Ethical principles as used in business ethics refer to the statement of obligations applied to ethical problems that arise in a business environment. There are no universally accepted business ethics since there is no one professional organization that has devised them. Instead, many professional groups publish their codes to govern their practices. Such codes include; medical, engineering, legal and accounts. It is also important to note that, business practices are not governed by one principle. In this paper I will discuss the ethical principles suitable in handling Joelle’s case and give the reasons as to why I will apply them. In a nutshell, when dealing with Joelle’s case I will apply the following principles; the principle of autonomy, the principle of fidelity, the principle of beneficence and the principle of justice (Goree, 2006).
First in the discussion is the principle of autonomy. This principle is applicable in Joelle’s case because it gives a person the freedom to perform whatever actions he/she wishes to, provided his actions do not infringe on the autonomy of others. The principle vests the responsibility for consequences of actions entirely on the agents themselves. The agents cannot therefore shift blame to others on their actions. In Joelle’s case, Mr. Estinol’s action to authorize improper hazardous waste disposal is wrong and undermines society’s freedom to have a clean environment and the entire city to have clean water. In addition, Mr. Estinol should be held accountable for the consequences of his actions rather than being furious and threatening not to offer Joelle the job as he had promised earlier (Ulrich, n.d).
The principle of beneficence is yet another principle that is applicable in Joelle’s case. This principle demands one to give positive assistance to others by assisting them to achieve their important and legitimate interest. It also calls for abstinence from harm which may be in the form of; physical, psychological, social and moral. Reflecting on Joelle’s case, Joelle has a moral duty to inform her mother who happens to be the editor of a newspaper in town, about the dangerous practice that is ongoing in her firm. The vital information at her disposal is very important to society and may save thousands of lives at stake. If Joelle does not take this bold step, she will also be an accomplice to the harm subjected to society (Ulrich, n.d).
At my disposal is also the ethical principle of justice. This principle simply states that one should always give to others what they are owed, in other words what they deserve or what is legitimate and they can claim. In business ethics conveying accurate information is a matter of justice. Joelle is therefore under obligation to relay the information she has to the public through her mother to enable society to receive the justice it deserves.
I will also employ the ethical principle of fidelity in this case. In this principle, consideration is put in the commitment in the relationship that exists between the professionals and others. Furthermore, it calls for one to keep his promise to maintain the trust in the relationship they have with others. It is through this principle that loyalty to others is reminded. Joelle should remember that she promised Mr. Estinol not to reveal the company’s secret to anyone. By them working together they are mutually bound to each other and therefore need to trust one another (Ulrich, n.d).
Business people are often faced with hard moral decisions to make in the workplace. It is therefore important for decision-makers to weigh both the benefits and the repercussions of their decisions both to themselves and the others. It is not morally right to gain in terms of more profits, advancement in position at the expense of other individuals, groups or society at large (Goree, 2006).
References
- Goree, K. (2006). Ethics in the Work place. Florence : Cengage Learning
- Ulrich, P. Laurence. (n.d). Ethical Principles in Business Ethics. Web.