2.1 Introduction to Ethical Behaviour
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Wilfrid Laurier University *
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Apr 3, 2024
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INTRODUCTION TO ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Refers to pp. 432-434
Ethics and Values
1.
Explain the connection between ethics and ethical behavior?
Ethics
Ethical Behavior
Sets standards of good or bad, or right or wrong, in one’s conduct.
The “right” or “good” in the context of a society’s accepted moral code.
2.
Explain why or why not, everything that is legal is ethical?
Everything that is legal is not ethical because the law only tells us what we cannot do and sets minimum standards. Ethics is more the maximum we can do and is influenced by the law and by values and beliefs.
3.
If a person is not breaking the law, does that mean that they are acting ethically? Explain. Give examples.
No, people could still be acting unethically without breaking the law. For example, making personal calls during company time.
4.
What is the connection between ethics and values?
Values are beliefs and attitudes that help determine individual behaviour. The law is there to provide you what is write and wrong in the eye of the society while our values determine what is right or wrong in our own eyes. It is our values which play a part in deciding whether
behaviour is ethical or unethical.
Two Types of Values
Term
Definition or Description
Terminal Values
Preferences about desired ends, such as the goals one strives to achieve in life.
Example: Happiness, Family Security
Instrumental Values
Preferences about how the means to accomplish the desired ends.
Example: Courage, Honesty, Self-discipline
5.
How might preferences for terminal and instrumental values affect someone’s behavior (provide examples)?
6.
Complete the Self-Assessment that is included as an Excel file on our Brightspace page. Explain why you agree or disagree with this assessment of your values.
Other Views of Ethics
The View
A Description
Utilitarian View
Ethical behaviour which delivers the greatest good the greatest number of people.
Individualism View
Ethical behaviour is based on the belief that one’s primary commitment is long-term advancement of self-interests.
Moral Rights View
Ethical behaviour respects and protects the fundamental rights of people.
Justice View
Ethical behaviour based on the belief that ethical decisions treat people impartially and fairly, according to legal rules and standards.
Explain the three dimensions of the justice view?
Cultural Issues in Ethical Behaviour
Complete the concepts of cultural relativism and universalism.
Cultural relativism
Universalism
Explanation
The belief that there is no right way to
behave and ethical behaviour is always determined by cultural context.
The concept that ethical standards are universal. They should apply to all cultures and national boundaries.
Example
American company arguing that child labour is ok in another country as long
as they follow the laws.
American company not doing business in a setting where child labour was used because it is unacceptable at home.
What is the concern about this?
How does ethical imperialism relate to universalism and cultural relativism?
Provide and explain an example of when ethical imperialism is right.
Provide and explain an example of when ethical imperialism is wrong.
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