The boundaries that fence them in are the non-discretionary functions of the business, those areas where the lines must not be crossed.
The non-discretionary areas have very firm guidelines, rules, and even laws and regulations that guide what can and cannot be done. It is when we violate those guidelines, that we cross ethical and/or moral standards whether or not we actually violate the law. There is no compromise in the non-discretionary areas. Business ethics can be a very personal function rather than organizational (Cagle, Glasgo, & Holmes, 2008).
As an example, safety is non-discretionary. Safety procedures must be enforced and employees have to follow them. There is no negotiation or flexibility. If the company does not establish proper safety standards but no one gets hurt, is it a violation of business ethics? Of course. If the employee fails to follow the rules established, but doesn't get hurt, is it a violation of business ethics? Yes, it is. Ethics gets personal.
You may have heard some of the following comments in your work: "it's not my job," "who's gonna know?" "nobody will care," "I've seen the boss do it," and the granddaddy of them all, "everyone else does it." All of those phrases indicate an attitude of knowing you are doing something wrong but doing it anyway. They lead directly to a violation of your personal business ethics, and, eventually, to acts that could bring trouble for your employer and yourself.
And, therein lies the major problem. Ethics can be like marijuana! Just take a small puff, and you're hooked. Stealing a dollar from the petty cash to buy a soda was easy, and "it's no big deal." And when it all slides downhill and that same employee is discovered embezzling thousands of dollars, that single "puff" has become a fire. So, I hiked the price of gas at my service station two cents higher than I should -- "so sue me." Business ethics begin and end with every employee, every decision, and every action (Snyder, 2009).
Bernie Madoff's $50 Billion, 20-year Ponzi scheme began with one investor. Are those minor violations...
The stronger the market pressure for profit, the greater the pressure applied on their profit and care conscience decision. In their strongly competitive share market environment, survival depends or means the generation of larger profits in order to grow and resist takeovers. Those who can afford or choose to ignore their conscience succeed only at the expense of those who cannot or do not. There is no other way
Business Ethics Ethical issues and dilemmas have always been hitting the operational performance and sustainability of business organizations. They directly affect the way an organization formulates and implements its policies, operates as an active participant in the industry, and competes with other organizations for the sake of accomplishing its strategic objectives. Ethical issues may relate to the organization's social responsibility or corporate responsibility; both are vital for the organization to ensure
Business Ethics Focus on Merrill Lynch According to Laura Hartman and her co-writer, Joe Desjardins in the work entitled "Business Ethics: Decision Making for Personal Integrity & Social Responsibility" philosophical ethics may be clearly differentiated from theological ethics because theological ethics attempted to disseminate the well-being of an individual on a religious basis while the ethics of an individual's philosophy is such that provisions of justifications that can be applied to
D.). When a company deals with its purchasing in unethical ways, it cannot suppose its suppliers to be trustable associates and guarantee business continuity. If one doesn't align with something, they shouldn't expect others to do it either. This weakens the entire value chain making it less aggressive in the market. Hence it is important for both buyer and supplier to connect in ethical dealings in their transactions (Ethical Buying or
2). These are important issues because fire chiefs are routinely confronted with actual ethical dilemmas that involve conflicting or competing public and private values as well as corresponding conflicting professional responsibilities (Haraway & Kunselman, 2009). This point is also made by Pammer and Killian (2003) who cite the expanded responsibilities of both fire chiefs and line personnel in recent years. According to these authorities, "A successful fire chief today
Business Ethics "the High Cost of High-Tech Foods case" The cost of high-tech food continues to arouse debates over the ethical, moral, and practical impacts the foods have on the people, market, and economy. However, it is evident that the proponents and opponents of the motion do not seem to come to agreement as each holds their view right. The situation worsens due to the application of emotions in addressing the matter
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now