...Cross Examination of Business Ethics Theories Gil Xavier Urbano ETH/316 Cecile Morris Cross Examination of Business Ethics Theories “We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” – Kurt Vonnegut (Mother Night, 1961). Ethics and morality play a major part in our daily lives, wether at our place of business or at home each ethical and moral judgement no matter how insignificant they may seem at the time can change the course of our future. Understanding the theories of Virtue, Utilitarianism and Deontological ethics can give a person a better outlook and overall perspective on how to conduct themselves ethically and morally in all situations. Implementing these theories into the work setting is crucial in providing a concrete base of moral and ethical standards that should be applied daily in the work place resulting in a more streamlined and efficient business. Virtue, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics When comparing the differences and similarities between the three ethics theories it is evident that they all deal with how a person perceives and judges a situation. Not only in the moment that it happens but what will happen immediately after as well as long term consequences. Similarly all three deal with what is the right decision, or what is the best avenue for the current situation. In a simplified break down of the definition of each theory one can describe each term as such: Virtue Theory involves a person trying to work...
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...Week 1 DQs 1(A) How does ethical conduct affect your job? Consider both your own conduct and the conduct of others. What specific benefit do you hope to achieve from taking this course? My Answer: Ethical conduct effects my job on a everyday stand point I own and run a computer repair shop, therefore if I was to have unethical conduct I would not have any customers and it would give my business a bad reputation. My business depends on my conduct because it is a small business that my husband and I run together. We put our customers first and listen to their needs. We also honor quality work and try to be understanding and take time to make each of our customers feel like they are special because they are special without them we would not have a business. I am not sure what specific benefits that I hope to receive from this class but I do believe that it will help me learn more about how to be a successful business owner. 1(B) Based upon what you have read so far, how do you think the study of ethics might be different from other courses you have taken? How does that modify your approach to the course? My Answer: I believe that it is going to be different because we are learning about ethics and conduct where with other classes we learned about what to do in a business such as accounting and such. With this class we get the chance to learn how to act and treat others in a business way. I believe that everyone who is a business owner should take this class to learn about...
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...Ethics Denise Griego ETH/316 June 4, 2014 Angela Peinado Ethics Many cultures have different perspectives of ethics and morals. Not one opinion or perspective is correct. Religious groups think their perspective and knowledge of ethics and morals pertain to God or gods. Theists think their perspective does no pertain to a God. Which group is correct? In this essay the information obtained will describe what each groups knowledge is pertaining to ethics and morals. The person obtaining the knowledge will be the one to determine which is correct and has the best definition. Similarities between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics are they all to making the right and wrong decisions. Determining which will be most effective with the way one was raised, or learned while growing up. Everyone should have been taught right from wrong at a young age. Not everyone is taught the same beliefs, but knowing right from wrong is the key issue. Differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics are the group, or range of people the ethics or morals is taught to. Also the group of people or person decides which form is best needed in the situation at hand. Virtue theory is described as what is means to be good; the Greek philosopher Aristotle described the virtual theory as a median between excesses, and habits of the character. Thomas Aquinas philosopher and theologian priest adds the religious component to the virtue theory. Father Thomas...
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...___________________________________________ Date: __________________________________________________ ETH 316 Week 4 Individual Quiz (covering material from Weeks 1-4) Multiple Choice Questions (Chose the Correct Answer) Note: Be sure to clearly identify your choice (by color-code, etc.). Color-code the entire answer, not just the letter. 1. A stakeholder is an individual or group that can affect or be affected by business decisions or undertakings. a. True b. False 2. Groups or individuals with whom an organization has a formal, contractual relationship are a. Primary stakeholders b. Secondary stakeholders c. Neither 3. The personal worldview includes all of the following EXCEPT a. connection to a theory of the good b. a requirement of personal action c. coherence d. none of the above are exceptions 4. Those who only want to accept the benefits of society and let others pay the bill are called free riders. a. True b. False 5. Absolute good is a concept most aligned to a. Deontology b. Virtue Ethics c. Utilitarianism d. None of the above. 6. John Locke’s ethical approach reflects a. Utilitarianism b. Ethical Contractarianism c. Deontology 7. Virtue ethics is also sometimes called agent-based ethics. a. True b. False 8. __________________ means achieving the telos of personhood. a. Actualization b. Habits of character c. Neither 9. In regard to executive...
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...Name: _________________________________ Date: __9/28/2012_________________________________________ ETH 316 Week 4 Individual Quiz (covering material from Weeks 1-4) Multiple Choice Questions (Chose the Correct Answer) Note: Be sure to clearly identify your choice (by color-code, etc.). Color-code the entire answer, not just the letter. 1. A stakeholder is an individual or group that can affect or be affected by business decisions or undertakings. a. True b. False 2. Groups or individuals with whom an organization has a formal, contractual relationship are a. Primary stakeholders b. Secondary stakeholders c. Neither 3. The personal worldview includes all of the following EXCEPT a. connection to a theory of the good b. a requirement of personal action c. coherence d. none of the above are exceptions 4. Those who only want to accept the benefits of society and let others pay the bill are called free riders. a. True b. False 5. Absolute good is a concept most aligned to a. Deontology b. Virtue Ethics c. Utilitarianism d. None of the above. 6. John Locke’s ethical approach reflects a. Utilitarianism b. Ethical Contractarianism c. Deontology 7. Virtue ethics is also sometimes called agent-based ethics. a. True b. False 8. __________________ means achieving the telos of personhood. a. Actualization b. Habits of character c. Neither 9. In regard to executive ethical leadership...
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...Ethics Essay Wk 1 ETH 316 04/16/2012 Ethics Essay Week 1 Ethics Essay * A description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality Virtue ethics are character traits like honesty or generosity. The way I read it was they are strong morals and build your value system or system of beliefs. Utilitarianism holds the theory of what it every takes for the greater good. One of the worst examples I found was the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan during WWII it was done for the greater good of America and the world. Craziness! Deontological ethics is basic black and white. It is based on the basic qualities of an act and not the moral effect. Lying is a great example, I hate (I know strong word), but I hate lying. I feel as an adult you have no reason to lie or breaking promises (don’t make them). In Pocatello for some reason when you call a contractor for work and you leave a message they do not call you back and if they do answer they are late for the appointment. I might be old school, but what I say I do, it is my reputation. * A personal experience to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories I have been married for twelve years and have two step kids a boy 24 and a girl 26. I have known the kids since they were two and five years old and I love them both, but Josh I do not like as a person. He has shunned all his personal values, ethics and morals. Josh is 24 and...
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...Week 1 Ethics Essay Chiana Beard ETH/316 October 8, 2012 Richard Sorrentino Week 1 Ethics Essay Ethics is the basis of many theories and debates. It is the basis of deterring what is right and wrong based on one’s beliefs. Topics about ethics often bring about in-depth discussions about individual characteristics concerning virtues, values, and moral concepts. The Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics are theories that involve those aspects of ethics. These theories have commonalities; however, there are differences in the theories as well. The Virtue theory often refers to character or ethics. The word “virtue” comes from the Greek word for excellence. This theory suggests one should strive for excellence or perfection. There is a strong correlation between this theory and the U.S. Army motto, “Be All That You Can Be.” Nike’s “Just Do It” also suggests one should push themselves to the limit and strive for perfection. In addition to striving for excellence, one bases the quantity of character on the length of time that one continually achieves that excellence. If one is constantly striving to be good, but slips, have they lost all character and no longer hasethics? The virtue theory suggests it is a collection of actions that develops into who a person becomes over time (Boylan, 2009). Utilitarianism is a group-based theory that suggests one will do what is morally right for the greater good of the team or group involved. It...
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...Short Answer Questions Suzette M. DelaCruz ETH/316 September 3, 2013 Thurman Green Short Answer Questions Question 1: In the last year, what is an example of something you have done that can be considered a social responsible effort? How do you think this has helped your community? Explain. Answer: In the last year I made a social responsible effort to volunteer at Leal Elementary in Cerritos California for three to four hours a week. We just moved to the area last year and I wanted to get familiar with the community and the school system. The volunteer time included simple things like making copies for the teachers, helping do the math centers and organizing class activities. Although I felt they were small tasks the teachers and principle thanked me enormously. Many schools in our district are short staffed and have large number of children in class rooms. The teacher’s time should be spent mainly instructing students, creating lessons and broadening our children’s minds. Education is a strong value we hold in our family. The time was not mandatory but I felt it was my social responsibility to help the community and my son. Question: What are potential results if members of a community accept their community’s benefits, such as emergency services or school systems, but decline to contribute to the community beyond paying taxes? Explain. Answer: A member that reaps the benefits of community and let’s other pay is called a free rider. “This one-sided approach is...
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...Ethics Essay Week 1 ETH/316 May 26, 2014 Ethics Essay Week 1 Ethics is important in today’s societies because it sets characteristics of doing right and wrong. It is a set of principles that helps determine what decisions or actions an individual carries out in day-to-day living. Three ethical theories to be discussed are: Virtue theory, Utilitarian theory, and Deontological theory. Virtue theory is based on the concept of what it means to be “good”. In Greek meaning, also referred to as “excellence”. Virtue theory is a character ethic with the viewpoint that ones lives their life to cultivate excellence in all that they do. This ethical theory can be moral and nonmoral. An example of nonmoral would be an athlete that strives to be the best in their sport. A moral would be a religious leader that lives his or her life by the rules of their religion. The problem with the virtue theory is others often judge people harshly if seen not living up to the goodness or excellence that they are supposed to be portraying. For example, President Clinton was reamed by the media and public when it became known that he was having an affair with an intern. Though he might have been doing his job well, he didn’t hold the ethic standards in the public opinion to be in the president position. Next theory discussed is Utilitarian, the concept of being a team player. Utilitarianism is putting the good of the team before their own good. This theory suggests that their actions produce...
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...Week 1 Ethics Essay ETH/316 June 10, 2013 Ethics Essay This paper is to compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. The actions that judge these comes with consequences of the same and how well people conduct themselves based on their set of duties. The questions that come into mind are “what should I do?” also “what sort of person should I be?” The first question is focused on the deontological and teleological where the second question focuses on the virtue theory. These ethical values form a relationship among them, and varies in the purpose of the actions and ethical values that we have in which as a person make moral decisions based on the actions that would make us a good person. When discussing ethics and the similarities of the different lenses one should explain what the lenses are, a description of the differences in which each theory addresses ethics and morality. First, ethics may be defined as, the basic concepts and fundamental principles of human right conduct which includes the study of universal value. These theories all include judging in different aspects, whether it is in the moment, what happens after, or over a lifetime. 1. Virtue theory is dealing mainly with the character of a person. This theory emphasizes one’s character not he obligations or duties expected of them. Virtues are qualities that virtually morally good and desirable in a person. 2. Utilitarian theory usually...
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...Week 1 Ethics Essay xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ethics and Social Responsibility xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx Ethics Essay Ethics is a branch of philosophy that uses the behavior of people to determine the difference between what is morally right and wrong. This essay will compare and contrast three theories of ethics: Virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological. The Virtue theory focuses on a person’s virtue or moral character to define his or her behavior. Beginning with the Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, they used reason to ask what traits make a good person? They determined that a virtue is a trait of good character that is continually practiced and manifests itself in habitual actions. These character traits would exemplify a persons “better nature.” The early Greeks believed that by acquiring the right virtues, you would act in the right way. Aristotle said that a moral virtue is a mean between two extremes, the one involving excess and the other deficiency. He believed a person who learned these good habits would continue to seek the actions to further excellent moral character. This action would lead a person to the find the medium between both extremes, but he also believed that each action was dependent on the person so no one moral mean would be sufficient. Utilitarianism is a theory put forward by Jeremy Bentham. Bentham created the Principle of Utility that states, “We should command an action if it produces benefits, advantages, please, good...
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...Ethics: Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Unknown ETH/316 December 1, 2014 Michael P. McNeal, MBA Ethics: Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Today’s business environments differ in many ways as compared to those of years past. Ethics have begun to play a crucial role in successful operation of all businesses, large and small. This paper will explain some of the many similarities and differences that exist among virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. It will also offer personal insight of my opinion of virtue, value, and moral concepts as related to deontological ethics. Virtue, value, and morals all directly relate to the field of ethics. Virtue is behavior that relates very high standards to the deed being carried out, representative of the good in the situation. Values are fundamentally the principles of behavior, judging what one deems as important to life. Morals are instinctive feelings of what is right or wrong in decision making. They can vary from person to person discriminative on the culture, lifestyle, and background of the person that is using the moral judgment. Many similarities and differences reside among Utilitarianism, Virtue theory, and Deontological ethics. Those who follow Utilitarianism ethics generally look at matters on a broad scope. They consider all sides to an argument, carefully weighing good versus bad, in an effort to answer the question “What should be done?” Businesses that operate...
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...Essay Constance Punch ETH/316 June 23, 2014 Greg Ouellette Ethics Essay Ethics is the science of right and wrong in human action.” (Manias, 2013, Chapter 1, Ethics Applied). With the reading, we can find the similarities and differences between the three major approaches in normative ethics; virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. This will be done by analyzing these ethical theories and by describing them along with presenting the facts on how each theory relates too ethics and morality. Personal experience will be used to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. We have all been faced with the circumstances that have pushed our moral boundaries. Virtue ethics refers more specifically to one character embodying for determining or evaluating ethical behavior. In other words virtue ethics emphasizes one moral character. According to Manias (2013), virtue ethics is considered at times an agent-based or character ethics. The viewpoint in your daily life is that you should try to cultivate excellence in all that you do and all that others do. For example, finding a wallet with money in it, and returning it to the rightful owner is an act of virtue. As a mom, a proud moment was the day my daughter found a wallet in a buggy and ran to turn it in before the person had a chance to leave and it be stolen. She earned a $5.00 reward for it and she smiled for weeks. As we mature we are, as...
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