The Elasticity of Business Ethics
Running head: The Elasticity of Business Ethics
The Elasticity of Business Ethics
Abstract
Given the competitiveness in the world market, many are tempted to go outside of the rules and regulations of society in order to get ahead. Although many would like to think that qualities such as honesty and credibility are first and foremost in the minds of people, temptations have lured some to act irresponsibly to get more of the almighty dollar. Recent scandals have proven that good ethical and moral values are becoming more the exception rather than the rule. This paper will address the following ethical and moral questions: What is ethics and morality in business. How far have we come as a country in relation to business ethics? Why society is becoming more aware of corporate behavior? What measures are taken by businesses to become a better corporate citizen?
Business practices came under fire when America 's seventh largest firm, Enron, collapsed due to unethical accounting strategies. I feel this created a domino effect and was the beginning of our current crisis. Now there are companies folding one after the other, large organizations in the US collapsed or filed for bankruptcy cover and one case even implicated the famous home economist, Martha Stewart for insider trading. The various deceitful activities of some larger companies resulted in widespread public mistrust of business practices and principles. This paper will concentrate on some of the ethical and moral issues that must be addressed when trying to understand the state business ethics. 1. What is ethics and morality and how do they relate? 2. What happened in business ethics before the 1960s to the present time? 3. What are factors that could change ones views of a business’ ethical behavior? 4. What are interactions between business and society that alter societal expectations?
What is ethics and morality and how they relate?
When considering the
The Elasticity of Business Ethics
Abstract
Given the competitiveness in the world market, many are tempted to go outside of the rules and regulations of society in order to get ahead. Although many would like to think that qualities such as honesty and credibility are first and foremost in the minds of people, temptations have lured some to act irresponsibly to get more of the almighty dollar. Recent scandals have proven that good ethical and moral values are becoming more the exception rather than the rule. This paper will address the following ethical and moral questions: What is ethics and morality in business. How far have we come as a country in relation to business ethics? Why society is becoming more aware of corporate behavior? What measures are taken by businesses to become a better corporate citizen?
Business practices came under fire when America 's seventh largest firm, Enron, collapsed due to unethical accounting strategies. I feel this created a domino effect and was the beginning of our current crisis. Now there are companies folding one after the other, large organizations in the US collapsed or filed for bankruptcy cover and one case even implicated the famous home economist, Martha Stewart for insider trading. The various deceitful activities of some larger companies resulted in widespread public mistrust of business practices and principles. This paper will concentrate on some of the ethical and moral issues that must be addressed when trying to understand the state business ethics. 1. What is ethics and morality and how do they relate? 2. What happened in business ethics before the 1960s to the present time? 3. What are factors that could change ones views of a business’ ethical behavior? 4. What are interactions between business and society that alter societal expectations?
What is ethics and morality and how they relate?
When considering the
References: Buchholtz, C. (2009). Business and Society: Ethics and Stakeholder Management. (7th Edittion ed., pp Ferrell, F. F. (2008). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases. (7th Edition ed., pp. Simpson, C. (2004, October). Should I or Shouldn’t I? An Ethical Conundrum. Retrieved September 23, 2009, from http://ebscohost.com: September 22, 2009, from buzzle.com: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/difference- ethics-and-morality.html