Premium Essay

Types of Ethics

In:

Submitted By utopia901
Words 968
Pages 4
Abstract
Normative ethics is a component of ethics that explores the criteria of what is right and what is wrong. It involves the creation of moral rules that affect our actions, those of larger groups and life in general. As it explores how basic moral standards are created and justified, the generated answers fall within certain categories. This paper will explore and contrast three types: virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics.

Deontological Ethics
Deontological ethics place emphasis on the relationship between duty and the morality of our actions. Here, an action is considered morally good because of some trait of the action itself, not the end result. In other words, the correct moral choice depends on our understanding of our moral duties and the existing rules that regulate them. When we uphold our duties, we are in essence, acting morally. One of the key distinction of deontological ethics is that acts that are considered morally obligatory are independent of the consequences the principles it upholds might have. “If our moral duty is not to lie, then lying is always wrong - even if the results harm others. You would be acting immorally if you lied to Nazis about where Jews were hiding: (Cline, 2014).
In the business world, deontological principles provide a good framework for avoiding ethical issues for its somewhat “absolutist” nature. In business, this principle emphasizes that meeting expectations and honoring company policies are the driving forces behind actions and behaviors that are considered correct. There is an inherent obligation to act or behave in a certain manner and this morally binding nature allows deontological ethics to structure the workplace. As a hiring manager for Apple, I do lots of paperwork for new hires. One of our policies expects me to gather identification documents and scan them at one of our retail

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Types of Ethics

...Ethics Prep on four main categories of ethical theory Deontological ethics Deontological ethics is a category in ethics that has a stance concerned with actions. This ethical theory suggests that we should have adherence to our personal duties. Deontological Ethics is centred on obedience; therefore following our duty is seen as behaving morally and not following our duty is seen as immoral. Perhaps the most significant thing to understand about deontological theory is that their moral principles are generally not thought to be associated with any costs which following these principles might have. Therefore, if a moral duty is not to lie, then lying is always wrong — even if that results in harming (or even worse killing) others. For example, you would be acting immorally if you lied to Nazis about where Jews were hiding. Immanuel Kant was arguably one of the greatest philosophers of all time. Kant thought that it was possible to develop a consistent moral system by using reason. If people were to think about this seriously and in a philosophically rigorous manner, Kant taught, they would realise that there were some moral laws that all moral humans had to obey simply because they were moral and rational humans (also ties in with absolutist ethics). Absolutist Ethics “Moral Absolutism is the ethical theory that there are complete standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that certain actions are right or wrong, regardless of the context of the act.” However...

Words: 678 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Three Types of Ethics

...moral decision. The individual will have to use his or her personal, professional, and organizational ethics in order to provide what he or she believes to be the correct action to take. This dilemma is encountered by the working force everyday. The three primary areas of ethical behavior must be clearly understood by all, to allow for an ethical “balance” in the world. Personal Ethics Personal ethics differ from person to person depending on numerous influences throughout ones life. Influences such as parents, religion, culture, environment, life experiences, and law all have a role in shaping personal ethics. Even though law does influence ethics, law is a last resort when private morality does not prevail (White, 1996). These principles learned help guide a persons actions and aid in their decision making process. A wise man once said, “Ethics is not simply what is “right” or “wrong”, it’s having the courage to do the right thing”. An example of a personal ethics dilemma: A man is out walking his dog in Little Italy and notices a woman drop her watch when exiting a cab. The woman is quickly approaching him on the sidewalk. Does he tell her that she dropped the watch? Or does he pick it up and keep it for himself? If the man is of good character he will tell the woman she dropped her watch. This lack of personal gain is an excellent example of proper personal ethics behavior. A person’s character should be consistent in all areas of life. This personal values system...

Words: 716 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Cookie Types and Ethics of Their Use

...Cookie Types and Ethics of Their Use Matthew Fones IFSM 201 06/30/2013 The purpose of this research paper is to identify and explain three commonly seen cookies used on the Internet, along with identifying any potential ethical issues with such activities. The two most commonly used cookies are session cookies, persistent cookies. I will also describe a third type of cookie known as a flash cookie. First I will define what a computer cookie is. A cookie is a piece of text that a Web server can store on a user's hard disk or equivalent. Cookies allow a Web site to store information on a user's machine and later retrieve it (Brain, 2000). Cookies are created when a user's browser loads a particular website. The website sends information to the browser which then creates a text file. Every time the user goes back to the same website, the browser retrieves and sends this file to the website's server. Without cookies, websites and their servers have no memory. Computer Cookies are created not just by the website the user is browsing, but also by other websites that run ads, widgets, or other elements on the page being loaded. These cookies regulate how the ads appear or how the widgets and other elements function on the page. The first type of cookie to be described is the session cookie. This type of cookie allows users to be recognized within a website so any page changes or data selection you do is remembered from page to page. The most common example of this functionality...

Words: 1311 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Ethics

... 2 Abstract Have you ever asked your self what the definition of Ethics is? I myself have never thought of that question until this quarter. Ethics to me was always something that was moral and right. I would constantly hear people speaking with one another saying, oh no that is not ethical or yes that sounds ethical to me. I figured that they knew what they were saying and just went along with it. Before taking my ethics class I would also speak to my peers and say things like, that does not sound ethical or yes that is a very ethical thing to do. The question is; what is truly ethical? Isn’t everything ethical in a way, and according to who might this be ethical? These are the questions that we are thought to ask and to learn in ethics. I have learned that there are many types of ethics and they are all very different from each other and often disagree with one another. This paper clarifies some of the differences between different types of ethics that exist among us. WHAT IS ETHICAL 3 What is Ethical, and According to Whom? People all around the word are constantly using the word ethics or ethical incorrectly. This has started because most common people do not know the true meaning of ethics. I was one of those people who thought of ethics as one single certain way of thinking. Something ethical to most people means something that sounds good and right...

Words: 1981 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Essay Ethics

...Ethics and business An ethic is a moral philosophy by which one should abide. My belief is that ethics are a code of integrity and because of this an individual should undermine all rationality in order to influence one's "ethics" and determine what is right and what is wrong. Ethics relates the study of morality and human action. The concept comes from the Greek word ethikos, which means "character". An ethical sentence is a moral statement that made statements and what defines is good, bad, required, permitted, etc. in relation to an action or a decision. According to dictionary in the website, ethics relates the study of morality and human action. The concept comes from the Greek word ethikos, which means "character". An ethical sentence is a moral statement that made statements and what defines is good, bad, required, permitted, etc. in relation to an action or a decision. Business ethics is the accepted set of moral values and corporate standards of conduct in a business organization. The specifics of what this actually means can vary from one organization to another. (Merchant, 2014). What are the different types of business ethics research? There are many different types of business ethics research, and there are many different ethical systems in the world. Ethics does not necessarily help a business make more money, but it can promote company pride and maintain a sense of personal morality. . Almost all researchers understand to some extent that what behavior qualifies...

Words: 551 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

“What Is "Business Ethics"?” Peter F. Drucker

...“What is "business ethics"?” Peter F. Drucker Drucker’s work takes a look at what is business ethics and what is not business ethics as it pertains to some of the major approaches taken by philosophers throughout time. No matter what the place in time the code of ethics as it pertains to Western tradition is based solely on one principle. That principle is “There is only one code of ethics, that of individual behavior, for prince and pauper, for rich and poor, for the mighty and the meek alike.” Drucker P. F. (1981). Given this principle what is business ethics or even ethics at all with given the implications that behavior which is neither immoral nor illegal for an individual would be immoral or illegal if committed by business? There seems to be a lack of compatibility with what ethics is supposed to be and business ethics. For example a person handing his money over to a mugger threatening physical harm isn’t considered unethical although the mugger is a criminal but in the business world paying off union racketeers to prevent disruption is considered to be unethical practice. The confusion around ethics in general and business ethics continues when we start looking at other business systems outside of the United States. Take for example the Japanese and German who consider the appointing of a counselor who was previously a distinguished civil servant based on the recommendation of his colleagues is essential to the public interest. However, if this practice were to...

Words: 2306 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Ethics Essay

...Ethics Essay ETH 316 June 4, 2012 There are several ways to approach the level of normative ethics. Those most common are virtue ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. This paper intends to describe and compare the differences and similarities between the three. It will also take into account the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts and how they may relate to any of these theories. Utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics are all parts of normative ethics. Utilitarianism recognizes the consequences of ones actions. Deontology is an emphasis of ones duty or rules involved with their life. Virtue ethics is also known as agent-based or character ethics. This type of ethics focuses on virtue or moral character. When a person exercises virtue ethics, that person makes their own excellence via knowledge gained by experience. This type of ethics is a good example to others and promotes basis for a life that others appreciate (Boylan, 2009). Utilitarianism is when a person feels that an action or thought is morally correct. Any result of promoted by the thought or action produces more of a utility for the group promoting the thought or action (Boylan, 2009). Deontological ethics are those that judge morality of an action by way of following rules. This type of ethics determines right or wrong based on the rules they are given and the duty of following those rules. The person that believes deontological ethics is best for them will...

Words: 438 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Paper

...Ethics Monique Giron MGT/498 September 25, 2012 Robert Jenkins Ethics Ethics are a set of values subjected to analysis based on morals varying by each individual’s belief systems. Moral factors are represented differently given the nature and personal beliefs of human beings involved in certain social settings or working environments. Ethics deal with a person’s values, beliefs, virtues, and relevance of duties in an organization or working environment. When ethics are subjected to analysis the relevance of behaving ethically or unethically differ according to moral reasoning set by a person’s background or cultural upbringing. For the discussion on ethics details will explain the role of ethics and social responsibility in developing a strategic plan while considering stakeholder needs and agendas. Further along in the ethics discussion will include one example of a company overstepping ethical boundaries for stakeholder agendas and what types of preventative measures could be taken to avoid this type of situation. The relationship of ethics in a social setting can require strategic planning based on the responsibilities an organization sets for employees providing different components in a social setting. The strategic responsibility in developing a strategic plan is set into motion by strong leadership in management that should provide a guideline for a strategic management process. Role of Ethics and Social Responsibilities The roles of ethics based on a person’s...

Words: 903 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ethical Issues

...Ethical Issues Ethics: The Hallmark of Leaders at All Levels Abstract The intent of the paper is educating people about the abuse of power. Why a code of conduct is necessary for a company to be successful. Examples of what can go wrong in certain situations when bad moral judgment is used for personal gain. How to correct violations with a new code of ethics and compliance officer to ensure these the code of ethics will be followed. 1. Table of Contents 1. Intro into a problem in the workplace page 4 2. A code of conduct page 5-6 3. Professional conduct page 7 4. Code of conduct in the workplace 5. Where to and how to implement the code of conduct page 7 6. The conclusion and solutions for unethical and moral character page 7 7. How the code of ethics you developed can be applied to deal with page 8 Your chosen ethical issue 8. How the character, values, and integrity of a leader can aid in Making your proposed code of ethics more than just another document that employees acknowledge when they are hired, but instead make it a valued part of their everyday work lives for your fictional business page 9 Ethical Issues Identify and clearly describe an ethical issue. The ethical issue I will discuss is bribery in the work place; an inspector took a bribe to allow a property owner to break city code while building a residential...

Words: 2020 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Code of Ethics

...A Business Code Of Ethics YourFirstName YourLastName University title Introduction   A chief executive officer cannot simply make the decision that is best for her without considering the interests of other employees, stockholders, customers, suppliers, creditors, and so forth. Integrity is the cornerstone of ethical business practices. Failure to build a business on integrity carries costs. For example, deceptive business practices may harm a company's standing in the community, decrease employee productivity, reduce customer loyalty, build resentment among employees, increase the likelihood of further unethical behavior by employees, and cause scrutiny by government agencies. Although the costs of some of these consequences are difficult to quantify, there is no doubt that they can be substantial. Evaluate chosen strategy King and Spalding is a legal firm that was founded in 1885, Atlanta. It has a total of 800 lawyers across the U.S, Europe, Asia and Middle East. Ethics Programs Companies frequently create ethics programs to establish and help maintain an ethical business environment. Some of the most common elements of ethics pro-grams at King & Spalding include written codes of ethics, employee hotlines and ethics call centers, ethics training, processes to register anonymous complaints about wrongdoing, and ethics offices. Ethics programs may include any combination of these elements. However, according to a recent survey, an ethics program with multiple...

Words: 1270 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Ethical and Moral Issues in Business

...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

Premium Essay

Management

...aircraft combined ("The Boeing Company: About Us", 2012). Every company uses different types of management techniques including how the planning function of management is used. Planning allows organizations to develop how the customers’ needs can be met, what is expected out of the company, and the environment. The structure of management helps accommodate the need for experience and expertise on important factors. Some of these factors are legal issues, ethics, and corporate social responsibility instead of just focusing on the profits. This paper covers the planning function of management, the influences of legal issues, ethics, and corporate social responsibility on management planning, and factors that influence the company’s strategic, tactical, operational, and contingency planning. Boeing Management Planning Boeing is known as “the world’s leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliner and military aircraft combined ("The Boeing Company: About Us," 2012). Every company uses different types of management techniques including how the planning function of management is used. Planning allows organizations to develop how the customers’ needs can be met, what is expected out of the company, and the environment. The structure of management helps accommodate the need for experience and expertise on important factors. Some of these factors are legal issues, ethics, and corporate social responsibility instead of just focusing on the profits. The Planning...

Words: 1477 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Ethic Issues Paper

...Ethic Issues Paper MGT/216 Organizational Ethics and Social Responsibility 08/31/2010 Cindy Joseph Ethic Issues Paper What are business ethics in today’s world? What ethical issues within today’s business environment affect our community and organizations? These topics will be addressed in the following paragraphs. Before one can begin to address ethical business issues that affect our community and organizations, one must first define what business ethics are. Business ethics as defined by Trevino and Nelson (2007), as “the principles, norms, and standards of conduct governing guidelines for work-related conduct, governing an individual or group” (p. 13). Guidelines established by employers to manage their employees (Trevino & Nelson, 2007). In essence, these guidelines are established to manage the employee’s expectations in the workplace. These guidelines can be as simple as what time to arrive and depart from work to more complex issues, such as managing internal relationships or how to deal with specific conflict of interest issues, especially when in a position of influence. In the advertising industry, where I have worked for the last eight years, there are many ethical issues that through the normal course of business, one must confront and successfully manage. Three issues that I believe to be at the top of the list are conflict of interest, ethics relating to accounting and moral ethics regarding products advertised. Conflict of interest is an aspect...

Words: 752 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ethics Reflection Paper

...Ethics Reflection Paper July 13, 2015 Professor Carlos Pineda Ethics Reflection Paper The purpose of this paper is to explain the role of ethics and social responsibility in developing a strategic plan, considering stakeholders needs. Included, in this paper will be a reflection on the author’s ethical perspective and how it has evolved. Ethics plays an essential role in both the business and social environment. Ethics reflects the morale beliefs and principles that demonstrate society’s opinion of an action performed by a group or individual that are considered right or wrong (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Ethics and Social Responsibility Corporate Social responsibility is best defined by the concept that an organization has a commitment to serve society on an overall basis and to meet the financial interests of its stakeholders (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). A good practice would be to separate the needs of the inside and outside stakeholders as this would allow the organization to first determine the needs of each type of stakeholder and secondly meet their social responsibility. In order for an organization to have in a depth knowledge and range of social responsibilities that must be included in their strategic plan, the strategic managers must study the four types of social committee. The four types of social committee include: economic, legal, ethical and discretional social responsibilities (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Economic responsibilities involves...

Words: 843 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

My Essay

...business decisions? Question 2 List and discuss in depth the three teleological frameworks and the three deontological frameworks. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Of these six frameworks, with which one do you most associate? Question 3 Discuss the eight ethical principles in the Global Business Standards Codex. Using these principles, describe an example of a company that does follow one of these principles, and then describe an example of a company that does not follow one of these principles. Question 4 Review Table 2-1 in the textbook, which relates to the myths about business ethics (page 23). Select three myths, and discuss why they represent a general misunderstanding about business ethics. Question 5 Examine the three simple tests identified by the Institute of Business Ethics (page 25). Use these tests, and discuss a decision you made dealing with ethics. Unit IV Question 1 What part should the government take in ensuring that corporations are environmentally “friendly”? Fully discuss your answer. Question 2 Discuss the concept of environmental sustainability. Discuss the challenges to sustainability faced by developed, emerging, and survival economies. Do you think the “green” movement is a fad, or is it here to stay? Question 3 Corporations define themselves in terms of being environmentally friendly and “green.” What do those terms mean, and how can they be implemented into a workable company policy? Is being green important to your company...

Words: 788 - Pages: 4