...Ethical and Moral Issues in Business Ethical and Moral Issues in Business At first thought ethics and morals are the same meaning. However, they are completely different and have different meanings to different people. This paper will look at the differences between ethical issues and moral issues, the differences between personal and ethics and business ethics and provide examples of everyday ethical problems in the business world today. Ethical Issues and Moral Issues To understand the differences in ethical issues and moral issues, you must know the definition. Ethics is “ethics is a systematic attempt to make sense of our individual and social moral experience, in such a way as to determine the rules that ought to govern human conduct, the values worth pursuing, and the character traits deserving development in life.” (De George, 2010 p, 13). Moral “is approved by this society” according to De George, (2010) in Business Ethics. I work at the Boeing Company, our ethics policy does not allow for accepting business courtesies. This can create the perception of favorability, especially when concerning vendors and suppliers. However, there are cases when the employee can accept the gift and that is if it would only promote a successful working relationship and goodwill of Boeing interests. If not accepting a gift would harm the business relationship and create a cultural rift, then the employee is expected to accept the gift and to report and turn it in to...
Words: 748 - Pages: 3
...Ethical and Moral Issues in Business Ethics and morals go hand-in-hand in workplaces and organizations should be concerned about ethics and morals. Businesses that operate ethically and morally depend on how the managers, and employees behave, how they interact with each, and with customers. In this paper the difference between ethical issues and moral issues, differences between personal ethics and business ethics, and examples of common ethical problems in business will be discussed. Differences between ethical issues and moral issues Ethics and morals may seem the same but there is a difference. Ethical issues define the code used by a group or society of people. The ethics that people adhere to uses external factors, such as society, peer group, profession, and religion, and may change if any of the influencing factors changes ( Trevino & Nelson, 2007). For example, in England fox hunting was an ethical tradition until a legislation was put into place because of the protest of the evil nature of fox hunting and became unethical. Ethics are well defined and laid down; for example, professionals such as doctors and lawyers knows the ethics of their professions. A doctor will not divulge or discuss his or her patients medical history with anyone but the patient unless given authority by the patient or required by law. Also a lawyer will not compromise his or her client’s interest. Moral issues focus on the right and wrong and do not change. For example, it will always...
Words: 756 - Pages: 4
...Ethical and Moral Issues Gary L. MGT/216 May 26, 2011 Ethical and Moral Issues In this paper the writer will answer what is the relationship between ethical issues and moral issues, what are the differences between personal ethics and business ethics, and provide examples of common ethical problems in business for each of the previous questions. Ethics can be defined as first, “a set of moral principles or values,” and second, the principles, norms, and standards of conduct governing an individual or group. Now, the first definition can be portrayed as highly personal or relative and the second generally focuses on conduct. Morality, on the other hand, consists of rules of human behavior and specifies that certain actions are wrong or immoral and that others are right or moral. The moral point of view can be taken to evaluate human action. Some actions, such as murder, are recognized as being immoral. Others, such as helping one’s neighbor, are generally considered moral. The relationship between ethical and moral issues is essentially considering the difference between ethics and morals, morals define personal character, while ethics stress a social system in which those morals are applied, simply, to be considered ethical or unethical depends on what if any morals are compromised. Ethics can be observed from two different viewpoints, personal ethics (individual) and business ethics (group). Business ethics point to standards or codes of behavior expected by the...
Words: 549 - Pages: 3
...Running head: Moral and Ethical Issues Paper Moral and Ethical Issues Barnone MGT/216 February 3, 2011 Prof. Plum with the candlestick moral and ethical issues PAPER The news today is full of sensational reports involving scandals. Stories of abuses of power, bribery, corporate mismanagement, stealing and other disgraceful behavior constantly assault our consciences day after day, leading us to question the place morals and ethics really have in today’s world. For a business to be successful, morals and ethics are paramount (DeGeorge, 2010). All stakeholders in a business must be able to define, maintain, and defend the ethics of their organization. After carefully reading the first five chapters of Managing Business Ethics, I will now take the time to define differences between ethical issues and moral issues, the differences between personal ethics and business ethics, and then provide relevant examples of common ethical problems in business. Morals and Ethics are often used interchangeably, referring to a certain code of acceptable behavior within a social context. However, there are subtle differences. Moral standards are determined by a society as a whole. These are the standards of right and wrong that individuals are born into, perceive growing up, and are defined in adulthood. Ethics are a modified from these same standards, applied to an organization. Simply worded, ethics...
Words: 513 - Pages: 3
...Ethical and Moral Issues in Business Ethics and morals go hand-in-hand in workplaces and organizations should be concerned about ethics and morals. Businesses that operate ethically and morally depend on how the managers, and employees behave, how they interact with each, and with customers. In this paper the difference between ethical issues and moral issues, differences between personal ethics and business ethics, and examples of common ethical problems in business will be discussed. Differences between ethical issues and moral issues Ethics and morals may seem the same but there is a difference. Ethical issues define the code used by a group or society of people. The ethics that people adhere to uses external factors, such as society, peer group, profession, and religion, and may change if any of the influencing factors changes ( Trevino & Nelson, 2007). For example, in England fox hunting was an ethical tradition until a legislation was put into place because of the protest of the evil nature of fox hunting and became unethical. Ethics are well defined and laid down; for example, professionals such as doctors and lawyers knows the ethics of their professions. A doctor will not divulge or discuss his or her patients medical history with anyone but the patient unless given authority by the patient or required by law. Also a lawyer will not compromise his or her client’s interest. Moral issues focus on the right and wrong and do not change. For example, it will always...
Words: 289 - Pages: 2
...Ethical and Moral Issues in Business Ethical and Moral Issues in Business Introduction When the topic of ethics and morals is brought up in a discussion, there seems to be some confusion concerning the differences. Ethics is a code of conduct that is to be followed in the business world as where morals are known to be the personal beliefs a person may have. This paper will discuss the many differences between the two as well as what the definitions are between personal ethics and business ethics. Ethical Issues Ethics is a word used to describe acceptable behavior of a member of a large group. Most businesses today have what is known as an Ethic Code of Conduct for the employees to abide by. An example of an ethical issue would be when young doctors take the Hippocratic Oath, they are agreeing to a code of ethical behavior that they will never knowingly harm a patient. “Without ethics, one’s actions would be random and aimless. There would be no way to work toward a goal because there would be no way to pick between a limitless number of goals” (Landauer & Rowlands, 2001, p. 1). Moral Issues “Morality consists of rules of human behavior and specifies that certain actions are wrong or immoral and that others are right and moral” (DeGeorge, 2010, p. 6). An example of moral behavior would be when a person is faced with making a decision that goes against that person’s moral beliefs. When certain circumstances arise and a decision has to be made, regardless of how...
Words: 503 - Pages: 3
...One of the most difficult trials I face in my life are ethical and moral dilemmas. They can be soul-wrenching and searching experiences that tax my character and cause me to really "put my money where my mouth is." Sometimes I'm quick to see ethical faults in others, but slow to see them in myself. Other times I see all to clearly my mistakes and wonder why I don't measure up. I believe one purpose for this life is to learn to act for ourselves. Learn to see a situation correctly and act righteously. In this paper I wish to discuss many of the thoughts I have had recently on setting a pattern for making ethical decisions throughout my life. I will present many of the traps I have fallen into or observed in others. Everyday I'm faced with decisions of right and wrong, most of which are easily and correctly dealt with. Sometimes however, decisions need to be made that are not easy or clear-cut. They require thought and often prayer. I like to draw on past experience to make comparisons that help give insight to new problems. Many times, however past experiences cannot be related to present problems and can confuse and obscure possibilities. Even the opinions or actions of friends faced with similar dilemmas may not be helpful. Often you feel pressured by piers that say, "it's no big deal", or "you'll understand later". It's important that I understand why a particular action or resolution is correct or incorrect. If I can't or don't it's difficult to feel I've been honest with...
Words: 282 - Pages: 2
...Ethical & Moral Issues in Business Jennifer Luttrell (Webb) UOP Ethical & Moral Issues in Business Natural habits are the nurturer of one’s personal habitats; these personal habits are developed by the teaching of right from wrong. Morals as we know them are developed, and in business and in life are the ethical decisions that are at the discretion of the individual. In the following paper, a few questions will be answered, what the differences are between ethical and moral issues, the differences between personal and business ethics. Finally, explanations will be given of these ethical issues with today’s business environment that impact communities and organizations. Differences in ethical & moral Moral and ethical can sometimes be taken to have the same meaning, however “moral reasoning beings with the consideration of a moral or ethical issue” (LaBossiere, 2004, para. 1). Ethical decisions have three main parts, unmoral facts, concepts, and finally moral and ethical aspects. An example of issues that may occur within any business are, employees using the company’s finances for personal pleasure, the inaccuracy of reporting time worked, and of course, interoffice relationships. When these issues occur a business will most likely use the Code of Ethics. Although some of these issues discussed can be morally wrong by the Code of Ethics standards these issues are not considered to be ethically wrong according to the standards, unless the business itself prohibits...
Words: 668 - Pages: 3
...Running Head: ETHICAL AND MORAL ISSSUES IN BUSINESS PAPER Donald B Amico Business 216 Ethical and moral issues paper University of Phoenix Kevin Boyle July 6, 2011 The people in the world of business today face a number of issues. These issues could be hiring the appropriate people to work for a company, to updating their websites to face today’s technological boom or they could just be being able to establish and adapt to their place of business principles. These could be based on harassment, following company policies, having the proper training in order, or performing to their hired capabilities. What I am talking about is living up to their expectations or in other words their ethics. In this paper I will focus on ethics within running a business. I will define, explain differences, and give details about ethical and moral ethical issues in business. This paper will also include the difference between personal ethics and business ethics. To conclude I will give real life examples of common ethical problems in businesses today. What is business ethics? Going into the business world, people have the familiarity of his or her morals and ethics in mind which is taught growing up as a child. What is the definition of business ethics? To be ethical is to be honest (Trevino & Nelson, 2007). Upholding corporate values and morals is a part of business ethics. Many organizations have implemented a code of conduct and business ethics programs to ensure social responsibility...
Words: 852 - Pages: 4
...great deal of scientific and legal issues being discussed everywhere. Although this issues are important, other problems have emerged. People have different opinions on whether or not using GMOs are morally correct. With religion and health being a big part of how this country is run, the concern lies in both these subjects. Their concern is not only GMO going against their religion but possible health risk as well. The environment is a big priority as well, not knowing what effects it will have posses big issues for many. Everyone knows the positive GMO can bring such as, better health for many but what will the long term effects be on the environment and people is of concern. The deeper ethical reasonings underlying this debate are very critical. If we want to understand ethical and moral controversies related to GMOs, it is key to acknowledge the different arguments, and then discuss in depth the specific...
Words: 271 - Pages: 2
...Ethical and Moral issue in Business Carlos Mendoza MMGT/216 April 21, 2013 Sandy J Miniz Ethical and Moral issues in Business Ethical issues and Moral issues are completely different and it has different values. Morals are more of a motivational word based on ideas and if you are right are wrong. You give yourself a certain expectation and nothing can change that. This is standards that are set by you in order to have a great career in the future. Ethics is a professional based word that is based on your performance. The techniques in a workplace are professional and represented well if you can say you have good ethic skills. Your morals can be there but if you don’t have good ethics in the working environment, you may not be with that employer long. You can have good morals but your ethical issues can be a problem with lack of dedication. It is important to have good ethical and moral issues because it shows good leadership and in order to succeed in today's job industry and be successful you have to have both. Let’s take me for instants; I work for a multi-million dollar company and we have a mission statement this year that states “ALL IN” meaning we have to give it our all and we have to know that at the end the day, if I did not get that display or sell, at least I tried and the next day try it again. That is giving your all. My standard is set high which would include my morals to be the best. My working skills are recognizable from all management, so that means...
Words: 695 - Pages: 3
...Ethical and moral perspectives Ethical and moral perspectives There are many similarities and differences amongst the different theories of ethics. The theories that I will compare are virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics Boylan (2009) stated “Virtue ethics is also sometimes called agent-based or character ethics. It takes the viewpoint that in living your life you should try to cultivate excellence in all that you do and all that others do. These excellences or virtues are both moral and non-moral” (p. 133). Boylan (2009) stated “Utilitarianism is a theory that suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group than any other alternative” (p. 153). Boylan stated “Deontology is a moral theory that emphasizes one’s duty to do a particular action just because the action, itself, is inherently right and not through any other sorts of calculations—such as the consequences of the action” (p.171). Now that all three of the theories have been defined it is time to see what they have in common and how they differ. They are all similar in the fact that each theory tries to explain and lay a foundation on how individuals and societies can conduct themselves in an ethical manner. Virtue ethics and Utilitarianism both have traits that force individuals to not just think of themselves but also others. Those who utilize virtue based ethics cultivate excellence in what others do and Utilitarianism focuses on doing what...
Words: 657 - Pages: 3
...Ethical and Moral Decisions Everyday everyone is faced with making an ethical or moral decision in their life. Ethics is defined as the study and analysis of what constitutes good or bad conduct. A moral is defined as the judgment of behavior as right or wrong. It is hard to live up to the standards of your peers and the standards of your professional life. Being a criminal justice professional can sometimes cause a person to live two different lives. They have to remain professional while serving the public and making the decisions that affect people’s lives forever. They also have to live their personal lives and though we want to, we can’t control our family and friends, For example, a police officer Is not going to take his uncle to jail because he had a couple of beers at the family function and now wants to drive home. He may beg him to stay, but if he leaves will he jump in his squad car and chase him down the street? That is how discretion works. Things like that happen in everyday life. How can we truly know that the laws are being upheld and everyone is treated fairly with criminal justice professionals having the authority to decide who to punish and who not to punish? Legislators have the power to define behavior as illegal and therefor punishable. They also have the power to set the amount of punishment. Police officers enforce the laws created by legislators. Prosecutors decide who and how to prosecute. Judges possess power to deny or accept...
Words: 569 - Pages: 3
...Bri’el Banks Dr. Sioufi Critical Thinking 1 November 2014 Milestone #5 I believe HAARP is morally justified due to all the research being done on it and the evidence being found about it. There are visual captions, videos and articles on the topic of HAARP. HAARP is used to help with many different things as you will find out when I go into deep analysis about HAARP and how it works. I am going to explain what HAARP actually is, what it’s used for and also the effects HAARP has on human beings and the earth. What exactly is HAARP and what does it mean? HAARP is said to be abbreviated for the words high frequency active auroral research program. It’s an ionospheric program of research jointly funded by the U.S. Air force, the U.S. Navy, the University of Alaska, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (en.wikipedia.org). The high frequency active auroral research program began back in the 1990’s. It was created in Gakona, Alaska. According to wanttoknow.info, Dr. Bernard Eastlund is the name that is most associated with the creation and development of the HAARP project. HAARP is a scientific endeavor used for studying the properties and behaviors dealing with the ionosphere. There is a particular emphasis on being able to understand and use HAARP to enhance communications and surveillance systems for civilian and defense purposes (www.wanttknow.info). The ionosphere is the delicate upper layer of our atmosphere which ranges from about thirty miles to six hundred...
Words: 1278 - Pages: 6
...Ethical and Moral Issues in Business Steven Colon MGT/216 August 16, 2011 Mike Moreno Abstract In the following paper one will know about what an ethical issue is and a moral issue is, and examples of an ethical and moral issue. One will also learn about personal ethics and business ethics and how they are similar, but different. Ethical and Moral Issues in Business People have always questioned whether ethical issues and moral issues are the same, or if personal ethics, and business ethics are different. In this paper one will be able to see the differences between ethical and moral issues, the differences between personal ethics and business ethics while reading about real-world examples of common ethical problems in businesses for each of the above. Ethical Issues Many people believe that ethical issues and moral issues are the same thing, but in reality they are not. “our definition of ethics—the principles, norms, and standards of conduct governing an individual or group—focuses on conduct” (Trevino, & Nelson, (2007), p. 13). An ethical issue will require an individual or organization to make a decision between alternatives that must be weighed as an ethical or unethical decision. An unethical situation would be someone sacrificing people’s safety to obtain the completion of an assigned objective. Moral Issues “When we speak of morality, we refer to our judgments of right and wrong, and good and bad” (DeGeorge, (2010), p. 24). Moral...
Words: 644 - Pages: 3
