Business Ethics Lecture/Lesson/Definition: An
Introduction and History Lesson
Subjectmoney
Business Ethics: Principles, Values, and
Standards
Business ethics are the principles, values, and standards that guide behavior in the
world of business. While individuals and business organizations must conform to solid
morals to obtain high ethical standards, businesses face more complicated ethical
issues. They must make a profit to survive and have a fiduciary responsibility to their
shareholders to maximize profits and increase the value of the company. However, if a
business earns profits in an unethical manner, its lifespan can be shortened, as seen in
the cases of Enron and Lehman Brothers.
Businesses must balance their goals of maximizing profits with the needs and demands
of society. Many businesses have failed due to financial and legal repercussions
resulting from poor business ethics. It is essential for businesses to maintain a healthy
balance, which often requires compromising profits for the needs and demands of
society.
The Scope of Business Ethics
, Business ethics involve a wide range of ethical
dilemmas and decisions made by business
organizations and stakeholders. Organizations often
need to make business ethics decisions, balancing
their goal of profit maximization with non-economic
issues such as environmental and social concerns.
Employees also face business ethics dilemmas,
such as choosing whether or not to accept a bribe or
gift from a potential supplier or being a whistleblower
over perceived unethical business practices.
To guide employees, most large companies have a code of conduct listing rules of what
is expected by the company. However, what is considered unethical in one country may
be customary among business people in another. For example, gift-giving in Japan may
be seen as customary, while in America, it may be associated with bribery.
Defining Business Ethics: Principles and Values
Business ethics are made up of principles and values. Principles are specific, universal,
and absolute boundaries that rule the conduct and behavior of society. Examples of
principles include freedom of speech, equal opportunity, and equal rights to civil
liberties. Values, on the other hand, are beliefs among individuals, cultures, or
Introduction and History Lesson
Subjectmoney
Business Ethics: Principles, Values, and
Standards
Business ethics are the principles, values, and standards that guide behavior in the
world of business. While individuals and business organizations must conform to solid
morals to obtain high ethical standards, businesses face more complicated ethical
issues. They must make a profit to survive and have a fiduciary responsibility to their
shareholders to maximize profits and increase the value of the company. However, if a
business earns profits in an unethical manner, its lifespan can be shortened, as seen in
the cases of Enron and Lehman Brothers.
Businesses must balance their goals of maximizing profits with the needs and demands
of society. Many businesses have failed due to financial and legal repercussions
resulting from poor business ethics. It is essential for businesses to maintain a healthy
balance, which often requires compromising profits for the needs and demands of
society.
The Scope of Business Ethics
, Business ethics involve a wide range of ethical
dilemmas and decisions made by business
organizations and stakeholders. Organizations often
need to make business ethics decisions, balancing
their goal of profit maximization with non-economic
issues such as environmental and social concerns.
Employees also face business ethics dilemmas,
such as choosing whether or not to accept a bribe or
gift from a potential supplier or being a whistleblower
over perceived unethical business practices.
To guide employees, most large companies have a code of conduct listing rules of what
is expected by the company. However, what is considered unethical in one country may
be customary among business people in another. For example, gift-giving in Japan may
be seen as customary, while in America, it may be associated with bribery.
Defining Business Ethics: Principles and Values
Business ethics are made up of principles and values. Principles are specific, universal,
and absolute boundaries that rule the conduct and behavior of society. Examples of
principles include freedom of speech, equal opportunity, and equal rights to civil
liberties. Values, on the other hand, are beliefs among individuals, cultures, or