1. Business Ethics

2. What is ethics? Ethics has to do with fundamental questions such as
What is fair?
What is just?
What is the right thing to do in this situation?
Ethics involves an active process of applying values, which may range from religious principles to customs and traditions.

3. What is business ethics?
Business ethics focuses on what constitutes right or wrong behavior in the world of business.
Business people have a responsibility to the public and themselves to maintain ethical principles.

4. Business Ethics
Business ethics is an application of ethics to business situations.
All people have ethical responsibilities
Higher ethical standards are imposed upon professionals who serve as social models, such as physicians, attorneys, and businesspeople.

5. The Relationship Between Law and Ethics
The law is an expression of the ethical beliefs of our society.
Law and ethics are not the same thing.
The question, Is an act legal? is different from the question, Is an act ethical?
An action might be unethical, yet not necessarily illegal.
For example, it might be unethical to lie to your family, but it is not necessary illegal.

6. Work Ethics
A group of moral principles, standards of behavior, or set of values regarding proper conduct in the workplace
Examples of Business Abuse
Stealing Merchandise or Money
Shoplifting
Unauthorized Discounts
Vandalism
Breaking Confidentiality
Ignore Safety Rules

7. Business Ethics – Business Abuse
How Do We Rationalize Business Abuse?
Everybody does it
The company won’t miss it
The company overcharges I’m not paid enough
The company doesn’t deserve my loyalty

8. Business Ethics – Business Abuse
How Employers Respond to Business Abuse
Increase Security
Loss prevention mgmt.
Surveillance
Networks/Helplines
Threats of prosecution
Increase Employee Loyalty
fair wages & benefits
fair/consistent treatment
recognition for good work

9. Business Ethics – Business Abuse
If You’re Unsure - Before You Act -- ASK:
Is this legal?
Is it against company policy?
Could the action cause loss or harm to anyone?
If everyone I knew saw me, would I feel uncomfortable?

10. Code of Ethics A code of ethics is a formal document
May contain a mission statement, a listing of corporate values, and general policies relating to operations
General guidelines/rules for employees