Normative ethics are outlined in six approaches for managers to follow that include the utilitarian approach, individualism approach, moral rights approach, justice approach virtue ethics approach and the practical approach.
The utilitarian approach began in the nineteenth century by two philosophers, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. They believed that moral behavior produced the greatest good for the greatest number of people possible. The decision maker of the organization is expected to consider the effect the decision will have on all parties. The manger is then to take the path that will improve the benefits for the greatest number of people. This approach is the basis of companies’ ethics regarding employee Internet usage and also personal habits such as alcohol and tobacco consumption since these habits and behaviors affect the entire work place.
The individualism approach states that acts are moral when they encourage long-term interest with everyone within the organization learning to accommodate the long-term interests of the organization. The approach is noted to lead to honest and integrity. The individualism approach is not popular within highly organization groups of society because it is easily misinterpreted to support self-gain.
The moral rights approach notes that fundamental rights and liberties cannot be taken away from human beings by an individual decision.
The justice approach focuses on standards of equity, fairness and impartiality and has three types of concern to managers. The first is distributive justice that requires different treatment of people not be based on arbitrary characteristics. The second is procedural justice that requires rules be conducted fairly. The last is compensatory justice that argues that individuals should be compensated for their injuries by whoever is responsible.
Virtue ethics approach