is a code of conduct for all rational beings, contrasting with descriptive morality, which is a group or society's code.
    • Ethical absolutism, based on universal principles, contrasts with ethical relativism, which is context-dependent.
    • Utilitarianism prioritizes outcomes for the greatest number, a consequentialist theory. Egoism focuses on the decision-maker's benefit. Duty ethics, attributed to Kant, is a principle-based theory.

    Criticisms of Utilitarianism

    • Quantification and calculation of outcomes are problematic.
    • Assessing actions is subjective.
    • Distribution of utility needs consideration.
    • Utilitarianism's complexity is a concern.

    Additional Ethical Theories

    • Principle-based theories (like duty ethics and ethics of rights and justice) derive morality from universal principles. Social contract theory outlines a hypothetical agreement for societal rights & responsibilities.
    • Virtue ethics focus on individual character and virtuous traits for a good life. Postmodern ethics posit context-specific ethics based on internal morality (moral impulse).

    Ethical Decision-Making Process

    • Rationalist ethical decision-making stages (Rest, 1986), follow a particular order.
    • Consequentialist reasoning (e.g. cost-benefit analysis) is prevalent.
    • Ethical decision-making is influenced by individual (e.g. values, locus of control) and situational (context) factors.

    Cognitive Moral Development

    • Cognitive moral development theory proposes three levels of moral reasoning based on cognitive capacity.
    • Personal values are stable beliefs which influence decisions.
    • Moral imagination involves creatively considering consequences arising from moral decisions.

    Justification Strategies for Unethical Behaviour

    • Justifications include appealing to higher loyalties, denial of injury, and the metaphor of the ledger (where actors feel owed something).

    Corporate Governance & Ethics

    • Managers are responsible for shareholder benefit and act with care, skill, and diligence.
    • Agency relation exists between shareholders (principals) and managers (agents) in a company.
    • Many BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) have relationships-focused corporate governance (e.g., based on mutual, long-term relationships); this is shifting toward market mechanisms.

    Ethical Issues in Corporate Governance

    • Executive directors are the link between managers and shareholders. Their role is ensuring the company's actions align with shareholder interests. Non-executive directors provide oversight, not operational management. -Share options for senior managers align their interests with shareholder interests.
    • Issue of insider trading highlights conflicts of interest and undermines trust with fiduciary relationship.
    • Cryptocurrencies pose ethical challenges, such as potentially facilitating financial crime. Islamic Finance typically prohibits interest and certain transactions and requires assets to underpin these financial products.
    • Ethical concerns of downsizing include employee involvement, remuneration/compensation.

    Issues in the Gig Economy

    • The gig economy, based on short-term contracts, offers flexibility for businesses but creates risk, uncertainty, and potential social welfare challenges for workers.

    Modern Slavery

    • Modern slavery involves forced work (through threat), ownership/control (not just abuse), and emotional exploitation.

    Employee Rights and Issues

    • Employee duties & responsibilities exist by contract and employment laws.
    • Affirmative action targets underrepresented groups within organizations (e.g., increasing the proportion of women or minorities in leadership).
    • Downsizing issues concern employee involvement, severance packages, and a right to know.
    • Right to healthy & safe working conditions is a key employee right addressed by regulations.
    • Flexible work practices involve dynamic patterns of work (temporal, spatial, task-related).

    Consumer Rights and Issues

    • Historically, consumer rights are based on “buyer beware.”
    • Recently, regulation has increased at international levels in reaction to these issues. Pricing & advertising issues (e.g., price fixing, bait and switch, predatory pricing) are examples of ethical concerns impacting consumer rights.
    • Ethical concerns in marketing communications include intrusive advertising that may encourage unsafe practices, distress, and perpetuation of consumerism and stereotypes.
    • Deceptive pricing is when the true cost is obscured. Consumer vulnerability arises when individuals lack the competence to make informed purchasing decisions. Consumer privacy concerns control over personal data stored and shared.
    • Microfinance can positively impact financial inclusion and poverty alleviation.

    Global Production Networks, Negotiations, and Supply Chains

    • Global production networks are dynamic relationships exceeding linear functions for commodity/product creation.
    • Business-to-business conflicts can arise from professional/organizational conflicts alongside personal/organizational conflicts.
    • Unethical negotiation tactics include lying about material information, distracting opponents, and withholding vital information. These tactics can damage relationships and reputation.
    • Ethical concerns in intelligence gathering & industrial espionage relate to the source and purpose of the information. Protection of personal information in a business setting concerns companies' ability to maintain control.
    • Dirty tricks, like negative advertising, stealing/poaching customers, and predatory pricing, are unethical business strategies.

    Fair trade and Sustainable Sourcing.

    • Fair trade aims to provide producers with fair compensation and working conditions while sustainable sourcing offers an alternative to traditional supply chains (that can prioritize product recapture, supply loops, and redesign of production activities).
    • Industrial ecosystems reflect interdependence of companies and industries.

    Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Business

    • Social license to operate involves ongoing society approval of a company's activities.
    • CSO tactics include indirect action, violent action, non-violent direct action (e.g. boycotts).
    • Businesses increasingly partner with CSOs to address social/environmental issues, often engaging in "buy-cotts" and social enterprises.
    • Potential limitations/risks of business-CSO collaborations include power imbalances, benefit distribution issues, and issues of co-option.

    Government Regulations and Business

    • Imperative regulation is backed by government, whereas private regulation arises from companies, industries, and civil society.
    • Corporate political activity involves influence on government policy (e.g., lobbying, campaign contributions).
    • Globalisation has influenced business-government relations, leading to varied national legislation, potentially undermined by companies' ability to threaten governments in face of undesirable regulations.
    • Private regulation, inspired by industry participation and collaboration, seeks faster achievement of objectives.
    • UN Global Compact aims to promote companies' social responsibility (in Human rights, Labour, and anti-corruption).

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    Description

    Explore various ethical theories that guide decision making, including normative theories, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics. Understand the distinctions between ethical absolutism and relativism, and examine the critiques of utilitarianism. This quiz will enhance your grasp of fundamental concepts in ethics.

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