Business Ethics.ppt

1. Business Ethics
AOS 272

2. Defining “Ethical Behavior”
How do we know what is “doing the right
thing?

3. Why are ethics and ethical behaviors
important when doing business?

4. Business Relationships
 Trust
 Honesty
 Fairness
 These characteristics create “goodwill”

5. What are some “Frameworks”?
Religious Viewpoints:
 Golden Rule
 Concept of “Karma” – we are responsible for our
actions and the intentions that cause them
Social Utility Concept –
1. Consider all possible actions
2. Consider positive/negative impact
3. Choose greatest good-least harm for all

6.  Universal-Law Concept:
I would expect everyone to act as I am
acting. These actions are best for society
as a whole.

7. Four-Way Test
Is this:
1. The truth?
2. Fair for all concerned?
3. A message or action that will build
goodwill and better relationships?
4. Beneficial for all concerned?

8. PLUS Ethics Filter
 POLICIES and PROCEDURES
What are the organization’s requirements?
 LAWS and REGULATIONS
What legislation applies?
 UNIVERSAL ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
What does our organization believe?
 SELF
What do I believe?

9. Ask Yourself
How would I feel is this action or message
ended up on the cover of USA Today?

10. The Contradictions of American
Academic Writing
Show you have done
your research
Appeal to experts and
authorities
But--- Write something
new and original
But--- Improve upon,
or disagree with
experts and
authorities

11.  Improve your English
by mimicking what
you hear and read
 Give credit where
credit is due
 But--- Use your own
words, your own
voice
 But--- Make your
own significant
contribution

12. Plagiarism
OWL at Purdue University: Avoiding
Plagiarism: Printable Handouts

13. Assignment
 Do an internet search on one of the
following figures:
 Martha Stewart
 Charles Colson
 Dennis Kozlowski
 Tom DeLay
 Leona Helmsley
 Jim Harrick
 Mike Price

14.  Explain what they did.
 Identify one ethical principal they violated.

15. Resources
http://www.web-miner.com/busethics.htm
International Business Ethics Institute
More than Work Columns by Tim J. McGuire