Business Ethics Final Review

Understand Aristotle's concept of fairness

"Fairness is treating equals equally and un-equals unequally." Not that everyone gets the same treatment, just that the rules for treating people must be applied equally.

Understand the ethical arguments against discrimination.

Fairness, Rights, Utilitarianism

Understand three ethical issues associated with gender discrimination

Fairness: is it fair to do these things. Rights: validates basic human rights. Utilitarianism: discrimination reduces productivity

Know what two factors to consider when determining what questions should be asked during an interview.

Fairness—asking similar questions to everyone. Pertinence—relevant to the interview/job

Be able to define the concept of organizational culture and know the four common concepts found in most definitions.

Four common concepts: shared, guidance, meaning, values. Shared beliefs in a company about how to manage themselves and employees and conduct behavior

Know the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission law related to sexual harassment in the workplace. Also, understand the implications of the various ambiguities in the law.

The EEOC says "Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct...creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work environment." Since it has vague words like "Advances" "unwelcome" and "hostile work environment," it is hard to tell, so the law applies to the "reasonable person" standard. The answer is however a reasonable person would respond in the given situation. However, reasonable people once believed the earth was flat.

Know the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating the advertising industry and the two standards they use: Reasonable Consumer Standard, Ignorant Consumer

The Federal Trade Commission regulates advertising industry. The reasonable consumer standard does not allow ads that would significantly mislead thoughtful, moderately experienced consumers. The Ignorant consumer standard says that it should protect consumers from scams and offers that most people would recognize as misleading (elderly; non-English speakers, etc.)

Know the potential ethical issues/violations that should be considered when searching for another job.

Time abuse, Equipment-use abuse, Skill theft, Client adoption, Market adoption, Idea appropriation

Know the two issues one should consider when determining employee salaries.

Wage confidentiality, Use of wage as a work incentive.

Know the difference between "concealable" and "in-concealable" characteristics.

"In-concealable" are those like race, gender. "Concealable" are like religion, sexuality.

Be able to define "Virtue" and know what traits are commonly viewed as virtuous

"Virtue is a character trait manifested in habitual action, that is good to have"

Know and be able to apply Kant's Categorical Imperatives

1st "Do only what you are willing for everyone to do all the time." 2nd "Don't use people." Extra "Avoid the known evil."

Be able to define "conflict of interest."

A conflict of interest is "a tension between professional obligations and personal welfare"

Know how to drill down to the basic framework of an argument (AKA 3-step argument) upon which people make moral decisions

A declared belief or position (Values). The application of that belief/position to the case at hand (Facts). He assumed conclusion based upon the stated logic.

Know what "affirmative action" is and the four methods of promoting affirmative action.

A set of preferences and policies that aggressively counter discrimination. Opportunity, Tie-breaker, Incentives, Quotas

Understand the two different paths to job promotion and the ethical questions associated with each.

Accomplishment-achieving predetermined goals. Competition-performing better than peers

Know examples of characteristics beyond race and gender may be targeted for discrimination.

Age, Physical ability, Mental ability, Ethnicity, Religion, Political affiliation, Sexualtiy

Know what Altruism is; how it relates to but differs from Utilitarianism

Altruism is Utilitarianism - Yourself

Understand the implications of following a consequential ethic

Anything can be justified if the outcome is desirable

Know what it means to be an "at-will employment" state and how that relates to the ethics of firing employees.

At-will employee works only as long as the management wants them. Legally they can do it, but should they?

Know what Discourse Ethics attempts to do

Attempts to find a new moral framework instead of imposing one culture on another

Know what Ethical Egoism (EE) believes and does not believe

Believes: whatever action serves my self-interest is the morally right action. Pursuing self interest helps society. Does not believe: to promote other's interests as well as your own, to avoid actions that help others, to always do what gives oneself pleasure.

Understand how Virtue Ethics compares to Christian Ethics

Both have moral motivation, not from a sense of duty. Closer than most ethics. Just depends on whose standard, society's or God's

Also be able to discuss how the fall of man (i.e. sin in the garden) has affected the following relationships and its impact on business: Broken human-God relationship, Broken human-human relationship, Broken human-creation (i.e. the environment) relationship

Broken human-God relationship: Work is our identity, Work is a necessity. Broken human-human relationship: Employees as a means to an end. Broken human-creation (i.e. the environment) relationship: Exploitation of resources

Know what is meant by "career sequencing."

Career sequencing is defining zones of life and evaluating each separately in terms of work priorities and aspirations.

Know the characteristics of individual rights and which rights are traditionally recognized

Characteristics: Universal, Equal, Inalienable. Recognized: Right to life, Right to liberty (freedom), Right to religious expression, Right to pursue happiness

Know the difference between choice and compliance as they relate to an ethically questionable organizational culture.

Choice: Does the company try to justify their dishonesty (whistle blow if needed). Compliance: some don't behave as company believes

Understand the different leadership styles and the values that underlie specific leadership styles. Also be able to identify the different leadership styles.

Commanding—do as I say, Visionary—come with me, Affiliative—people come first, Democratic—what do you think, Pacesetting—do as I do now, Coaching—try this

Define and consider ethical issues surrounding the decision to quit.

Consider fairness, duty, and respect. Don't do it suddenly, don't do it in the middle of a big project

Know the standard practices for dealing with gifts to mitigate conflicts of interest.

Consider the appearance of the conflict, Outright ban the acceptance of any gift, or Have a balanced policy towards gift acceptance/giving

Understand the Cultural Relativistic Perspective and the Deontological Perspective as they related to sexual harassment in cross-cultural settings

Cultural Relativistic Perspective says that right and wrong are determined by the home culture, so at first people may be excused of unknowingly harassing someone, but they should conform to the culture they work in. It also says that when someone from a different culture comes in, their perspectives should be honored. Deontological Perspective says that those that come to work in a different place need to adapt their behavior in dealing with sex, and offices overseas will need to implement the same code of conduct.

Be able to define racial/gender discrimination including the three steps used to identify discrimination (i.e. how discrimination is manifested in the professional world).

Decision based on trait (race, sex, etc.) that don't affect work-related qualifications. Someone must suffer/benefit from discrimination, Based on race/gender as opposed to job qualifications, employment decision rests on unreasonable stereotypes

Understand the ethical risks of job announcements.

Describing a position that doesn't correspond with reality, Announcing a post to those who have no chance

Know the basic beliefs of Cultural Relativism and how to apply them to solve an ethical dilemma

Different societies have different moral codes. No objective standard or "universal truth". Our moral standard is not special If that society says it is right, then it is. It is arrogant for us to judge others.

Know the three ways by which one may dispute an argument

Dispute the Facts. Question the Values. Refute the Reasoning

Understand how rights & duties and utilitarianism relates to arguments for or against affirmative action.

Do we protect rights and duties, do we do what is best for community?

Understand Nietzche's "Eternal Return of the Same" though experiment and what it concludes

Do what you would if you had to live with the choice over and over again forever. Why give money to homeless every day if it does not change their position in life?

Know the neutral standard by which cultural practices can be judged

Does it promote the welfare for those affected? Is there a better alternative?

Know what perennial duties we have

Duties to self: Develop gifts and talents, Don't harm yourself. Duties to others: Avoid wrongdoing, Respect, Promote welfare, Show gratitude, Keep promises, Be fair.

Understand the framework for explaining an individual's ethical behaviors.

Ethical Issue Intensity, Individual Factors, Organizational Factors, and Opportunity-> Business Ethics Evaluations and Intentions Ethical or unethical behavior

Understand a manager's ethical responsibilities related to hiring someone with a criminal record.

Ethical responsibility to help recovering criminals, the Manager's responsibility to the company, and the Company's responsibility to the general public.

Understand "bona fide occupational qualifications" (BFOQs) are and be able to determine what constitutes a BFOQ.

Exceptions to equal opportunity requirements. Discrimination required because of a business' nature. The rock not being a horse jockey

Know the three ways to find evidence of discrimination in the workplace.

Experiment, Get statistics, Episodic

Define reasons why an organization's work may be viewed as unethical to work for.

Exploitation or workers (poor working conditions, low pay), Exploitation of consumers (taking advantage of a consumer's lack of knowledge, lying by omission, taking advantage of addictive tendencies), Exploitation of the environment (pollution, deforestation, etc.)

Be able to recognize examples of positive résumé misrepresentations.

False Credentials, False Experience, Embellished Experience, False Chronology, False References

Be able to recognize the four types of deceptive ads: False claims, Claims that conceal, Ambiguous claims, Puffery

False claims make statements that are inaccurate or false. (lies, real ginger). Claims that conceal are statements that are not entirely false, but cannot be easily disproven either. (ex. Fine Print). Ambiguous Claims are statements that are designed to mislead or cause people to make erroneous assumptions (mini-van picks up more girls than a Lamborghini). Puffery are statements that are obviously exaggerations. (ex. World's Best Coffee)

Know what the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is and what it does.

Federal Bureau with protection: "all applicants deserve to be considered and evaluated solely on their ability to do the job."

Know the ethical arguments for and against advertisements targeted at children.

For: Companies need to make a profit (duty), They have the freedom of speech (rights), It is the parents responsibility to protect children (duty). Against: Breeds insecurity and unhappiness (utilitarianism), Children are vulnerable (duty to others)

Know the arguments for and against allowing companies to advertise however they want

For: Freedom to speak however they want also applies to advertising, Marketers have a moral obligation to do their duty and sell in any situation, In a market situation, companies can lie and point out others lies and allow consumers to decide for themselves. Against: Consumers have a right to know what they're buying, and ambiguous claims interfere with that, Advertisers are bound by the ethical duty to tell the truth, Advertisers and manufacturers are bound by duty to treat everyone not as a means to an end, Purchasing a product is like the signing of a contract and so the product should meet the implied rules of the contract, The idea that marketers can say whatever and consumers can decide for themselves only works if people have enough time to study and read up before making every purchase.

Be able to articulate the arguments for and against affirmative action.

For: Necessary for fairness, Motivation for lower levels, Benefits third parties, Reduces tensions, Compensates past wrongs. Against: Reversed discrimination, Reinforces what it combats, Best way is to let the markets and time work, Can damage third parties, Treats minorities as tokens, Creates tension, Doesn't compensate for past wrongs

Know the ethical arguments for and against of sleeping with the boss in exchange for professional advancement.

For: Skills aren't just on paper and should be able to be used, If one can capitalize on skills we should be fair and let all capitalize on skills including sex appeal, People should have the freedom to choose how they want to apply their skills. Against: Eventually promotion must be justified and lying about sleeping together isn't honest, Promotions deserve to be given based on job-related merits so its fair, People will be less frustrated if promotions are based o job-related merits, It's dehumanizing having to rely on sex instead of job skills and it devalues a person

Know the arguments for and against mandatory drug testing at work

For: We have a duty to protect people from themselves and those they may affect as a result of drugs, and there is a duty to improve the workplace, and drug use impairs performance, effects others performance, and increases health care costs. Against: Doing so violates a person's right to privacy, It's embarrassing and humiliating to pee in a cub in front of others, so let's not, it diminishes dignity; it can be a slippery slope leading from one drug test once a month to every drug test every day; there's always the chance of a false positive, which can ruin someone's reputation

Be able define and recognize: bribes, kickbacks, and gifts.

Gifts—given out of demonstrating appreciation for a relationship or at best soliciting consideration of favor. Bribes—gifts with direct purpose of corrupting professional judgement by appealing to personal welfare to solicit direct action. Kickbacks—similar to a bribe, but is a portion of revenue given back to the buyer

Understand the difference between: Hedonistic Utilitarianism, Idealistic Utilitarianism, Monetized Utilitarianism, Act Utilitarianism, Rule Utilitarianism

Hedonistic Utilitarianism: Seeks to maximize pleasure, long-term better than short-term. Jeremy Bentham. Idealistic Utilitarianism: Higher-order pleasure (intellectual) is better than lower-order pleasure (physical). John Stuart Mill. Monetized Utilitarianism: Attempts to measure happiness in monetary terms. Act Utilitarianism: Specific action is recommended if it increases happiness. Default form. Rule Utilitarianism: If when applied to everyone, it increases general happiness.

Know the ethical dilemmas and considerations in job seeking.

How important is leisure time? How do you want to spend your time? Who do you want to be around? Do you value money or meaning? Family life v. Professional life, Job hopping v. Loyalty, Personal values v. Corporate values.

Know five things that justifies whistle-blowing.

If there is clear evidence of continuing wrongdoing, If the wrongdoing is serious, If the current channels for correction have been exhausted, If there is convincing evidence of misconduct, If whistle-blowing will resolve the issue.

Know the two ways (i.e. questions) one can rationalize working for an organization one considers to be unethical

Ignore the actions of the company. Accept or acknowledge the actions, but justify it

Know the following material from guest speaker, Will Blanchard, Director of the Calling and Career Services Office: Know the implications of the concept of "calling" as it relates to one's career, Know what God is calling people to based on Genesis 1:26-31, How to find one's calling.

Implications of a career as a calling: not using gifts, frustration, ignoring God. What God calls us to do: Take care of creation, Help others, Maximize our gifts, Be in community, Enjoy life and beauty, Bear his image, Work. How to find one's calling: Inventory talents/gifts, Consider what "muscle" feels good when you use it, Consider what you enjoyed as a kid, How to maximize output.

Be able to distinguish between Informational and Branding (Positioning) advertisements

Informational advertisements provide information or make comparisons. Branding Advertisements build a brand's image. Not about the truth, but about attitude and reputation.

Be able to articulate why it is and is not ethical for ads to be designed to create desires

Is: They tell the truth (everything else is our doing), they let consumers choose and treat them with dignity. Is not: Treat consumers as a means to an end, It violates the consumers' freedom, It creates an unhappy society that is never satisfied

Know the two extreme views of business and understand how those views relate to how one might approach business from an ethical standpoint

Market Regulation-Business needs policing. Libertarian Free Market-Business corrects itself and benefits society

Know what constitutes "meaningful work" and the relationship between meaningful work and the following: Leisure time, Money, Power, Prestige, Comfort, Job security

Meaningful work is about trade-offs (i.e. Work & Family, Pay & Purpose, Job & Location). Meaningful work begins with purpose (interests). Meaningful work sets a specific purpose before everything else. Meaningful work often sacrifices money, leisure time, and job security, but that does not work the other way around.

Know the difference between the terms: morals / ethics / meta-ethics

Morals-lowest level of ethical analysis, direct rules to follow; doesn't involve debate. Ethics-middle part; answers what specific rules should be instituted and followed. Morality factory. Meta-ethics-the most abstract and theoretical discussions about right and wrong: "where do ethics come from?"

Know the three methods for announcing job openings and the arguments for each.

Nepotism—you know these people. Internal Job Posting—people wanting the job will be invested. Public Job Posting—most fair way to do so

Be able to elaborate three degrees of company loyalty and ethical issues associated with loyalty.

Obedience Loyalty—think military, employees are worth only that which they contribute. Can such life and time out of employees. Balanced Loyalty—where employee and employer recognize each other's independent value. May be asked to do something "unethical" for the company. Free Agency—absence of loyalty. Will do anything to satisfy themselves.

Understand the problems with the EE argument and the two significant implications of following this philosophy.

Often contrary to core beliefs, in that helping others does them no good, altruism robs people of their value, and there is hidden unity among rules, but that's not the only reason own interests may benefit. Divides into me and them, which means one group is valued more than the other, which leads to racism and such.

Be able to accurately classify an organization's culture using the Sethia-Glinow model.

People High performance low Caring, People high performance high Integrative, people low performance low Apathetic, People low performance high Exacting

Understand how the ethical construct of Liberty relates to salary negotiation and determination.

People should have the liberty to do as they please, Boss's can pay less, people can demand more, everyone can lie about things to get more money

Know the difference between "personal slackers" and "context slackers."

Personal slackers: slack for private reasons. Context Slackers: slacks because labor system encourages slacking off

Know who Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 covers and the protections it provides.

Racial and other discriminations are illegal, Civil lawsuits can be filed for those discriminated against, Government oversight is continuous, Government regulations insist businesses associated with government implement anti-discriminatory practices

Know the three basic beliefs of Utilitarianism

Right or wrong is in the consequences. Only happiness or unhappiness matters. Happiness is equal

Know what to consider before whistle-blowing and an ethical rule-of-thumb to guide whistle-blowing.

Rule of thumb: whistle-blowing is required when the act can prevent harm to others in ways that are serious and go beyond the bottom line. Likely will have to be public in claims, and can face backlash

Be familiar with each of the criteria managers should/do consider when determining who should be fired.

Seniority, Workload, Projected Accomplishments, Past accomplishments, Recovery Preparations

Know the three characteristics that are used to define minority status.

Set individuals apart, are disapproved of or not understood by majority, provide a collective identity

Understand the manager's duties with relation to the manner in which employee separations are handled.

Should be considerate and humane.

Understand the ethical issues associated with socializing and promotions.

Should promotions be given to those without actually doing the work?

Know the different types of business organizations and the effect these have on ethics

Sole Proprietorship—easiest business to start. You're on the hook for anything the company does. Partnership—all partnerships must have at least one general partner who faces unlimited liability for the company's actions. Responsibility is murky with multiple partners. Limited Liability Company (LLC)—hybrid of partnership and corporation. Tax structure of partnership. Legal status has some protection against liability lawsuits from corporation. Is there any moral responsibility for an LLC? S Corporation-- hybrid of partnership and corporation. Tax structure of partnership. Legal status has some protection against liability lawsuits from corporation. Is there any moral responsibility for an S Corp.? Corporation—otherwise known as a C Corp. It is taxed twice. Not limited in terms of number of shareholders. Shares are available for anyone to purchase. Provides protection to owners against liability claims. Protection is total: completely insulated from liability, shareholders can lose their investment if the company does something it shouldn't and gets sued, but their personal possessions are completely safe. The independence from their specific owners opens questions about who—if anyone—should take moral responsibility for what the corporation does. Because corporations are so large and powerful, the ethical questions they raise become hard to avoid. Nonprofit Organization—does the fact the purpose is to do good excuse it from any bad thing that happens?

Know what "victimization" is and the difference between strong and weak victimization.

Some claim to suffer discrimination are actually using complaints to abuse others. Strong--Individuals in a protected group are falsely claiming discrimination for benefit. Weak—someone's twisting discrimination claims to excuse shortcomings

Know the ethical questions attached to stress, sex, status, and slacking.

Stress-what are the costs? What returns do I get? Sex-will I meet someone? Is that my intention? If I do, will I leave? If I don't will I leave? Status-how much is worth getting out of bed in the morning. Slacking-is someone being cheated? Is there something wrong with being a slacker?

Understand the difference between the technical definition and the business ethics definition of a drug.

Technical definition of a drug is a substance that affects the structure or function of the body or of one's consciousness. Business Ethics Definition of a drug is "a substance providing a temporary or artificially desirable state, one followed by a comedown or a reversal to a level below the original condition."

Know the difference between Teleogical and Deontological Ethics

Teleological Ethics-Right or Wrong is in the consequences. Deontological Ethics-Right or wrong is in one's actions.

Understand how the following inform the mandate of business: The characteristics of the Trinity, The 3 things we learn from the creation account, The 3 things that are a part of our theology of Christ as Savior

The characteristics of the trinity: God is relational, God is a worker & did not intend work to be a curse, God intended work to be creative and contribute. The 3 things we learn from the creation account: The material world matters to God, Humans are called to steward God's creation, Human beings are made in the image of God. The 3 things that are a part of our theology of Christ as Savior: God-in-flesh = we or our business is not entitled, Did not always speak out or preach = there are times we may need to forego philanthropic activities, He died on the cross (and was raised) = we cannot expect to always be profitable

Know the various levels of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

The lowest and most basic responsibility is the economic responsibility to make money; the business version of the human survival instinct. Next is the legal responsibility to adhere to rules and regulations; this responsibility is not controversial, but proponents argue this is a proactive duty. Then is the ethical responsibility to do what's right even when not required by the letter or spirit of the law. Finally is the philanthropic responsibility to contribute to society's projects even when they're independent of the particular business.

Understand what is meant by the Triple Bottom Line and what should be measured

The triple bottom line is a form of corporate social responsibility dictating that corporate leaders tabulate bottom-line results not only in economic terms, but also in terms of company effects in the social realm, and with respect to the environment. There must be balance between economic sustainability (values long-term financial solidity over more volatile, short-term profits, no matter how high. Large corporations have a responsibility to create business plans allowing stable and prolonged action), social sustainability (values balance in people's lives and the way we live), and environmental sustainability (begins from the affirmation that natural resources are limited). The three areas must be kept separate, with results reported independently for each.

Know the four groups to whom workers seeking a job promotion are responsible and the duties those workers have towards those groups.

Themselves, their coworkers, their managers, the organization in general

Understand third-party obligations and the difference between tattling, reporting and whistle-blowing.

Third-party obligation: an ethical responsibility to something you're not actually doing. Tattling—usually something minor. Reporting—going to someone higher up within organization. Whistle-blowing—alerting someone outside the company to the goings on

Understand what our text means by "consumerism" and its implications

This text defines consumerism with "we identify ourselves with the products we buy, and if we are what we buy, then we need to buy in order to be." This implies that we are the things we buy, and if we don't buy we aren't really living.

Know what Rawls' Veil of Ignorance is and how it is used

Try to imagine and judge society without knowing what your place in it would be (both top and bottom)

Understand how the following ethical theories/principles would view sexual harassment in the workplace: Utilitarianism, Liberty, Duty

Utilitarianism says that general welfare is promoted when people can work without worry. Liberty says one should be able to pursue professional fulfillment without unwarranted advances. Duty says the duty to be honest means bosses shouldn't lie about why they give preference to some workers. Duty to fidelity says the original work agreement did not include sexual favors. Duty to dignify others says sexual harassment dehumanizes people.

Know the problems drug use causes at work and how the following ethical theories/principles relate to this issue: Utilitarianism, Individual liberty, Harm Principle

Utilitarianism says that the general welfare of people is not served by drugs, at least in the long run. Individual Liberty says that yes they have the liberty to take the drug, but the right to individual liberty of someone affected by drugged person is violated. The general principle to not harm others is definitely broken by using drugs.

Know the values and focus of Gilligan and Nodding's Care Ethics

Value on the social network rather than moral regulations. Recognize dependence and interdependence of one another. Need to give consideration to context. Need to protect the vulnerable. Details determine how to promote interests of those involved.

Know some things that should be considered as guidelines when determining an employee's salary.

Value to the organization, Ability of the organization to pay, Community wage level, Wages paid to other employees in the org., Experience and seniority relative to others in org., Future jobs a post may prepare for.

Understand how values guide one's career choices.

Values point you in a certain direction.

Understand what constitutes good moral reasoning

Values that guide decisions. Understanding the facts as they apply to the values. Conclusions that logically follow from the application of the values.

Understand how one finds virtue or virtuous traits

Virtue is the mean between two extremes, one of excess and one of deficiency.

Understand the consequences of following Cultural Relativism

We can no longer say customs of others are morally inferior. We decide right or wrong by consulting standards. Moral progress is called into doubt.

Know the questions that can help describe/determine org. culture

What constitutes success? Do we value collectivism or individualism? Do we value the means or the ends?

Consider how Utilitarianism is applied to an ethical dilemma

What outcome maximizes happiness, that action is ethically justified.

Understand the following concerns as they related to the ethics of using sex to promote products and services in the marketplace: Product sincerity, Prurience, Objectification

With product sincerity, it's about openness and sincerity about what is being sold. Is the promotion deceptive, or is the deception obvious? Should companies be upfront in what they are "selling"? People are free to change the channel, and if everyone knows is it deceptive? With Prurience, it's about immoderate & unwholesome interest or desires. Most people like to look at someone beautiful, but where is the line where it becomes unwholesome? With Objectification, it's about the dehumanization of a person. Should a company dehumanize a person so they can get money? Should a person dehumanize themselves, forsaking the duty to protect one's own dignity and humanity for the sake of a job? But shouldn't dignity be decided by the person doing it?

Know the ethical implications associated with a résumé by understanding who is affected.

You, Dependents, Hiring Establishment, Customers, Future Workmates, Other applicants