Business Ethics

Background Business Ethics: the term itself was once considered an oxymoron The question was whether a business run for profit be ethical 1990s saw an explosion of ethical awareness after the ‘greed is good’ era of 80s Ethical behavior means doing the right thing given the circumstances. Mary E Guy

Growth Reason- to be more socially responsible, also ethical practices make good business sense. Benefit: less litigation, less resentment, less government regulation Result: companies have ethics officers, hotlines, workshops, training programs, workshops

Common Ethical Violations Cutting corners on quality Covering up incidents Abusing or lying about sick days Deceiving customers Lying to supervisor or underling Taking credit for a colleague’s ideas

New Work Culture Work pressure & limited resources Ethical lapses Breakdown in traditional attitudes of trust & loyalty

Principles Of Ethical Behaviour – Michael Josephson Fairness Honesty Integrity Concern

Five Common Ethical Traps The false-necessity trap (convincing yourself that no other choice exists) The doctrine-of- relative-filth trap (comparing your unethical behavior with someone else’s even more unethical behavior)

Five Common Ethical Traps The rationalization trap (justifying unethical actions with excuses) The self-deception trap (persuading yourself, for example, that a lie is not really a lie) The ends-justify-the-means trap (using unethical methods to accomplish a desirable goal)

Goals Of Ethical Business Communication Abide by the law. Tell the truth. Label opinions. Be objective. Communicate clearly. Give credit. Half truths, exaggerations, deception constitutes unethical behavior. facts=quantifiable, opinions=beliefs held with conviction. avoid slanting favorably or unfavorably. avoid weasel words, use inclusive language. don’t plagiarize, don’t appropriate others’ words without giving credit.

Tools for Doing the Right Thing Is the action you are considering legal? How would you see the problem if you were on the other side? What alternate solutions are available? Can you discuss the problem with someone you trust? How would you feel if your family, friends, employer, or co- workers learned of your action?

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you!

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