Business Ethics Case Study

1223 Words3 Pages

This essay discusses two chapters from our text, titled Business Ethics: How to Design and Manage Ethical Organization. The first chapter of discussion, Chapter 1, titled Unethical Behaviors in Organizations and Human Nature. From this chapter, topics of interest include; the cost of unethical behaviors, competitive advantages that ethical organizations have, and what reasons may cause good people to behave unethically. Next, chapter 2, titled An Historical Perspective on Business Ethics, will be discussed. Key points of interest from this chapter include economic growth under capitalism, labor issues, and discussion of B corporations. From each chapter, key terms utilized to support my thoughts and interest of the aforementioned topics will …show more content…

After reviewing the benefits that organizations receive through ethical behaviors, it was interesting to learn, what might cause an individual to act unethically. One would like to assume that human nature was to act ethically, but given certain situations, influences result in unethical behavior, that at times can be costly for organizations. Collins writes, the four general reasons why good people occasionally behave unethically are competing values, justifying unethical behavior for a reason considered more compelling, the person did not intend to generate the unethical outcome, and lastly the person may choose to not prevent an unethical behavior for compelling reasons, an example being fear (2012). These reasons and chosen topic of interest build off information provided earlier in chapter 1 of the text, namely the human nature section. In that section, the six stages of moral development describe how likely a person may be to act unethically and what influences affect that likelihood. Listed, as influences are ones age, respect for people at the next higher stage, and moral discomfort. By understanding these factors and making oneself aware of the situation and those involved, one may assist in preventing the situation where a good person may behave

Exxon Mobil
1964 Words | 4 Pages
2.Goodpastor, Kenneth. Nash, Laura. de Bettignies, Henri-Claude. Business Ethics: policies and persons 4th edition. Mcgraw Hill Irwin Publishers. Pages 396-405
Read More
Lack of Ethical Behavior in the Cases of Bernie Madoff and Enron
669 Words | 2 Pages
Ethical behavior is behavior that a person considers to be appropriate. A person’s moral principals are shaped from birth, and developed overtime throughout the person’s life. There are many factors that can influence what a person believes whats is right, or what is wrong. Some factors are a person’s family, religious beliefs, culture, and experiences. In business it is of great importance for an employee to understand how to act ethically to prevent a company from being sued, and receiving criticism from the public while bringing in profits for the company. (Mallor, Barnes, Bowers, & Langvardt, 2010) Business ethics is when ethical behavior is applied in an business environment, or by a business. There are many situations that can arise in which a person is experiencing an ethical dilemma. They have to choose between standing by their own personal ethical standards or to comply with their companies ethical standards. In some instances some have to choose whether to serve their own personal interests, or the interest of the company. In this essay I will be examining the financial events surrounding Bernie Madoff, and the events surrounding Enron.
Read More
Business Ethics Case Study
820 Words | 2 Pages
Do you agree with Schmeltekopf that business schools are not preparing students well for the for the ethical challenges they will face in the workplace? Why or why not?
Read More
Essay On Business Ethics
2076 Words | 5 Pages
Ethics essentially refers to a set of rules or guidelines that defines what is right and wrong and therefore shape behavior of an individual or group. There is no specific definition of the term ethics; however it is usually mentioned in terms of good or bad. An ethical issue is present in a situation when a particular action or actions of any individual or organization may harm or benefit others. In organizations ethical behavior leads to good governance. However, what is considered ethical by one person may not be considered ethical by another.
Read More
Ethics Essay
612 Words | 2 Pages
Human beings are confronted with numerous issues throughout his or her lifetime that would require him or her to examine the best action to take to avoid the damaging consequences. In most cases, individuals restrain his or her action to take into consideration the consequences that may lead to the right or wrong behavior. One’s ethical and moral standards are first learned at an early age from his or her culture, how he or she is raised, religious background, and social system. Scientifically, there are various ethical theories, such as the virtue theory, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism (Boylan, 2009). By understanding these theories one can compare, contrast and uncover the reasoning behind his or her ethical and moral standards.
Read More
Ethical Business Case Study
1111 Words | 3 Pages
The term “ethical business” is seen, by many people, as an oxymoron. This is because a business’s main objective is to make as much money as possible. Making the most money possible, however, can often lead to unethical actions. Companies like Enron, WorldCom, and Satyam have been the posterchildren for how corporations’ greed lead to unethical practices. In recent times however, companies have been accused of being unethical based on, not how they manage their finances, but on how they treat the society that they operate in. People have started to realize that the damage companies have been doing to the world around them is more impactful and far worse than any financial fraud that these companies might be engaging in. Events like the BP oil
Read More
Ethical Ethics Case Study
1665 Words | 4 Pages
I discovered how sticking to one’s morals should be the topmost priority for everyone involved in business, whether personal or professional. Regardless of what the consequences may be, the intensity of the problem, and the complexities it may bring, sacrificing one’s integrity should never be an option, as integrity goes hand-in-hand with the morals of an individual (Duggan & Woodhouse, 2011). They further go on to say that having individuals take part in building a code of ethics that supports employee integrity, they will act ethically. Also, I believe that companies should place more emphasis on the moral behavior of their employees, and clear-cut policies should be set regarding such ethical situations. Furthermore, I realized how serving justice while making decisions really helps in the long run, and that opting to go for the ideal rather than they deserved is not always the best option, and could hurt a company in more than one
Read More
Business Ethics
837 Words | 2 Pages
Explain the connection between the economic model of corporate social responsibility and “free market” or “neoclassical” economic theory.
Read More
Companies: Ethics and Social Responsibility
1842 Words | 4 Pages
Nelson, K., & Trevino, L. (2004). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right (3rd ed.). New York: Wiley
Read More
Utilitarianism, Kant's Deontological Ethics, And Virtue Ethics
1027 Words | 3 Pages
Ethics in business is a highly important concept, as it can affect a company’s profits, salaries paid to employees and CEOs, and public opinion, among many other aspects of a business. Ethics can be enforced by company policies and guidelines, set a precedent when a company is faced with an important decision, and are also evolving thanks to new technology and situations that arise due to technology usage. Businesses have a duty to maintain their ethical responsibilities and also to help their employees enforce these responsibilities in and out of the workplace. However, ethics and the foundation for them are not always black and white. There are many different ethical theories, however Utilitarianism, Kant’s Deontological ethics, and Virtue ethics are three of the most well known theories in existence. Each theory is distinct in that it has a different quality used to determine ethicality and allows for a person to choose which system of ethics works best with both the situation and his or her personal ethical preferences.
Read More
Toyota's Ethical Issues
1423 Words | 3 Pages
Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2007). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right Fourth ed., Retrieved on July 30, 2010 from www.ecampus.phoenix.edu
Read More
Ethics In The Workplace
1936 Words | 4 Pages
Ethics are the driving force behind good business. Every ethical choice made by a professional can and will have a much different outcome than any unethical choice. Bad ethics can ruin many aspects of a business and as (Gaye-Anderson, 2007) states how quite easily the lives and professional reputation of the employees can even be severally damaged (para. 3). Everything from morale to motivation can be severely affected by poor ethical choices. Customers will take their business elsewhere. Employees will abandon ship. Other, competing businesses reap the benefits of the bad moral choices. Ultimately, the entire business can be brought down by one poor ethical choice.
Read More
The Characteristics Of Moral And Ethical Reasoning In Business Ethics
1085 Words | 3 Pages
In the business world there are many fundamental aspects and situations that can lead to several issues. In order to find an optimal and professional solution, business decision makers need to apply moral and ethical standards. And it is at that moment in which business ethics perform its role. Business ethics, which is in charge of examine how companies and individuals should act in business situations, is very essential in order to reach a common agreement and to work within the laws of business and solve an arisen dilemma. Working of the hand of ethical business companies, employees, investors, directors, and even individual officers can be beneficiated and obtain most favorable outcomes.
Read More
The Role of Ethics in Corporate Governance
1629 Words | 4 Pages
This paper discusses the role of ethics in corporate governance. I seek to show the application of moral and ethical principles in corporate governance. Ethics is a topic that has generated a lot of interest in the last decade especially after high profile scandals. The failures of prominent companies such as WorldCom, Enron, Merrill lynch and Martha Stewart portrays the lack of corporate ethics. The failure of such business has seen an increased pressure to incorporate ethics in corporate governance. The result of corporate scandals has been eroding investor and public confidence. The entire economic system has experienced some form of stress from loss of capital, a falling stock market and business failures.
Read More
Business Ethics Case Study
1348 Words | 3 Pages
The Facts: Kermit Vandivier works for B.F. Goodrich. His job assignment was to write the qualifying report on the four disk brakes for LTV Aerospace Corporation. LTV purchased aircraft brakes from B.F. Goodrich for the Air Force. Goodrich desperately wanted the contract because it guaranteed a commitment from the Air Force on future brake purchases for the A7D from them, even if they lost money on the initial contract.
Read More

Open Document

Wait a second!

Business Ethics Case Study

Exxon Mobil

Lack of Ethical Behavior in the Cases of Bernie Madoff and Enron