Ethics and Freedom of Choice

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Questions and Answers

What does ethics primarily deal with?

Voluntary human conduct (correct)

Enforced decisions

Emotional responses

Factual judgments

Which statement best defines business ethics?

A legal framework for business operations

The application of ethics in business practices (correct)

The study of economics in business

A focus on maximizing profits only

How are normative sciences characterized?

They focus on factual analysis.

They analyze what ought to be. (correct)

They are quantitative in nature.

They are strictly empirical.

What is a key ethical consideration when introducing advanced technology?

Balancing profit with social responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What makes an action classified as cold-blooded murder in ethical terms?

It is premeditated without justification. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT associated with business ethics?

Strict legal compliance only Signup and view all the answers

What type of judgments does ethics concern itself with?

Moral judgments Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between productivity and social responsibility in business?

They are inherently conflicting objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of treating employees with dignity in a business?

High morale Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a reason for ethical problems in businesses?

Cross-cultural contradictions Signup and view all the answers

What can personal gain cause in a workplace setting?

Ethical dilemmas Signup and view all the answers

What factor might cause individual values to differ from an organization's goals?

Personal values Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is likely to lead to ethical issues within a workforce?

Competitive pressures Signup and view all the answers

Why can it be difficult to identify unethical employees during recruitment?

Candidates may hide their true values Signup and view all the answers

Which of these does NOT contribute to ethical problems in organizations?

Shared organizational values Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of having employees with dubious character?

Ethical problems Signup and view all the answers

Which value is rated highest among the corporation executives surveyed in 1982?

Responsible and honest Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of unethical behavior in business?

Strained organizational goals Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the central goal of managers within an organization?

Organizational effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following values was rated the lowest among the surveyed values by corporation executives in 1982?

Ambitions Signup and view all the answers

Why might a proprietor choose to ignore unethical practices within their company?

To maintain high profit levels Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a significant factor that leads to unethical practices in a company?

Personal gain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a goal that follows from organizational effectiveness?

Employee satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

Which value is considered important for managers concerning their jobs?

Professional responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What could be the result of an employee becoming a whistleblower?

Retaliation from the employer Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical ethical conflict faced by companies with unethical employees?

Balancing individual rights and business objectives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following abilities was rated as important by 66% of the executives surveyed?

Capability Signup and view all the answers

Which value indicates a focus on improving service within organizations?

Service to customers Signup and view all the answers

How does unethical behavior within a company usually manifest?

Through deceit in personal gain Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the consequences of effective management as per the values discussed?

Organizational growth Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the action of reporting unethical practices in a company?

Whistleblowing Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of employees who may engage in unethical conduct?

Focus on personal interests Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of transformational leadership during mergers and takeovers?

To motivate employees to aspire for personal and professional growth Signup and view all the answers

Which function of ethics involves setting standards for moral judgment?

Moral standards Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'responsibility' in the context of ethical behavior refer to?

The obligation to care for one's dependents and others Signup and view all the answers

How is universalisability defined in ethical terms?

The ability to apply ethical standards universally without exception Signup and view all the answers

What role does honesty in tax payments play in a government's function?

Demonstrating ethical conduct by citizens Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the dynamic relationship in the transition stage of moral development?

A conflict between self-interest and communal responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the ultimate end or highest good in ethics?

Doing that which is deemed 'right' and 'proper' Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of better communication at all levels during transitions in organizations?

It fosters collaboration and unity among employees Signup and view all the answers

In terms of ethics, what is a significant challenge related to individual needs versus the needs of others?

Finding equal importance in both self and collective needs Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of borrowed funds management is crucial for lending institutions?

Guaranteeing the safety and prompt repayment of loans Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Ethics

Ethics involves the study of moral behavior and conduct; it is categorized as a normative science.
Normative sciences evaluate facts within the framework of 'what ought to be' rather than 'what is.'
Ethics concentrates on voluntary human conduct, distinguishing it from compelled actions.

Business Ethics

Business ethics applies ethical principles within a corporate context, focusing on moral decision-making in business practices.
Ethical businesses achieve profitability while maintaining ethical practices and fulfilling social responsibilities.
Conflicts can arise between profit maximization and social responsibilities, especially regarding employee welfare and productivity.

Ethical Dilemmas in Management

Introducing advanced technology to replace traditional occupations creates ethical dilemmas for management.
Ethical decision-making in businesses can lead to higher morale and productivity when employees are treated with dignity.

Ethical Challenges Facing Businesses

Personal gain, individual values differing from organizational goals, and competitive pressures contribute to ethical dilemmas.
Cross-cultural contradictions pose additional challenges in maintaining ethical standards.

Recruitment and Ethical Behavior

Recruiting ethically aligned personnel is challenging, as unethical individuals may slip into organizations.
Businesses must navigate the fine line between employee rights and the need for ethical behavior in hiring practices.

Influence on Organizational Values

Managers often prioritize organizational efficiency, high productivity, and corporate loyalty along with personal integrity.
A 1982 survey of corporate executives highlighted values such as responsibility, honesty, and capability as crucial.

Functions of Ethics

Ethics sets standards for moral judgment, guiding actions deemed right and proper.
It involves obligations towards ensuring moral duties are met in various situations.

Universalisability

Universalisability refers to the principle that moral norms should apply universally, fostering the notion of collective ethical responsibility.

Implications of Ethics in Business

Companies face ethical issues when personal gain overshadows collective organizational goals.
Whistleblowing encapsulates the ethical conflicts faced when individuals must balance loyalty to the organization with accountability for wrongdoing.

Outcome of Positive Ethical Practices

Businesses adhering to ethical standards often experience improved employee morale and productivity, leading to enhanced overall performance and reputation.

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Description

Explore the fascinating study of ethics, which examines moral behavior and conduct through the lens of social science. This quiz delves into the normative aspects of ethics as a science and its judgments on human choices. Test your understanding of these critical concepts in moral philosophy.