Importance of Ethics in Business - 757 Words | Essay Example (2024)

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Ethics is important in business because it regulates the behavior of people. Ethics provide guidelines for people to avoid mistakes, while they are thinking that they are doing the right thing. In this case study, the manager of a renowned chemical manufacturing company in North America has been struggling to adhere to business ethics and responsibility, but his colleagues have been pressuring him to bend the laws. Therefore, the following paragraphs will look at the ethical issues in the scenario.

Ethics are as old as mankind because from the time we were brought into this world our parents and guardians taught us what is right and what is not, meaning ethics are applied everywhere. However, the ethics vary from one place to another depending on the environment and the tasks involved. The manager of the North American company has a difficult task because in as much as the decision taken by the company depends on him, he wants to please both parties, that is, the client and the company administrators.

The manager is aware that the insecticide contains some toxin chemicals which could have negative impacts, and that is why he does not want to sell the product to the client because he is certain that the client’s needs would not be met. On the other hand, his colleagues are also aware of the effects of the substance, but they still want him to go on with the deal. It seems that the only thing that matters to these fellows is money.

What they do not know is that they might make money today, and ruin the reputation of the company in the days to come after the truth of the matter is exposed. As the manufacturer, the North American company has an obligation to protect the customers from any harmful chemicals.

The manager has a better alternative that entails directing the customer to another manufacturer whose product is not harmful as his. This implies that the manager has the interests of the customers at heart. He is very honest, which is an outstanding trait in business. This is because you can lie to your customers but one day the truth will be unveiled, and it will be very difficult to restore the confidence they once had in the company.

Even though the company is in dire need of money, it is not a good reason for selling products that are hazardous. By telling the customer the truth, the manager will instill trust in the customer towards the company. Having an established code of ethics ensures that people do not do as they wish for their own selfish gains. Thus, by selling a product that has already been prohibited shows that the administrators are very ignorant and selfish.

Furthermore, ethics are meant to serve various purposes, the first one being as a source of knowledge to the people who are involved. Ethics are used as a source of reference because they dictate what should be done at what times and places.

This goes a long way in avoiding the occurrence of mistakes when people are carrying out their duties. Without ethics it would be difficult for people to regulate themselves and others as well. This is because no one would agree that he/she was the one who did the mistake because there are no clear rules and regulations.

In this regard, ethics and responsibility are supposed to foster cooperation, but the administrators of this company imply that there is no cooperation at all because they have already signed the request form without consulting the manager. The manager should act as his consciousness commands, but he does not want to look like he is out to sabotage the efforts of his colleagues. If there were ethics in this company, there would be no disagreements in decision making processes because ethics clearly explain what is to be done.

Therefore, ethics are supposed to foster moral values, but by the look of things the administrators of North American company do not hold any value to human life. By selling hazardous products, the company would make profits, but their guilt will continue to haunt them as long as the consequences of their faults exist.

Without rules and regulations the world would be a tiny place for humans to co-exist because people would benefit at the expense of others. Maybe, what the administrators of the company do not know is that even if no one is watching over them, they are answerable before God, and the profits they will make by knowingly selling harmful products may not help them as they think.

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Importance of Ethics in Business - 757 Words | Essay Example (2024)

FAQs

What is the importance of business ethics in easy words? ›

Business ethics enhances the law by outlining acceptable behaviors beyond government control. Corporations establish business ethics to promote integrity among their employees and gain trust from key stakeholders, such as investors and consumers. While corporate ethics programs have become common, the quality varies.

What is ethics in business and examples? ›

Business ethics is a practice that determines what is right, wrong, and appropriate in the workplace. Business ethics is often guided by laws, and these principles keep companies and individuals from engaging in illegal activity such as insider trading, discrimination and bribery.

How is ethics important for a company with examples? ›

Some ethical requirements for businesses are codified into law. Environmental regulations, the minimum wage, and restrictions against insider trading and collusion are all examples of the government setting certain standards for business ethics. The concept of business ethics has also evolved over time.

What is ethics in business short paragraph? ›

Business ethics is the moral principles, policies, and values that govern the way companies and individuals engage in business activity. It goes beyond legal requirements to establish a code of conduct that drives employee behavior at all levels and helps build trust between a business and its customers.

What is ethics in your own words? ›

Ethics is based on well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues.

Why is ethics important in our life? ›

Ethics play a crucial role in shaping the way people interact with each other and the world around them. Ethics are the moral principles that guide people's behaviour, decisions, and actions. These principles are based on the concepts of right and wrong, good and bad, and fairness and justice.

What is an example of business ethics in real life? ›

Real-life examples, such as Patagonia, Microsoft, and Johnson & Johnson, demonstrate the power of ethical business practices. As technology continues to advance, businesses must also consider the role of technology ethics in protecting sensitive customer information and promoting transparent communication.

What are some examples of good ethics in the workplace? ›

10 ethical behaviour examples for the workplace
  • Punctuality. ...
  • Following rules of conduct. ...
  • Respecting other people. ...
  • Helping teammates accomplish organisation goals. ...
  • Maintaining a professional demeanour. ...
  • Exercising accountability. ...
  • Delivering high-quality work. ...
  • Serving the customer.
Apr 15, 2024

What is an example of a business ethics statement? ›

Our staff shall act with integrity and treat their colleagues and others through the work with full respect. We provide equal opportunity in employment and we do not tolerate any discrimination or harassment or any type from abuse.

What is business ethics answer in one sentence? ›

Business ethics are policies that guide the behavior of corporate entities, especially regarding controversial subjects. Business ethics protect companies from legal liability and ensure that they treat their customers and team members with respect.

What is an example of an ethical business? ›

Ben & Jerry's, a well-known ice cream manufacturer, is another example of an ethical business. Their commitment to ethical practices is demonstrated through their ingredient sourcing, fair trade practices, climate justice initiatives, and other social responsibility campaigns.

How would you apply ethics in business? ›

When applying ethics into the workplace, one can exercise ethics by modeling them. For instance, if someone notices their coworker stealing, they can exercise their honest ethical standard and report them. One can show trustworthiness by listening to a coworker and promising to not share their hardships with others.

What is the importance of business ethics? ›

It's important for organizations to operate with good business ethics to avoid legal and regulatory problems. However, it's also vital to exhibit strong ethical behavior to maintain a positive reputation, both with the public and employees.

What is business ethics in your own words? ›

Cambridge dictionary defines business ethics as “the rules, principles, and standards of deciding what is morally right or wrong when working.” So, business ethics refers to the implementation of appropriate business practices and policies in the workplace.

What is business ethics short summary? ›

By definition, business ethics are the moral principles that act as guidelines for the way a business conducts itself and its transactions. In many ways, the same guidelines that individuals use to conduct themselves in an acceptable way – in personal and professional settings – apply to businesses as well.

What is the importance of ethics in business quizlet? ›

Business ethics offer companies a competitive advantage. Consumers learn to trust ethical brands and remain loyal to them, even during difficult periods.

Why are business ethics becoming increasingly important? ›

With the rise of big businesses and more competition, people started to worry about the effects of business on society and the environment. Because of this, the field of business ethics grew up as a way to deal with these problems and create a set of rules for ethical behavior in business.

Why is it important to study ethics? ›

Ethics is a worthwhile subject of study for at least three reasons: (1) studying ethics can help you appreciate ethical problems, (2) behaving ethically may help the long-term success of a business, and (3) behaving ethically is often correlated with behaving legally.

What is professional ethics and its importance? ›

Professional ethics are principles that govern the behaviour of a person or group in a business environment. Like values, professional ethics provide rules on how a person should act towards other people and institutions in such an environment.

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