Personal Worldview and Business Ethics

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PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 1 Personal Worldview and Business Ethics Assignment Donald Wayne Wetzel II Liberty University BMAL 560 November 5, 2023 Dr. Christopher McChesney

PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 2 STEP 1 To what extent should personal religious beliefs impact our decisions about business ethics The influence of personal religious beliefs on business ethics is a complex matter with diverse perspectives. In a multicultural society, it is essential to promote inclusivity and avoid imposing one's religious values on others. Business ethics should primarily align with universally accepted legal and ethical standards, rather than religious beliefs. “Based on the various definitions of ethics, ethics can be defined as a collection and description of social norms, habits and rules, as well as science describing these rules, pointing about thinking what makes these rules useful and good” (Radosavac, Sretić, Mirčetić, & Vukčević, 2019, p. 189). While personal integrity is important, a distinction between personal and business ethics should be maintained. To what extent do your personal religious (or non-religious) beliefs about life impact your sense of business ethics and personal decision-making? “Business ethics is the application of general ethical ideas to business behavior. Business ethics is not a special set of ethical ideas different from ethics in general and applicable only to business” (Lawrence, Weber, Hill, & Wasieleski, 2023, p. 98). Transparency and consistency are crucial when personal beliefs affect business decisions, and moral dilemmas may require a delicate balance between individual values and practical considerations. Ethical frameworks, external input, and a focus on fairness and responsibility can help guide ethical decisions. Ultimately, respect for diverse beliefs and adherence to legal and widely accepted ethical norms should take precedence over specific religious beliefs in business ethics. Does it seem odd to connect every belief we have about life back to what we believe about God?

PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 3 The extent to which individuals connect their beliefs about life to their beliefs in God or a higher power varies widely across cultures. For some, their religious or spiritual beliefs are central to their understanding of life, morality, and purpose, serving as guiding principles for their actions. However, not all individuals tie their beliefs about life to the concept of God, as many hold secular or atheistic worldviews that rely on non-religious sources for their understanding of life and morality. The decision to connect these beliefs or not is deeply personal and shaped by cultural context. It's crucial to respect the diversity of belief systems, acknowledging that people have various ways of interpreting the world and their role within it. Article 1- “What is a worldview and why is it important to me?” Has your answers to either of the first two questions changed after reading article 1? After reading the article, my worldview remained largely unchanged. The content presented in the article was informative and well-reasoned, but it did not introduce new perspectives or information that significantly altered my existing beliefs and understanding of the subject matter. While the article provided valuable insights and reinforced some of my preexisting views, it did not challenge or persuade me to adopt a different worldview. This experience serves as a reminder that people's worldviews can be resilient and are often shaped by a combination of prior experiences, education, and personal values, making it challenging for a single article to bring about a substantial shift in perspective. Do you believe in absolute truth? Is there more than one way/religion to understanding absolute truth about God and the meaning of life? The concept of absolute truth is a philosophical and theological idea that varies depending on one's worldview and beliefs. While some individuals and belief systems argue that

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PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 4 there is an absolute truth that exists, often connected to their religious or philosophical convictions, others hold relativistic views, suggesting that truth is subjective and can vary from person to person or culture to culture. Those who firmly believe in absolute truths may assert that their particular religion or worldview holds the ultimate and unchanging truth about God and the meaning of life. On the other hand, those with relativistic perspectives may argue that different religions and worldviews offer unique insights on truth, and there isn't a single, absolute truth. The question of whether there is one absolute truth or multiple ways to understand it is a matter of ongoing philosophical, theological, and personal debate, ultimately depending on an individual's beliefs, values, and worldview. Some people embrace religious pluralism, which acknowledges the validity of multiple religious perspectives, while others, including those who adhere to the concept of absolute truth, hold more exclusivist views, asserting that only one path or belief system leads to the absolute truth. For me, religious pluralism is a belief that I strongly resonate with as it acknowledges the validity and coexistence of multiple religious and spiritual traditions. I've experienced this concept in a diverse society where individuals from different faiths come together to share their beliefs and values while respecting the unique perspectives of others. In such a setting, I've witnessed how people acknowledge that each religion offers its own path to understanding the divine and the meaning of life. It's heartening to see how, in embracing the idea that diverse spiritual journeys can coexist harmoniously, we contribute to building a more inclusive and interconnected world. Do you believe that humans have free will in their decisions, or are they entirely a product of their personal environment, circumstances, upbringing, etc.

PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 5 The question of whether I have free will or whether I'm entirely shaped by my environment, circumstances, upbringing, and various factors is a topic of ongoing philosophical debate. The concept of free will suggests that I possess the capacity to make choices independent of external influences, allowing me to act according to my intentions and desires. However, contrasting philosophical perspectives, particularly within determinism, propose that my actions are entirely the result of preexisting causes like genetics, upbringing, and environmental factors, rendering free will an illusion. This debate remains complex and unresolved, with diverse opinions among scholars and thinkers. Under the influence of philosophical perspectives like determinism, I am inclined to consider that my actions are indeed the outcome of preexisting causes such as genetics, upbringing, and environmental influences. This perspective challenges the idea of free will and suggests that the choices I make are ultimately predetermined by these factors. While this concept may appear to diminish the notion of personal agency, it invites a deeper exploration into the intricate web of causality that shapes human behavior and decisions. It's a thought-provoking viewpoint that invites contemplation about the extent to which I can truly exercise independent choice in a world governed by these underlying forces. Are things such as true love, beauty, and justice really possible, or are those values totally determined by cultural beliefs and norms? The existence and nature of concepts like true love, beauty, and justice are a matter of ongoing philosophical debate. These values can be seen from two contrasting perspectives: some argue they are universal and objective, rooted in intrinsic principles that apply across cultures and time, while others contend they are culturally shaped, varying significantly based on cultural

PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 6 beliefs and norms. The debate continues, with individuals' perspectives often influenced by their philosophical, cultural, and ethical viewpoints. In my view, there's a compelling case for finding a middle ground when considering concepts like true love, beauty, and justice. While I believe that there are certain universal elements that underlie these values, such as the basic human need for love and fairness, I also recognize that cultural beliefs and norms play a substantial role in shaping our understanding and expression of these concepts. This perspective allows me to appreciate the shared human experiences that unite us across cultures while respecting the rich diversity of interpretations and expressions that make these values deeply meaningful to people in various contexts. It's a harmonious balance that acknowledges both the common threads that bind us and the cultural nuances that enrich our understanding of these fundamental ideals. STEP 2 Have your answers to any of the last questions changed after reading article 2? After reading the article, my worldview remained largely unchanged. The content presented in the article was informative and well-reasoned, but it did not introduce new perspectives or information that significantly altered my existing beliefs and understanding of the subject matter. While the article provided valuable insights and reinforced some of my preexisting views, it did not challenge or persuade me to adopt a different worldview. This experience serves as a reminder that people's worldviews can be resilient and are often shaped by a combination of prior experiences, education, and personal values, making it challenging for a single article to bring about a substantial shift in perspective.

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PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 7 So far in what you’ve read and in what you’ve experienced in life, does it seem odd or offensive to see Jesus Christ as the foundation for life and meaning? Whether seeing Jesus Christ as the foundation for life and meaning seems odd or offensive is a subjective matter, rooted in individual beliefs and experiences. For some, this perspective is a fundamental aspect of their faith, providing a sense of purpose and guidance. It is deeply meaningful to them. However, those with different religious beliefs, secular worldviews, or alternative perspectives may find it odd or offensive, particularly if they don't share the same faith or have had negative encounters related to religious beliefs. I understand that people with different religious beliefs, secular worldviews, or alternative perspectives might find it odd or offensive when someone sees Jesus Christ as the foundation for life and meaning. Having encountered a wide range of beliefs and experiences in my own life, I've come to appreciate the importance of respecting diverse viewpoints. It's crucial to engage in open and respectful dialogue when discussing faith and spirituality, as this approach helps build bridges of understanding and fosters tolerance, even in matters related to religious beliefs. In a world of diverse perspectives, acknowledging and appreciating the range of opinions and emotions people have on these topics is essential for constructive and empathetic conversations. STEP 3 Have your answers to either of the last two questions changed after reading article 3? After reading the article, my worldview remained largely unchanged. The content presented in the article was informative and well-reasoned, but it did not introduce new perspectives or information that significantly altered my existing beliefs and understanding of the

PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 8 subject matter. While the article provided valuable insights and reinforced some of my preexisting views, it did not challenge or persuade me to adopt a different worldview. This experience serves as a reminder that people's worldviews can be resilient and are often shaped by a combination of prior experiences, education, and personal values, making it challenging for a single article to bring about a substantial shift in perspective. Now that you’ve read all of the articles, how has your view of meaning, ethics and your own worldview changed? What questions or comments do you have about what you’ve read? After reading the article, my worldview remained largely unchanged. The content presented in the article was informative and well-reasoned, but it did not introduce new perspectives or information that significantly altered my existing beliefs and understanding of the subject matter. While the article provided valuable insights and reinforced some of my preexisting views, it did not challenge or persuade me to adopt a different worldview. This experience serves as a reminder that people's worldviews can be resilient and are often shaped by a combination of prior experiences, education, and personal values, making it challenging for a single article to bring about a substantial shift in perspective. References

PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 9 Lawrence, A., Weber, J., Hill, V. D., & Wasieleski, D. M. (2023). Business and Society: Stakeholders, Ethics, Public Policy (Seventeenth ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education. Radosavac, A., Sretić, M., Mirčetić, V., & Vukčević, M. (2019). Business Ethics in Marketing. Quaestus, 15 , 188-196. doi:https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu? url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/business-ethics-marketing- communication/docview/2278866614/se-2

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PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 10 Business Ethical Practices Introduction In examining business ethical practices, it becomes evident that they are often influenced by a particular ethical or moral worldview. “ Ethics is a conception of right and wrong conduct. It tells us whether our behavior is moral or immoral and deals with fundamental human relationships—how we think and interact with others and how we want them to think and behave toward us” (Lawrence, Weber, Hill, & Wasieleski, 2023, p. 97). These practices can range from exemplary and commendable actions that reflect the highest ethical standards to questionable and ethically problematic behaviors that draw criticism. In this discussion, we will explore both good and bad examples of business ethical practices, aiming to highlight how they align with or diverge from distinct ethical and moral worldviews. Through these examples, we will gain insight into how different ethical perspectives shape business conduct, impacting stakeholders, and society at large Ethical Practices #1 “The importance of business ethics contributes to the productivity of the organization, as well as its business image” (Radosavac, Sretić, Mirčetić, & Vukčević, 2019, p. 188). Marketing serves as the expressive voice of a business, directed at engaging and persuading customers to embrace its products or services. This business function primarily interacts with external stakeholders such as customers and government, paralleling the principles of honesty and fairness seen in accounting practices. The biblical principle of stewardship is relevant here. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, it is said, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (New International Version, 2023). Trust-building is a fundamental aspect of effective marketing, and any actions that undermine this trust have far-reaching consequences on the

PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 11 perception of the organization. Notably, the emergence of customer rights initiatives in the digital age, exemplified by platforms like Yelp and online reviews, has compelled businesses to adopt greater social responsibility and transparency in their marketing approaches. In response to heightened consumer awareness and ethical considerations, businesses must demonstrate not only the "what" but also the "how" of their production processes. A socially responsible marketing strategy not only appeals to customers but also fosters a sense of connection between the business and the community, aligning with consumers' desire for tangible evidence of their association with people. “In the business of companies, ethics in marketing plays an increasingly important role, since good marketing is crucial for success” (Radosavac, Sretić, Mirčetić, & Vukčević, 2019, p. 194). Ethical Practices #2 Accounting stands as the foundational language of business, and adherence to universally accepted ethical standards plays a pivotal role in ensuring the transparent and profitable accumulation of wealth. “Accordingly, the violation of ethical standards by management accountants and the practices they shape can have far-reaching consequences for their companies and for society overall” (Christoph & Rouven, 2020, p. 310). Accounting serves as the primary means to convey the financial health and solvency of the business to a diverse range of stakeholders. These numerical representations foster trust and confidence among stakeholders, which in turn places significant ethical responsibility on both accountants and management, compelling them to confront the choice between truthfulness and deception. “Various high-level accounting scandals in the last two decades (e.g., Enron, Parmalat and WorldCom) have emphasized the importance of ethical behavior in accounting” (Christoph & Rouven, 2020, p. 309). It is essential to recognize the vulnerability of human nature to

PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 12 corruption; no one is entirely immune from its potential influence. The prevalent instances of corporate corruption and conspiracies underscore the necessity for organizations to develop and enforce rigorous methods aimed at upholding the integrity of all involved parties. This responsibility primarily falls on the shoulders of senior executives, who must proactively address this risk by fostering an ethical climate and ensuring its adherence through practices such as audits. By legal mandate, publicly traded corporations must subject themselves to external audits, a requirement designed to mitigate conflicts of interest stemming from dual loyalties to the firm and one's personal employment obligations. However, allegations of impropriety continue to be widespread, spanning actions such as theft, deliberate underreporting of expenses, concealing debts, and inflating capital gains, all of which involve deliberate falsehoods intended to embellish the company's financial appearance on paper. These actions erode the trust and confidence of a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the business. Conclusion In the examination of business ethical practices, it becomes clear that these practices are intricately intertwined with particular ethical and moral worldviews. The spectrum of these practices ranges from commendable actions that uphold the highest ethical standards to behaviors that draw criticism and raise ethical concerns. This discussion has provided insights into both positive and negative examples of business ethical practices, shedding light on how they align with or diverge from distinct ethical perspectives. Through the exploration of these examples, we have gained a deeper understanding of how different ethical worldviews shape business conduct, subsequently impacting various stakeholders and society at large.

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PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 13 In the realm of marketing, we have observed the importance of trust-building and the emergence of customer rights initiatives, emphasizing the need for businesses to embrace social responsibility and transparency to connect with consumers effectively. In contrast, the examination of accounting practices underscores the significance of adhering to universally accepted ethical standards to maintain trust among stakeholders, despite the vulnerabilities to corruption that exist within human nature. Overall, this exploration of business ethical practices serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of ethics in the business world. It highlights the ongoing importance of ethical considerations and the impact of different ethical worldviews on the conduct of businesses. In a rapidly evolving and interconnected global economy, these insights are valuable for both businesses and society at large as they navigate the complex terrain of ethical decision- making and strive to uphold the principles of honesty, integrity, and social responsibility.

PERSONAL WORLDVIEW AND BUSINESS ETHICS 14 References 1 Corinthians 4:2. (2023). New International Version . Retrieved from New International Version Bible Online: https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/4-2.htm Christoph, E., & Rouven, T. (2020). Ethical Implications of Management Accounting and Control: A Systematic Review of the Contributions from the Journal of Business Ethics: JBE. Journal of Business Ethics, 163 (2), 309-328. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551- 018-4034-8 Lawrence, A., Weber, J., Hill, V. D., & Wasieleski, D. M. (2023). Business and Society: Stakeholders, Ethics, Public Policy (Seventeenth ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education. Radosavac, A., Sretić, M., Mirčetić, V., & Vukčević, M. (2019). Business Ethics in Marketing. Quaestus, 15 , 188-196. doi:https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu? url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/business-ethics-marketing- communication/docview/2278866614/se-2

Personal Worldview and Business Ethics

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