The dilemma for the Washington Posts then CEO centered on her having to choose between exposing the truth based on freedom of speechwhich was the mission and foundation of the newspaperor staying silent and suppressing the classified information. Abstaining from cheating customers, defrauding clients, lying, and murder are fairly objective ethical values; the reason for making any exceptions must be carefully laid out. According to the Union Internationale des Avocats, an international, nongovernmental association of legal professionals, corruption corrodes the democratic principles of accountability, equality, and transparency. It focuses on the type of person we ought to be, not on specific actions that should be taken. | Absolute values do exist. Dec 12, 2022 OpenStax. Giving employees common-sense advice and training in practical ways to counter unethical behavior, as well as ethical role models at the top of the organization, can be more effective than prevention. WebUbuntu - Universalism - Utilitarian bioethics - Utilitarianism. Ch. In addition, using this principle can require sacrifice of human lifethat is, giving ones life to help or save otherswhich may seem contrary to the principle. Want to cite, share, or modify this book? Still, the U.S. Constitutions Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, was designed as and remains the foundation of, which is based on freedom and justice to protect the basic rights of all. Recent Governance Reforms: An Executive Summary, 13. Altruism is also part of character-based virtue ethics. This, as with all these principles and approaches, is broad in nature and seemingly rather abstract. Followers of this principle can become absolutists and true believersmany times believing and following their own ideology and beliefs. Ethical executives are caring, compassionate, benevolent and kind. 1. What responsibilities do companies have regarding justice and care? Compliance can be an immense task for industries like aerospace, pharmaceuticals, banking, and food production, due to the large number of employees involved, the certification of them that sometimes is necessary, and the requisite record keeping. My Account Access to the full content is only available to members of institutions that have purchased access. We recommend using a Again, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a useful starting point for the way business can conduct itself. : The main principles of business ethics are based in academia and on academic writings on proper business operations. WebBased on the expressed preferences of 163 undergraduate and graduate students of business ethics, this article briefly examines the two most popular theories, Universalism (Kantian) and Utilitarianism (consequentialist), and presents a SWOT analysis of both. Cooper, Santora, and Sarros wrote, Universalism is the outward expression of leadership character and is made manifest by respectfulness for others, fairness, cooperativeness, compassion, spiritual respect, and humility. Corporate leaders in the Worlds Most Ethical Companies strive to set a tone at the top to exemplify and embody universal principles in their business practices.19 Howard Schultz, founder of Starbucks; cofounder Jim Sinegal at Costco; Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook; and Ursula M. Burns, previous chairperson and CEO of Xerox have demonstrated setting effective ethical tones at the top of organizations. Limitations when using this principle involve the question of who decides who is right and wrong and who has been harmed in complex situations. In the business world, various ethical theories and principles are used. WebBusiness Ethics Final. 141 0 obj 1 / 35. Business ethics concerns. Business ethics motivates managers to (1) meet legal and industry governing and reporting requirements and (2) shape corporate culture so that corrupt practices such as bribery, embezzlement, and fraud have no place in the organization. Web(SEM-III) THEORY EXAMINATION 2020-UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES AND ETHICS Time: 3 Hours Total Marks: 70 Note: 1. B. what ethical behaviors should be expected of company personnel in the course of doing their jobs. Boeing leadership encourages employees to proactively seek out issues, speak up and report concerns, and engage with transparency. (credit: Happiness Is a Piece of Cake Close Up Photography by Antonio Quagliata/Pexels, CC0), If there is anything that transcends time, place, and culture, it is love. In addition, we are sometimes faced with the question, Who has the moral authority to punish to pay compensation to whom? Still, as with the other principles discussed here, justice stands as a necessary and invaluable building block of democracies and freedom. Thus, love, as responsibility, depends on relationships based on good faith and concern. Yet it remains controversial. List the four dimensions of a human being. Limitations here also show that using this principle may not always prove realistic or practical in all situations. Webundergraduate and graduate students of business ethics, this article briefly examines the two most popular theories, Universalism (Kantian) and Utilitarianism (consequentialist), One model of ethical behavior, sometimes called the humanistic business model, may provide the answer for businesses that wish to achieve the dual goal of human flourishing and responsible profits. The influence of positive psychology is evident, and there is much to commend in this kinder approach to the job of management that makes an effort to establish sustainable human welfare.36 MGMT 325 Quiz 2.2. WebBased on the expressed preferences of 163 undergraduate and graduate students of business ethics, this article briefly examines the two most popular theories, Universalism Countries and cultures that follow this orientation can result in dictatorships and absolutist regimes that practice different forms of slavery and abuse to large numbers of people. startxref Kantian ethics are a set of universal moral principles that apply to all human beings, regardless of context or situation. Utilitarianism: Ethical Theories and Business. WebChapter 9. Followers of this principle can become absolutists and true believersmany times believing and following their own ideology and beliefs. 4.8 (4 reviews) Term. "Universalism and Utilitarianism: An Evaluation of Two Popular Moral Theories in Business Decision Making," Corporations and their Social Responsibility. citation tool such as, Authors: David S. Bright, Anastasia H. Cortes. org/10.4135/9781473910034 More information Summary Contents Content: formal principles or uniform requirements? In fact, we could argue that anything that makes an impact on people should legitimately be within the scope of business. 0000002618 00000 n To get a sense of individual rights in the workplace, log on to one of the Best Companies to Work For annual lists (http://fortune.com/best-companies/). Copyright. Accommodating Different Abilities and Faiths, 29. Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and the Workplace of the Future, 32. endobj 0000004093 00000 n For example, everyone must eat to survive, but not everyone would agree that eating chocolate-raspberry cake brings happiness. Only the individuals self-interest and values are relevant for judging his or her behavior. The universalizability theory holds two significant views. What are major ethical principles that can be used by individuals and organizations? No matter our culture, geography, or time, could we identify some basic normative behaviors to govern business conduct in general? 0000003899 00000 n Cooper, Santora, and Sarros wrote, Universalism is the outward expression of leadership character and is made manifest by respectfulness for others, fairness, cooperativeness, compassion, spiritual respect, and humility. Corporate leaders in the Worlds Most Ethical Companies strive to set a tone at the top to exemplify and embody universal principles in their business practices. If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, In most professional disciplines, including business, the primary ethical frameworks used in the classroom draw on Universalist approaches. Want to cite, share, or modify this book? Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, calls the Some bias is good, as in having a favorable disposition toward those who work hard in intellectually honest ways. One entity (e.g., a person, a firm) does business with another when it exchanges a good or service for valuable consideration, i.e., a benefit such as money. Universalism in ethics may be identified with claims about the form, scope or content of ethical principles, or with the very idea that ethical judgment appeals to principles, rather than to particular cases. We might argue that it is not the business of business to form people in their conscience, but the result of not doing so has become expensive for everyone concerned.32. Images. These principles can be, and are, used in combination; different principles are also used in different situations. (2) Is it right? Practical wisdom, however, is often required to be virtuous. 140 0 obj What are some ethical guidelines individuals and organizations can use to make ethical choices? President Johnson was pressured to resign, Secretary of State McNamara later apologized, and the war eventually ended with U.S. troops withdrawing. This principle is related to universalism. Until that time, international firms doing business in South Africa were expected to abide by the apartheid policy and its underlying values. However, middle managers and employees often complain their ethics training consists of passing a computerized sexual harassment or fraud program once a year but that nothing is done to address issues in a substantive way or to change the culture of the organization, even those that have experienced problems.31 Many leaders character and actions serve as examples of how character-based virtues work. 2 x 10 = 20 a. But what does love look like in a business setting? Use of this principle generally applies when resources are scarce, there is a conflict in priorities, and no clear choice meets everyones needsthat is, a zero-sum decision is imminent, Universalism is a principle that considers the welfare and risks of all parties when considering policy decisions and outcomes. OpenStax is part of Rice University, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. These principles can be, and are, used in combination; different principles are also used in different situations.18 The principles that we will cover are utilitarianism, universalism, rights/legal, justice, virtue, common good, and ethical relativism approaches. In the United States, the Constitution and Declaration of Independence are the basis for citizens legal rights, for example, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the right to freedom of speech. The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo W. Wahdat-ul-Wujood - Wahdat-ul-Shuhud - War, philosophy of - Western philosophy - Wu wei. The claim that ethical standards or principles are universal is an ancient commonplace of many ethical traditions and of contemporary political life, particularly in appeals to universal human rights. 0000001304 00000 n This principle, as with universalism, can always be used when individuals, groups, and nations are involved in decisions that may violate or harm such rights as life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and free speech. Discuss need of Value education. 2 x 7 = 14 a. ]yy+ We recommend using a Finally, in the same vein, ethics is not science. Moral (and human) rights, on the other hand, are universal and based on norms in every society, for example, the right not to be enslaved and the right to work. 148 0 obj 129 0 obj A common description of utilitarianism is seeking the greatest good for the greatest number this is paraphrased from Jeremy Bentham, who developed Act We might begin with always honoring the terms of a contract, consistently treating customers and partners with honesty, and never cheating. Marketing Ethics: Selling Controversial Products, 17. The mainstream in business ethics has declared the collective and selfless end to be the ideal that must guide practice and research. Some of the principles presented here date back to Plato, Socrates, and even earlier to ancient religious groups. One alternative is to put the humanities into business. Are the Values Central to Business Ethics Universal? For example, the famous Warren Buffett stands as an icon of good character who demonstrates trustworthy values and practical wisdom. Based on the expressed preferences of 163 undergraduate and graduate students of business ethics, this article briefly examines the two most popular theories, Universalism (Kantian) and Utilitarianism (consequentialist), and presents a SWOT analysis of both. It focuses on the type of person we ought to be, not on specific actions that should be taken. 16 terms. Business 148 Study Guide. %PDF-1.7 % endobj endobj WebThis document is designed as an introduction to making ethical decisions. It simply emphasizes the other side of the twofold purpose of business (profit and responsibility). Still, legal requirements are usually clear, as are the ways an organization can exceed them (as do, for example, companies such as Whole Foods, Zappos, and Starbucks). It is an orientation that many use quite frequently. WebUtilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical approach it focusses on the outcomes of an act to judge its goodness. Should business ethics be grounded only on more concrete tenets? Also, the issue arises, Who defines virtuous, especially when a complex act or incident is involved that requires factual information and objective criteria to resolve?, The common good is defined as the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment. Decision makers must take into consideration the intent as well as the effects of their actions and decisions on the broader society and the common good of the many.20, Identifying and basing decisions on the common good requires us to make goals and take actions that take others, beyond ourselves and our self-interest, into account. Vol. For example, South Africas all-white National Party and government after 1948 implemented and enforced a policy of apartheid that consisted of racial segregation. When we present the specifics and facts of a situation, this and the other principles begin to make sense, although judgement is still required. 2 (3) Who gets hurt? 2 (2015), Universalism and Utilitarianism: An Evaluation of Two Popular Moral Theories in Business Decision Making. v a l p o . Many leaders character and actions serve as examples of how character-based virtues work. Multiple Versus Single Ethical Standards, 9. (2015) WebKeywords: universalism, utilitarianism, punctuated equilibrium 1. X [%:6Ou\Ng73Y consent of Rice University. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.. Ethical Principles and Responsible Decision-Making, 10. This principle has at least four major components that are based on the tenets that (1) all individuals should be treated equally; (2) justice is served when all persons have equal opportunities and advantages (through their positions and offices) to societys opportunities and burdens; (3) fair decision practices, procedures, and agreements among parties should be practiced; and (4) punishment is served to someone who has inflicted harm on another, and compensation is given to those for a past harm or injustice committed against them. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.. The problem is that if anything flourishes in this model, it is often the business rather than the employees. 1999-2023, Rice University. At the organizational and societal levels, laws, regulations, and oversight can go a long way WebIt has these characteristics: (1) universality, because it applies to all acts of human behavior, even those that appear to be done from altruistic motives; (2) objectivity, meaning it operates beyond individual thought, desire, and perspective; (3) rationality, because it is not based in metaphysics or theology; and (4) quantifiability in its WebCHAPTER 2 MORAL RELATIVISM - Objectivism: there is only one universal moral standard (based on objective moral facts and consists of moral values and principles that hold universal for people and societies) - Can adjust to circumstances is not morally rigid - Ex. 0000015844 00000 n A. developing a consensus among companies worldwide as to what ethical principles that businesses should be expected to observe in the course of conducting their operations. A result was enflamed widespread public protests from American youth and others. 139 0 obj They prescribe obligations for everybody, define Moral (and human) rights, on the other hand, are universal and based on norms in every society, for example, the right not to be enslaved and the right to work. The Workplace Environment and Working Conditions, 23. 73 terms. Ethics Theory and Business Practice By: Mick Fryer Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd Publication year: 2015 Online pub date: February 05, 2019 Discipline: Business & Management Subject: Business Ethics (general), Organization Studies (general) DOI: https://dx. The first view uses universality to distinguish the moral from non-moral. This is especially the case when facts are not available and there is no objective external jurisdiction of the state or federal government. endobj Universalism vs. Relativism It is helpful to ask and if not clear, perhaps identify the principles, you most often use now and those you aspire to use more, and why. 94 terms. WebBusiness ethics exists on three levels: the individual, the organizational, and the societal. Although ethical practice has been directly influenced by religion, as noted, ethics is not religion and religious belief is not a prerequisite for a commitment to business ethics. How can businesses do this? In the conclusive section, some suggestions and recommendations are presented. There are some limitations to this ethic. The Worlds Most Ethical Companies also provides examples of workforce and workplace legal and moral rights. WebMoral universalism (also called moral objectivism) is the meta-ethical position that some system of ethics, or a universal ethic, applies universally, that is, for "all similarly situated Utilitarian ethics says, in general, that the most ethical course of action is the one that provides the greatest benefit to the most people. Compliance is important, but business managers must attempt to go above and beyond to clearly model and enforce the highest standards of ethical behavior. At the organizational and societal levels, laws, regulations, and oversight can go a long way toward curtailing illegal activity. It is not a coincidence that it appears in the American Declaration of Independence (1776), which was written by Thomas Jefferson and inspired by the British Enlightenment philosopher John Locke. But employees are human beings first, which means any attempt to improve their welfare must begin by thinking of them as human beings rather than as employees. WebUniversalism in Ethics. Normative business ethics should address systemic issues such as oversight and transparency as well as the character of individuals who make up the organization. Subsequently, some common factors and discrepancies between the two theories will be discussed. This principle has at least four major components that are based on the tenets that (1) all individuals should be treated equally; (2) justice is served when all persons have equal opportunities and advantages (through their positions and offices) to societys opportunities and burdens; (3) fair decision practices, procedures, and agreements among parties should be practiced; and (4) punishment is served to someone who has inflicted harm on another, and compensation is given to those for a past harm or injustice committed against them. However, no amount of rationalization of the fear of job loss, financial pressure, desire to please a supervisor, and the rest, can justify such behavior, because it diminishes moral agency, the self-awareness, freedom, and ability to make choices based on our perception of right and wrong. endobj Federal Sentencing Guidelines for felonies and serious misdemeanors now carry mandatory prison time for individual executives who are convicted. Practical wisdom, however, is often required to be virtuous. Unfortunately, in the United States, much of this money is spent on merely meeting the minimum requirements of compliance, so that if there is ever a problem with the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission, the organization is insulated from criticism or liability because its employees have engaged in the recommended training. Limitations when using this principle involve the question of who decides who is right and wrong and who has been harmed in complex situations. Legal rights are entitlements that are limited to a particular legal system and jurisdiction. Why or why not? As you read these, ask yourself which principles characterize and underlie your own values, beliefs, behaviors, and actions. endobj Moreover, moral standards, according to this principle, vary from one culture to another. 0000003198 00000 n The use of these tools is often backed by social science research in consumer behavior, behavioral finance, and cognitive studies. It is interesting to reflect on how many corporate disasters and crises might have been prevented had the leaders and those involved taken such questions seriously before proceeding with decisions. WebUniversal ethics refer to a moral system that applies to the entire humanity, transcending personal whims, and culture in the process. Also needs of individuals involved in a decision are identified as well as the choices they have and the information they need to protect their welfare.
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