Why Study Business Ethics
.... The first one is because we do what is most convenient. If we leave a store and get out to the car and then realize we have walked away without paying for something, it’s easier just to take the item home then to go back in to fix the situation. Second reason is because we do what we feel we have to. If we can allow ourselves to be unethical in only certain situations, like getting a promotion at work, then it’s justifiable. If we maintained the same ethical standards in all situations, then that would limit what our options could be in the event that a problem arises. The final reason is situation ethics. This means that our standards change from situation to situation. We do what is right in the moment rather that what is right for all situations. For example, if you are a working student and you have a term paper due, but because of a lack of time, this paper is still not finished. You justify working on this paper at work by saying things like, “I don’t get paid enough as it is.”, but on your time off, would you consider finishing a work-related project? The oldest and most basic principle to follow is the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is the most universal guideline that you can find. The idea is to do the right thing at all times at any cost. It’s not always right or easy and certainly it can have consequences, but being ethical also has another side to it. If you always make the ethical choice, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you made the best decision you were capable of and that those around you who are affected were treated just as you would want to be. Ethics is in all of us. The ability to reason, to make good choices and having the deep understanding of what is right or wrong is inherently a part of us. The only difference is that others are more in tune using their ethics in daily life. In the busines...