Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does deontological ethics primarily focus on?
What does deontological ethics primarily focus on?
According to deontological principles, how should individuals be treated?
According to deontological principles, how should individuals be treated?
What characterizes an ethical dilemma?
What characterizes an ethical dilemma?
In the scenario involving Heinz, what was the primary moral conflict he faced?
In the scenario involving Heinz, what was the primary moral conflict he faced?
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Which philosopher is most closely associated with deontological ethics?
Which philosopher is most closely associated with deontological ethics?
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What is business ethics primarily concerned with?
What is business ethics primarily concerned with?
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What percentage of managers discussed moral norms they upheld according to the findings?
What percentage of managers discussed moral norms they upheld according to the findings?
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Which of the following is an example of a moral issue reported by the interviewed managers?
Which of the following is an example of a moral issue reported by the interviewed managers?
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Utilitarianism defines the morality of an action based on what concept?
Utilitarianism defines the morality of an action based on what concept?
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What was reported by approximately 48.2% of managers regarding moral behavior?
What was reported by approximately 48.2% of managers regarding moral behavior?
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In the context of business ethics, what is meant by 'Omission or Commission'?
In the context of business ethics, what is meant by 'Omission or Commission'?
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Which ethical principle emphasizes acting for the greatest good for the greatest number?
Which ethical principle emphasizes acting for the greatest good for the greatest number?
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What is the main idea of sustainable development as defined by the Bruntland Report?
What is the main idea of sustainable development as defined by the Bruntland Report?
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Which of the following was NOT reported as a moral issue by managers?
Which of the following was NOT reported as a moral issue by managers?
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Which of the following is NOT a focus area of the Bruntland Report?
Which of the following is NOT a focus area of the Bruntland Report?
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What does the concept of the 'Triple Bottom Line' include?
What does the concept of the 'Triple Bottom Line' include?
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Why is measurement of sustainable development often considered vague?
Why is measurement of sustainable development often considered vague?
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Which of the following is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?
Which of the following is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?
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Which corporation is noted in the content as engaging with the Triple Bottom Line approach?
Which corporation is noted in the content as engaging with the Triple Bottom Line approach?
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What year was the UN Global Compact introduced?
What year was the UN Global Compact introduced?
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What is the purpose of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
What is the purpose of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Business Ethics
- Business ethics examines situations, activities, and decisions in a business context where moral issues arise.
- Business leaders' decisions can significantly impact stakeholders who are not involved in the decision-making process.
Everyday Moral Issues Experienced by Managers
- A study surveyed 33 managers from 10 different organizations.
- All managers reported encountering everyday moral issues at work, with each manager identifying 4-8 issues.
- Examples of issues include:
- State of the toilets
- Drinking at work
- Employee appraisals
- Honesty in negotiations
- Honesty with customers
- Bribery
- Using legal loopholes
- Compromising quality of products or services
Managers and Moral Issues
- Managers recognize a situation as a moral dilemma when they feel they have the power to influence the outcome.
- Managers were less likely to engage with broader corporate responsibility issues, such as environmental concerns or community programs.
Responsibility and Rationalization
- 64% of managers reported upholding moral norms they believed in, often using "I" statements.
- 52% of managers disclosed instances where either themselves or their colleagues violated moral norms, often using "We" statements.
- Approximately 20% of managers provided reasons for violating moral norms at work.
Immorality and Ambiguity
- 48.2% of reported cases involved immoral behavior, morally ambiguous behavior, or morally uncertain behavior.
- The example of Jeffrey Wigand illustrates a moral dilemma where motivation, principles, and outcomes might diverge.
Ethical Theory: Utilitarianism
- Utilitarianism focuses on consequences.
- Prominent figures associated with it are Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
- An action is considered morally right if it yields the greatest good for the greatest number of people affected.
Utilitarianism and Business Ethics
- Utilitarianism advises managers to take actions that benefit the largest number of people.
- Key questions arise in applying utilitarianism to business:
- Good for whom? (E.g., consumers, shareholders, employees)
- How far can one go in pursuing the greatest good? (E.g., omission or commission of actions)
Ethical Theory: Ethics of Duty (Deontology)
- Deontology emphasizes duties to others.
- Immanuel Kant is a central figure in deontology.
- Certain acts are universally considered right or wrong, regardless of their consequences.
- Individuals are viewed as independent moral agents who make rational judgments about right and wrong.
Deontology and Business Ethics
- Deontology instructs managers to respect individuals and build trust.
- It emphasizes the importance of treating others with dignity.
- Example: Treating employees with respect and valuing human dignity.
- Deontology raises the question of corporations' obligations.
Ethical Dilemma: Heinz's Dilemma
- Scenario: A husband steals medicine for his dying wife from a pharmacist who charges an exorbitant price.
- The dilemma explores the conflict between stealing and preserving life.
Sustainability: A Moral Awakening
- Ray Anderson, former CEO of Interface, advocated for a shift towards sustainable business practices.
The United Nations and Sustainable Development
- The Brundtland Report ("Our Common Future," 1987) introduced the concept of sustainable development.
- Sustainable development aims to meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
- The report attempted to address strategic issues related to population, food security, biodiversity loss, energy, industry, and human settlements.
The Triple Bottom Line
- The Triple Bottom Line considers economic, environmental, and social costs of business activities.
Sustainable Development Measurement
- Measuring sustainable development is challenging due to vague and immeasurable ecological risks.
- The Triple Bottom Line provides a framework for measurement, but criteria can vary.
The UN SDGs and the Global Compact
- The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to address global issues by 2030.
- Examples of SDGs encompass:
- Eradicating Poverty (Goal 1)
- Ending Hunger (Goal 2)
- Improving Health and Well-being (Goal 3)
- Ensuring Quality Education (Goal 4)
- The UN Global Compact, launched in July 2000, seeks to promote responsible business practices aligned with universal principles.
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Description
This quiz explores the key concepts of business ethics, focusing on moral dilemmas faced by managers. It discusses common ethical issues in the workplace and the impact of managerial decisions on stakeholders. Test your understanding of everyday moral challenges that business leaders encounter.
