2. Ethical Theories and Decision Making
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main focuses of utilitarianism in ethical decision-making?

  • Ensuring respect for individual rights
  • Maximizing overall happiness or utility (correct)
  • The absolute moral duty of individuals
  • Fostering community virtues

Which ethical theory emphasizes duties and moral rules over consequences?

  • Virtue ethics
  • Utilitarianism
  • Discourse ethics
  • Ethics of duty (correct)

In a business context, which ethical theory would prioritize the fairness of policies and practices?

  • Rawls' justice theory (correct)
  • Postmodernism
  • Egoism
  • Feminist ethics

Which of the following is NOT considered a normative ethical theory?

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

Which ethical approach might involve considering diverse perspectives before arriving at a decision?

<p>Pluralist ethical analysis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of utilitarianism when applied in business ethics?

<p>It may neglect the rights of individuals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of character and the development of virtues in decision-making?

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

What factor significantly complicates ethical decision-making in a multinational business context?

<p>Diverse local cultural attitudes toward ethics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of ethical pluralism?

<p>Acknowledging diverse moral convictions while seeking consensus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do contemporary ethical theories generally lean?

<p>Towards relativism and flexibility. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does ethical pluralism reject?

<p>The concept of universal ethical truths. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do ethical theories provide in the context of business decision-making?

<p>Clarification of different moral presuppositions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does descriptive relativism suggest regarding moral convictions?

<p>Diversity in moral beliefs is a given in society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT a reason why ethical theories can be beneficial in business decisions?

<p>They simplify complex moral issues into one clear solution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In business ethics, why is understanding different ethical theories important?

<p>It helps establish a common ground for decision-making. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of failing to recognize diverse moral convictions in decision-making?

<p>Potential conflicts and misunderstandings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ethical absolutism propose regarding moral principles?

<p>Moral principles are universal and eternal. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes ethical relativism?

<p>Morality varies from culture to culture. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a business context, why is a systematic and rational argument important?

<p>To address stakeholder concerns effectively. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ethical relativism from descriptive relativism?

<p>Ethical relativism claims no moral judgement can be made from outside. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do traditional Western modernist ethical theories typically approach morality?

<p>They are predominantly absolutist in nature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a challenge to ethical decision-making in a business context?

<p>Individuals often face conflicting moral principles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do normative ethical theories play in business ethics?

<p>They prescribe morally correct ways of acting. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential downside of ethical relativism in business?

<p>It can cause difficulties in creating universal standards. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Normative Ethical Theory

A set of principles that guide moral decision-making in business, offering frameworks for determining right and wrong.

Utilitarianism

A normative ethical theory that emphasizes maximizing overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people.

Ethics of Duty

A normative ethical theory that prioritizes moral obligations and rules, regardless of potential outcomes.

Human Rights

Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.

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Egoism

A normative ethical theory that prioritizes self-interest as the primary driver of moral action.

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What are the key differences between utilitarianism and the ethics of duty?

Utilitarianism focuses on consequences, aiming to maximize happiness for the greatest number, while the ethics of duty emphasizes following universal principles and acting in accordance with moral obligations, regardless of outcomes.

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How do normative ethical theories help in making business decisions?

Normative ethical theories provide frameworks for evaluating the moral implications of business choices, offering guidance on determining right and wrong in complex situations.

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What are the potential challenges of applying normative ethical theories in a global business context?

Cultural differences in norms and values can create challenges in applying universal ethical principles, necessitating a nuanced understanding of local contexts and perspectives.

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Ethical Pluralism

A middle ground between ethical absolutism (universal rules) and ethical relativism (no universal rules). It accepts different moral beliefs but seeks consensus on basic principles within a specific context.

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Ethical Absolutism

The belief that universal moral principles apply to all situations, regardless of culture or context.

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Ethical Relativism

The belief that morality is subjective and depends on cultural or individual values. There are no universal principles.

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How does ethical theory help in business decisions?

It provides a way to clarify different moral perspectives of stakeholders, leading to a better understanding and consensus on ethical solutions.

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What are the two basic things we already know about morality?

  1. Morality is a social phenomenon. 2. There is a diversity of moral convictions in society.
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Descriptive Relativism

The observation that there is a diversity of moral beliefs in the world.

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What is the role of ethical theory in business decisions?

To provide a structured and systematic approach to assess the right and wrong of specific business decisions.

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Why is ethical pluralism a useful approach for business decisions?

It allows for consideration of different moral viewpoints while seeking common ground on basic principles, leading to more effective solutions.

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Why is ethical relativism still considered a normative theory?

Because ethical relativism argues that different cultural beliefs about right and wrong can both be correct.

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What are the problems with ethical relativism?

It can be difficult to determine when one culture's practices are truly wrong, and it can be used to justify harmful or oppressive behaviors.

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Which ethical theories are typically absolutist?

Traditional Western modernist ethical theories tend to hold absolutist views.

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Why are ethical theories important for business?

They provide frameworks for making ethical decisions in business, ensuring decisions are justified, defended, and clear to stakeholders.

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Study Notes

Evaluating Business Ethics

  • This chapter covers normative ethical theory in business decisions
  • It explores international differences in ethical perspectives
  • Key ethical theories include:
    • Utilitarianism
    • Ethics of duty
    • Rights and justice
    • Virtue ethics
    • Feminist ethics
    • Discourse ethics
    • Postmodernism
  • A pluralist evaluation of business ethics is presented
  • Key concepts and skills are outlined

Key Concepts and Skills

  • Normative ethical theory
  • Egoism
  • Ethics of duty
  • Utilitarianism
  • Human rights
  • Utilitarian analysis
  • Applying the categorical imperative test
  • Applying the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
  • Justice
  • Virtue ethics
  • Feminist ethics
  • Discourse ethics
  • Postmodern ethics
  • Applying Rawls' justice test
  • Conducting ethical discourse
  • Pluralist ethical analysis

Introduction

  • Everyday life involves ethical choices
  • Business situations require more complex decisions
  • Decision-making in business often needs a systematic structure
  • Normative ethical theories help determine morally correct actions

The Role of Ethical Theory

  • Ethical absolutism: eternal, universally applicable moral principles
  • Ethical relativism: morality is context-dependent and subjective
  • Ethical pluralism: middle ground between absolutism and relativism, accepting diverse views

Normative Ethical Theories: International Origins and Differences

  • Western modernist theories often dominate business ethics discussions
  • European and North American perspectives often form the basis of these discussions.
  • Other perspectives like Asian, African, or Latin American perspectives are developing
  • Consideration of cultural contexts and international variations is needed

Normative Ethical theories and religions

  • Religions and philosophy provide ethical frameworks for business.
  • Source of rules differs (divine vs. reason)
  • Religions may have different rules than philosophy
  • Consequentialist (focus on outcomes) and non-consequentialist (focus on principles) models are explored

Utilitarianism

  • A consequentialist theory focused on maximizing overall happiness/well-being, the greatest good for the greatest number
  • Looks at potential consequences of an action to decide if it is good or bad.
  • Assesses pleasure and pain for different parties.
  • Different interpretations of utility (pleasure, happiness, value-based)
  • Considerations include act utilitarianism (assessing individual actions) and rule utilitarianism (evaluating an action based on established rules).

Ethics of Duty

  • A non-consequentialist theory based on absolute moral duties independent of outcomes
  • Includes Kant's categorical imperative:
    • Consistency: Actions should conform to universalizable rules
    • Human dignity: Treat people as ends, not merely as means
    • Universality: Actions must be universally applicable
  • Important for ethical considerations in how employees or stakeholders are treated

Ethics of Rights and Justice

  • Rights as fundamental entitlements to people
  • Rights and duties are linked; one person's rights often impose obligations on others
  • Inspired by Enlightenment thinkers like Locke
  • Emphasizes respect for persons, including inherent rights, to develop a sense of justice

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Description

This quiz explores various ethical theories that are crucial in business decision-making. It focuses on concepts such as utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics, as well as challenges faced in multinational contexts. Test your knowledge on how these theories influence ethical practices in the business world.

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