universalism theory in business ethics

Except where otherwise noted, textbooks on this site 97 terms. However, the nature of human happiness is subjective. That is, whether an action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which it is practiced. It is not only a method to make a decision; it is a way of incorporating a humane consideration of and for individuals and groups when deciding a course of action. endobj Also, the issue arises, Who defines virtuous, especially when a complex act or incident is involved that requires factual information and objective criteria to resolve?, The common good is defined as the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment. Decision makers must take into consideration the intent as well as the effects of their actions and decisions on the broader society and the common good of the many. One alternative is to put the humanities into business. The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo endobj We might argue that it is not the business of business to form people in their conscience, but the result of not doing so has become expensive for everyone concerned.32. 1. WebChapter 9. President Johnson was pressured to resign, Secretary of State McNamara later apologized, and the war eventually ended with U.S. troops withdrawing. A belief in one fundamental truth is another important tenet in 2. Utilitarianism: Ethical Theories and Business. As effective as they may be, however, they beg the larger question not of how someone can act on what their conscience tells them but how to determine what their conscience is telling them in the first place. One distinctive understanding of universalism in ethics is that ethical principles are principles for everybody. Principles help inform and influence values. If you belong to such an institution, please log in or find out more about how to order. Some limitations of this principle suggest that it does not consider individuals, and there is no agreement on the definition of good for all concerned. In addition, it is difficult to measure costs and benefits. This is one of the most widely used principles by corporations, institutions, nations, and individuals, given the limitations that accompany it. Ethical relativism holds that people set their own moral standards for judging their actions. It first provides a summary of the major sources for ethical thinking, and then presents a framework for decision-making. The film The Post, based on fact, portrays how the daughter of the founder of the famed newspaper, the Washington Post, inherited the role of CEO and was forced to make a decision between publishing a whistle-blowers classified government documents of then top-level generals and officials or keep silent and protect the newspaper. Access to the full content is only available to members of institutions that have purchased access. WebBased on the expressed preferences of 163 undergraduate and graduate students of business ethics, this article briefly examines the two most popular theories, Universalism Organizational ethical practices include how a Alani_Parra. FAQ endobj 0000001815 00000 n V. Value pluralism - Value theory - Vedanta - Verificationism - Verism - Vienna Circle - Virtue ethics - Vitalism - Voluntaryism. Creative Commons Attribution License 2 x 10 = 20 a. In fact, we could argue that anything that makes an impact on people should legitimately be within the scope of business. Virtue ethics is based on character traits such as being truthful, practical wisdom, happiness, flourishing, and well-being. Can Martin Bubers notion of love play a role in business? 4, Identifying and basing decisions on the common good requires us to make goals and take actions that take others, beyond ourselves and our self-interest, into account. Thus, love, as responsibility, depends on relationships based on good faith and concern. > Corporations and Politics: After Citizens United, 14. The justification for this rises from human nature, which is a shared vulnerability of suffering and demands universal reasoning. It simply emphasizes the other side of the twofold purpose of business (profit and responsibility). 0000002159 00000 n According to Mel & Snchez-Runde (2013), Universal ethics can be perceived as a form of moral constitution which is expressed as a set of specific ethical > Still, the U.S. Constitutions Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, was designed as and remains the foundation of, which is based on freedom and justice to protect the basic rights of all. Therefore, utilitarianism goes by the rule that an action is evaluated to be ethical based on a set of rules or principles that can bring the retreat usefulness to the greatest amount of people (Mill, 2006). endobj Practical wisdom, however, is often required to be virtuous. Basically, the possessor of good character is moral, acts morally, feels good, is happy, and flourishes. There are some limitations to this ethic. Read this article on the LIBOR scandal and the consequences for an in-depth overview. 2023 Informa UK Limited, an Informa Group Company. %%EOF Finally, if normative business ethics is to recognize and, ultimately, be based on the individual, it must address another human trait: bias. Those documents revealed that there were doubts the war could be won while thousands of young Americans continued to die fighting. Universalism vs. Relativism org/10.4135/9781473910034 More information Summary Contents WebBusiness Ethics Final. 0 For example, although what constitutes ethical behavior in Islamic society is strongly linked to religious values, secular philosophers can endorse a highly developed commitment to commercial ethics, too. Those documents revealed that there were doubts the war could be won while thousands of young Americans continued to die fighting. 34 terms. B. what ethical behaviors should be expected of company personnel in the course of doing their jobs. The classified documents contained information proving that generals and other top-level government administrators were lying to the public about the actual status of the United States in the Vietnam War. Use of this principle generally applies when resources are scarce, there is a conflict in priorities, and no clear choice meets everyones needsthat is, a zero-sum decision is imminent, Universalism is a principle that considers the welfare and risks of all parties when considering policy decisions and outcomes. The UN Convention Against Corruption has called corruption an insidious plague that exists everywhere and hurts the poor disproportionately by diverting funds intended for development, undermining a Governments ability to provide basic services, feeding inequality and injustice and discouraging foreign aid and investment.27 WebUniversal ethical egoism is occasionally seized upon by popular writers, including amateur historians, sociologists, and philosophers, who proclaim that it is the obvious answer to Z. Zemlyak - Zen - Zoroastrianism - Zurvanism From these systems has emerged a basic set of ethical norms for the business world. (4) Who has to pay for the consequences? What are major ethical principles that can be used by individuals and organizations? ]yy+ They prescribe obligations for everybody, define WebUniversal ethics [ edit] There are several ethical standards that are considered to be self-evident, and seem to apply to all people throughout all of history, regardless of cultural, political, social, or economic context. They do need to understand people and their motives, to know how to read and judge character, and to have the ability to imagine themselves in anothers shoes, be they those of a competitor, a boss, or a subordinate. Mar 18, 2019 OpenStax. *$nMY9s:SZC;>M:yREn\rDk~iG']rDn>v]1m7@u,sI>wQZVmb^emU(W y Q)\u58y.? Also, the issue arises, Who defines virtuous, especially when a complex act or incident is involved that requires factual information and objective criteria to resolve?, The common good is defined as the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment. Decision makers must take into consideration the intent as well as the effects of their actions and decisions on the broader society and the common good of the many.20, Identifying and basing decisions on the common good requires us to make goals and take actions that take others, beyond ourselves and our self-interest, into account. At the individual level, then, principles and values offer a source of stability and self-control while also affecting job satisfaction and performance. Limitations when using this principle involve the question of who decides who is right and wrong and who has been harmed in complex situations. 0000001486 00000 n Businesses currently rely heavily on data analytics, algorithms, and statistical analyses to drive decision-making. 130 0 obj So, although the work of national, regional, and international organizations can limit corruption through enforcement and the prosecution of cases (as was the case with the revelation of the so-called Panama Papers), corruption will not be reduced in any significant way unless efforts have been made to form individual conscience and teach practical ways to act on it. In addition, we are sometimes faced with the question, Who has the moral authority to punish to pay compensation to whom? Still, as with the other principles discussed here, justice stands as a necessary and invaluable building block of democracies and freedom. At the organizational level, principled and values-based leadership influences cultures that inspire and motivate ethical behavior and performance. WebFollowing a review of normative research on corporate codes of ethics, a set of universal moral values is generated by considering three sources: (1) corporate codes of ethics; (2) At the individual level, then, principles and values offer a source of stability and self-control while also affecting job satisfaction and performance. By the end of this section, you will be able to: One of the perennial themes in business ethicsindeed, in ethics in generalis the difference between relative and absolute values. So, universalist ethical principles may present difficulties when used in complex situations, but such principles can also save lives, protect the integrity of a nation, and stop meaningless destruction. The claim that ethical standards or principles are universal is an ancient commonplace of many ethical traditions and of contemporary political life, particularly in appeals to universal human rights. This means we must hold ourselvesand one anotheraccountable to our values and to creating an open and inclusive workplace. Freeman's stakeholder theory, on the other hand, is seen as being on the other end of the continuum, arguing for selflessnessanother misinterpretation, as I argue with Ed Freeman's help. Business, too, is about relationships. Particularism, on the contrary, means that some people are more equal than others. 0000003198 00000 n The universalizability theory holds two significant views. Should business ethics be grounded only on more concrete tenets? 0000002618 00000 n This principle has at least four major components that are based on the tenets that (1) all individuals should be treated equally; (2) justice is served when all persons have equal opportunities and advantages (through their positions and offices) to societys opportunities and burdens; (3) fair decision practices, procedures, and agreements among parties should be practiced; and (4) punishment is served to someone who has inflicted harm on another, and compensation is given to those for a past harm or injustice committed against them. 5. | Ultimately, the theory of universalism in business ethics helps to promote ethical behavior and responsibility in the business world, and can serve as a powerful tool We might begin with always honoring the terms of a contract, consistently treating customers and partners with honesty, and never cheating. WebUniversalism in ethics may be identified with claims about the form, scope or content of ethical principles, or with the very idea that ethical judgment appeals to principles, rather than to particular cases. Until that time, international firms doing business in South Africa were expected to abide by the apartheid policy and its underlying values. (3) Who gets hurt? About 134 0 obj Universalism, belief in the salvation of all souls. For those dedicated to the case method, novels, short stories, and plays offer an inexhaustible storehouse of riches, more detailed, subtle, and complete than most cases written up for courses.37, In DeGeorges humanities model, business ethics would not prepare students to do certain things, for which they likely will be trained by their employers, but to be certain persons. WebCHAPTER 2 MORAL RELATIVISM - Objectivism: there is only one universal moral standard (based on objective moral facts and consists of moral values and principles that hold universal for people and societies) - Can adjust to circumstances is not morally rigid - Ex. Ethical relativism is really not a principle to be Ethical business strategies Typically arise from managers with strong moral characters. For example, the famous Warren Buffett stands as an icon of good character who demonstrates trustworthy values and practical wisdom. endobj <>stream 133 0 obj Before turning to organizational and systems levels of ethics, we discuss classical ethical principles that are very relevant now and on which decisions can be and are made by individuals, organizations, and other stakeholders who choose principled, responsible ways of acting toward others. WebFor forty years, successive editions of Ethical Theory and Business have helped to define the field of business ethics. Applying the common good principle can also be asked by a simple question: How will this decision or action affect the broader physical, cultural, and social environment in which I, my family, my friends, and others have to live, breathe, and thrive in now, next week, and beyond?. 139 0 obj For example, South Africas all-white National Party and government after 1948 implemented and enforced a policy of apartheid that consisted of racial segregation. Organizational responsibility is fairly straightforward: Comply with applicable local, state, national, and international regulations. and you must attribute OpenStax. Or it may be identified with various claims to identify a single fundamental universal principle, from which all other ethical principles and judgments derive. Based on the expressed preferences of 163 undergraduate and graduate students of business ethics, this article briefly examines the two most popular theories, Universalism (Kantian) and Utilitarianism (consequentialist), and presents a SWOT analysis of both. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . 1999-2023, Rice University. The use of these tools is often backed by social science research in consumer behavior, behavioral finance, and cognitive studies. The Concept of Ethical Business in Ancient Athens, Ethical Advice for Nobles and Civil Servants in Ancient China, Comparing the Virtue Ethics of East and West, Utilitarianism: The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number, Ethical Decision-Making and Prioritizing Stakeholders, Three Special Stakeholders: Society, the Environment, and Government, Corporate Law and Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability: Business and the Environment, The Impact of Culture and Time on Business Ethics, The Relationship between Business Ethics and Culture, The Workplace Environment and Working Conditions, Contributing to a Positive Work Atmosphere, Criticism of the Company and Whistleblowing, Recognizing and Respecting the Rights of All, Accommodating Different Abilities and Faiths, Animal Rights and the Implications for Business, Ethical Issues in the Provision of Health Care, Changing Work Environments and Future Trends, Alternatives to Traditional Patterns of Work, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and the Workplace of the Future, Business Ethics in an Evolving Environment, Making a Difference in the Business World, Profiles in Business Ethics: Contemporary Thought Leaders, The pursuit of happiness is as near a universal human trait as we can find. But what does love look like in a business setting? This book explores the reasons why grappling with universality and ethics 5 terms. Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, calls the 131 0 obj My Account JVBL That policy lasted until the 1990s, when several parties negotiated its demisewith the help of Nelson Mandela (www.history.com/topics/apartheid). Attempt all questions in brief. This is especially the case when facts are not available and there is no objective external jurisdiction of the state or federal government. Ultimately, the theory of universalism in business ethics helps to promote ethical behavior and responsibility in the business world, and can serve as a powerful tool for building trust and confidence in the operations of organizations around the world. Society and Business Anthology by Various Authors is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. A&P I Autonomic Bonus Activity. MGMT 325 Quiz 2.2. 2 The principles that we will cover are utilitarianism, universalism, rights/legal, justice, virtue, common good, and ethical relativism approaches. 2 x 7 = 14 a. WebUniversalism in Ethics. Webundergraduate and graduate students of business ethics, this article briefly examines the two most popular theories, Universalism (Kantian) and Utilitarianism (consequentialist), 141 0 obj Exchange is fundamental to business. This is even more important in industries like banking that are more susceptible to unethical behavior because of the great sums of money that change hands. For example, South Africas all-white National Party and government after 1948 implemented and enforced a policy of apartheid that consisted of racial segregation. WebUniversalism. There are many sources of controversy. Applying the common good principle can also be asked by a simple question: How will this decision or action affect the broader physical, cultural, and social environment in which I, my family, my friends, and others have to live, breathe, and thrive in now, next week, and beyond?. It is an orientation that many use quite frequently. 0000000016 00000 n Unfortunately, in the United States, much of this money is spent on merely meeting the minimum requirements of compliance, so that if there is ever a problem with the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission, the organization is insulated from criticism or liability because its employees have engaged in the recommended training. As the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) scandal, in which banks were manipulating rates to profit from trades, showed, ethical breakdowns often occur because systems fail or people make bad decisions, and sometimes both. Let us look at how it is possible to align business with human rights in such a way that both profitability and responsibility are honored across the globe. The Workplace Environment and Working Conditions, 23. Absolute values do exist. grramire. endobj Moral (and human) rights, on the other hand, are universal and based on norms in every society, for example, the right not to be enslaved and the right to work. This principle involves taking human beings, their needs, and their values seriously. Using one or more of these principles and ethical approaches intentionally can also help you examine choices and options before making a decision or solving an ethical dilemma. It is not only a method to make a decision; it is a way of incorporating a humane consideration of and for individuals and groups when deciding a course of action. Feelings may come and go, but the solidarity that people have with each other and the care they take with one another define them as human beings (Figure 5.8). W. Wahdat-ul-Wujood - Wahdat-ul-Shuhud - War, philosophy of - Western philosophy - Wu wei. If not, and if ethical standards are relative, are they worth having? 129 0 obj > What are major ethical principles that can be used by individuals and organizations? Still, the U.S. Constitutions Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, was designed as and remains the foundation of, which is based on freedom and justice to protect the basic rights of all. Accommodating Different Abilities and Faiths, 29. <<77326D38A9B4B2110A000018C493FC7F>]/Prev 592216>> That policy lasted until the 1990s, when several parties negotiated its demisewith the help of Nelson Mandela (www.history.com/topics/apartheid). Are the Values Central to Business Ethics Universal? In the United States, the Constitution and Declaration of Independence are the basis for citizens legal rights, for example, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the right to freedom of speech. <>/MediaBox[0 0 612 792]/Parent 125 0 R/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> grramire. Except where otherwise noted, textbooks on this site <>/Border[0 0 0]/Contents(scholar@valpo.edu)/Rect[350.833 72.3516 427.21 82.8984]/StructParent 8/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> trailer Other sets by this creator. One model of ethical behavior, sometimes called the humanistic business model, may provide the answer for businesses that wish to achieve the dual goal of human flourishing and responsible profits. > Personal responsibility is a different matter. WebIt has these characteristics: (1) universality, because it applies to all acts of human behavior, even those that appear to be done from altruistic motives; (2) objectivity, meaning it operates beyond individual thought, desire, and perspective; (3) rationality, because it is not based in metaphysics or theology; and (4) quantifiability in its WebView CONCEPTS & THEORIES OF BUSINESS ETHICS.ppt from MBA 2 at School of Law, Christ University, Bangalore. ;;rlH,.6\I)- ld P1|d`-0iA 6H3dxU0[0u0*3lar H"%LX001da0rJ`X` uq&%61d2g,e^|N Z@@: -l,3BNZ D H After all, we cannot make a commitment to serve customers, develop leaders, and improve life for all stakeholders unless there is freedom and moral agency, the necessary ingredients in establishing an attitude of concern, that is, respect for oneself and for others, including all appropriate stakeholders. At the same time, each one has a logic. 0000005814 00000 n In fact, John Mackey, the founder of Whole Foods, has said that love has been the basis of his success in business, which translates into care and concern for customers beyond profit and for workers beyond productivity (Figure 5.8).39, Recall the statement by IBM quoted earlier in the chapter: [IBM] remain[s] dedicated to leading the world into a more prosperous and progressive future; to creating a world that is fairer, more diverse, more tolerant, more just.40. Using creativity is also important when examining difficult moral decisions when sometimes it may seem that there are two right ways to act in a situation or perhaps no way seems morally right, which may also signal that not taking an action at that time may be needed, unless taking no action produces worse results. As you read these, ask yourself which principles characterize and underlie your own values, beliefs, behaviors, and actions. Spheres of human value encompass morality, aesthetic preference, human traits, human endeavour, and social order.Whether universal values exist is an unproven conjecture of moral philosophy and cultural anthropology, though it is clear that certain values are The following section discusses how ethical leadership at the top and throughout organizations affects ethical actions and behaviors.21. beckyschroeder. In the United States, the Constitution and Declaration of Independence are the basis for citizens legal rights, for example, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the right to freedom of speech. WebUniversalism is a principle that considers the welfare and risks of all parties when considering policy decisions and outcomes. Also needs of individuals involved in a endobj Marketing Ethics: Selling Controversial Products, 17. At the individual level, when corruption takes place, it is a matter of conscience. Following a review of normative research on corporate codes of ethics, a set of universal moral values is generated by considering three sources: (1) corporate codes of ethics; (2) global codes of ethics; and (3) the business ethics literature. Based on the convergence of the three sources of standards, six universal moral values for corporate codes of ethics are proposed including: (1) trustworthiness; (2) respect; (3) responsibility; (4) fairness; (5) caring; and (6) citizenship. Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and the Workplace of the Future, 32. Many companies in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere were pressured in the 1980s and before by public interest groups whether or not to continue doing business or leave South Africa. Becoming familiar with these principles, then, can help inform your moral decision process and help you observe the principles that a team, workgroup, or organization that you now participate in or will be joining may be using. Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/aa9071d5-2ea4-4db3-b476-be94bb9d5ef9@5. However, middle managers and employees often complain their ethics training consists of passing a computerized sexual harassment or fraud program once a year but that nothing is done to address issues in a substantive way or to change the culture of the organization, even those that have experienced problems.31 These principles can be, and are, used in combination; different principles are also used in different situations. WebUniversalism: broadmindedness; wisdom; social justice; equality; a world at peace; a world of beauty; unity with nature; protecting the environment; inner harmony Benevolence: helpfulness; honesty; forgiveness; loyalty; responsibility; friendship Tradition: accepting one's portion in life; humility; devoutness; respect for tradition; moderation Moral theories remain a topic of interest, not just to moral philosophers, but increasingly in business circles as well, thanks to a tainted reputation that urges more awareness in this regard. The 10th edition reflects the current, multidisciplinary nature of the field by explicitly embracing a variety of perspectives on business ethics, including philosophy, management, and legal studies. are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written Without a relationship of trust, there can be no exchange of goods or services upon which economies are built. Obvious limitations of relativism include following ones blind spots or self-interests that can interfere with facts and reality. Corruption appears to exist everywhere, so it would seem to require a persistent and consistent answer everywhere. This principle is grounded in both legal and moral rights. OpenStax is part of Rice University, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. WebUniversalism means that everybody is treated as subject to the same rules. 16 terms. Limitations here also show that using this principle may not always prove realistic or practical in all situations. Although ethical practice has been directly influenced by religion, as noted, ethics is not religion and religious belief is not a prerequisite for a commitment to business ethics. 0000003514 00000 n <>/Border[0 0 0]/Contents()/Rect[499.416 612.5547 540.0 625.4453]/StructParent 4/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> , Article 3. In addition, using this principle can require sacrifice of human lifethat is, giving ones life to help or save otherswhich may seem contrary to the principle. How can businesses do this? are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written There are programs that do this, such as Giving Voice to Values at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.35 How are they related? It is an orientation that many use quite frequently. 0000016028 00000 n Some of the principles presented here date back to Plato, Socrates, and even earlier to ancient religious groups. A. developing a consensus among companies worldwide as to what ethical principles that businesses should be expected to observe in the course of conducting their operations. <>/Border[0 0 0]/Contents()/Rect[72.0 607.0547 200.4551 619.9453]/StructParent 3/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> It is helpful to ask and if not clear, perhaps identify the principles, you most often use now and those you aspire to use more, and why.

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