1. Corporate Ethics

2. Ethics
The code of moral principles and values that govern the behaviors of a person or group with respect to what is right or wrong.
-Many values in society are reflected in our laws
-Laws are meant to curb unethical behavior.

3. Ethical Dilemma
A situation that arises when all alternative choices or behaviors have been deemed undesirable.
Potentially negative ethical consequences, making it difficult to distinguish right from wrong.

4. Criteria for Ethical Decision Making
Most ethical dilemmas involve
A conflict between needs of the part & whole.
The individual versus the organization.
The organization versus society as a whole.

5. Four views on ethics: Utilitarian Approach Individualism Approach
Moral-Rights Approach
Justice Approach

6. Utilitarian Approach Focus on greater good
Greatest good for the greatest number of people?
Critics fear a “Big Brother” approach and ask if the common good is squeezing the life out of the individual.

7. Individualism Approach
Acts are moral when they promote the individual's best long-term interests.
Individual self-direction paramount.
Individualism is believed to lead to honesty & integrity – Works best in the long run?

8. Moral-Rights Approach
Focus on human rights – everyone has them.
Moral decisions are those that best maintain the rights of those people affected by them.
An ethical decision is one that avoids interfering with the fundamental rights of others.

9. Justice Approach
Moral Decisions must be based on standards of equity, fairness, and impartiality.
Treatment of individuals should not be based on arbitrary characteristics.

10. “Moral Rights” Considerations
The right of free consent
The right to privacy
The right of freedom of conscience
The right of free speech
The right to due process
The right to life & safety

11. Culture and Ethics Globalization: clashing with culture? Universalism:
What is acceptable in Canada may not be in another
Women in the work place in Muslim countries
Working Friday vs. Sunday
Corruption, bribes, working conditions, etc….
Universalism:
Ethical standards apply across all cultures?

12. Cultural Relativism All cultures ethics are equal
Local settings determine right and wrong
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”
I.e……..
Ethical Imperialism
Certain absolute truths apply everywhere
Universal values transcend culture
“Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home.”

13. Corporate Responses to Social Demands
High
Low
Degree of Social/Ethical Responsibility
Proactive
Take social initiatives.
Accommodation
Accept ethical responsibility.
Defense
Do only what is legally required.
Obstruction
Fight all the way.

14. Types of Ethical Dilemmas
Example
Discrimination
Denying promotions based on age, gender, etc…
Sexual Harassment
Unwanted approaches, intimidation, etc….
Conflict of Interest
Bribe/gift in return for favorable decision
Customer Confidence
Privileged information being shared
Organization Resources
Using company resources for personal use.

15. Homework
Read through the article found at this website and answer the following questions.
ethics-just-isnt-enough/
Should the government impose regulations on junk food companies to limit consumer access to unhealthy products?
If junk food companies are acting in the best interest of their stakeholders by increasing the additives/unhealthy elements in food, is it unethical?
Agree or disagree with the authors perspective? Why/why not?