BUSINESS ETHICS
BUSINESS ETHICS
The quote implies that integrity is a universal standard that one needs to follow not because it is the law, or to please anyone, but because it is a desirable thing. In this regard, ethics guides one’s action all the time. It follows one would make choices objectively. Three things that arise from the quote an example are that values go beyond self-benefits, feelings or emotions and ethical choices should bring greater benefit to the majority
Ethical considerations are not self-benefiting all the time. Kant’s categorical imperatives suggest that one need to act in such a way that the actions become a universal law. In this respect, one would choose to do what is right if other people would accept the actions. According to the example, calling for a self-penalty is the right thing in the case of a foul because that is, or can become a universal law in the game.
The second aspect is that ethics do not rely on feeling or emotions (Velasquez et al., 2015). Feelings provide vital details in making ethical choices because, by their nature, they determine the levels of satisfactions. However, people should be rational in making decisions. In this case, reason supersedes emotions. It is imperative that penalties in golfing, or any other game do not produce pleasant feelings. However, since they are part of the rules of the game, one needs to follow them even when playing alone.
The third thing is that ethical choices need to lead to the happiness of the majority. The measurement of right or wrong is not absolute but depend on the consequences. Arguing from this point of view, one needs to evaluate the effects of the actions and choose the one that would cause the least harm. It follows that one need to consider the impact of the actions even in the absence of others.
Learning Activity 2
All businesses must uphold the highest standards of ethics in the next few decades due to the following. First, there is an increased surveillance by the consumers in the wake of technological innovations, such as social media (Petry, 2013). Companies have nowhere to hide any malpractices because of the presence of information online accessible to anyone who can access the internet almost instantaneously. Upon the leaking of the information, government agencies would be strict on the companies. Also, there would be more legislations to curb unethical behaviors leaving the firms with no option other than to be ethical or face lawsuits or closure by the relevant government agencies.
Secondly, consumer behavior is increasingly shifting depending on the perception they hold towards the companies. Many people are becoming aware of the unethical business practices and the harm that they cause to the people or the markets. In this regard, they boycott products from firms that do not meet their expectations. Since the nature of businesses is to make profits, that can only happen when there are enough customers to purchase the goods and services. It follows that the companies would strive to keep all the customers to remain in business, and therefore, are under obligation to stay ethical.
Thirdly, companies have come up with strategies for sharing the best practices. Shareholders expect the best outcomes and, therefore, have forced the managers to adhere to the best approaches for doing business. As a result, they are becoming more ethical a trend that would continue in the future.
References
Petry, E. (2013). “Business Ethical Issues: 14 Emerging Trends in 2013”. Retrieved on May 17, 2016 from http://www.slideshare.net/NAVEXGlobal/business-ethical-issues-14- emerging-trends-in-2013-presentation
Velasquez, m., Moberg, D., Meyer, J. M., Shanks, T. McLean M. R., DeCosse D., Honson O. K. (2015). “A Framework for Ethical Decision Making.” Retrieved on May 17, 2016 from https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/a- framework-for-ethical-decision-making/
