Business Studies Essay Questions & Answers
Ethics & Professionalism
Grade 12
, Question 1 (Essay)
Businesses are under increasing pressure to be professional, responsible and ethical in their
operations. This implies that businesses must find ways to focus on profits and to adhere to
professional, responsible and ethical business practices.
Write detailed notes and refer to the following aspects:
1.1) Outline FIVE ways in which professional, responsible and ethical business practice
should be conducted.
1.2) Distinguish between professional behaviour and ethical behaviour.
1.3) Describe how the pricing of goods in rural areas, sexual harassment and unauthorised
use of funds pose a challenge in a business.
1.4) Recommend ways in which businesses may address EACH of the abovementioned
unethical business practices.
Answer:
1.1) Introduction
Ethical behaviour and business practice are expected from every employee in the business.
Ethical and professional behaviour means that the highest legal and moral standards are upheld
when dealing with stakeholders. Businesses that adopt professional, responsible and ethical
business practices will remain profitable/ sustainable over a long period of time.
1.2) Professional, responsible, ethical and effective business practices:
Businesses should treat all employees equally.
Plan properly and put preventative measures in place.
Pay fair wages/salaries which are in line with the minimum requirements of the
BCEA/Remunerate employees for working overtime/during public holidays.
Engage in environmental awareness programmes/Refrain from polluting the
environment, e.g. by legally disposing of toxic waste.
Refrain from starting a venture using other businesses' ideas that are protected by law.
Business decisions and actions must be clear/transparent to all stakeholders.
Businesses should be accountable /responsible for their decisions and actions/ patent
rights.
Hiring honest/trustworthy accountants/financial officers with good credentials.
Regular/Timeous payment of taxes.
Draw up a code of ethics/conduct.
On-going development and training for all employees.
Ethics & Professionalism
Grade 12
, Question 1 (Essay)
Businesses are under increasing pressure to be professional, responsible and ethical in their
operations. This implies that businesses must find ways to focus on profits and to adhere to
professional, responsible and ethical business practices.
Write detailed notes and refer to the following aspects:
1.1) Outline FIVE ways in which professional, responsible and ethical business practice
should be conducted.
1.2) Distinguish between professional behaviour and ethical behaviour.
1.3) Describe how the pricing of goods in rural areas, sexual harassment and unauthorised
use of funds pose a challenge in a business.
1.4) Recommend ways in which businesses may address EACH of the abovementioned
unethical business practices.
Answer:
1.1) Introduction
Ethical behaviour and business practice are expected from every employee in the business.
Ethical and professional behaviour means that the highest legal and moral standards are upheld
when dealing with stakeholders. Businesses that adopt professional, responsible and ethical
business practices will remain profitable/ sustainable over a long period of time.
1.2) Professional, responsible, ethical and effective business practices:
Businesses should treat all employees equally.
Plan properly and put preventative measures in place.
Pay fair wages/salaries which are in line with the minimum requirements of the
BCEA/Remunerate employees for working overtime/during public holidays.
Engage in environmental awareness programmes/Refrain from polluting the
environment, e.g. by legally disposing of toxic waste.
Refrain from starting a venture using other businesses' ideas that are protected by law.
Business decisions and actions must be clear/transparent to all stakeholders.
Businesses should be accountable /responsible for their decisions and actions/ patent
rights.
Hiring honest/trustworthy accountants/financial officers with good credentials.
Regular/Timeous payment of taxes.
Draw up a code of ethics/conduct.
On-going development and training for all employees.
