Ethics that are present in the life of people also transfer over to businesses and how individuals deal with each other. The moral principles and laws that govern conduct should be universal in any civilized and just society if people want the market to be a beneficial environment for work. An article titled “Business Ethics: Two Moral Provisions” discusses the question of the need for morality in businesses and how much they are required by modern society.
Kenneth Goodpaster makes a reference to John Locke and ethics that were described by the thinker. People should be allowed to do business and privatize land, as long as it does not become a detriment to the lives and prosperity of others. This is very true because land does not truly and fully belong to any one person. No one can own the planet, so it should be made fair for everyone to have an equal opportunity to possess a certain amount of property for personal development. The article mentions that there has been a shift in the thinking and understanding of business and the way it is conducted. Even though the market’s demands dictate the need for certain products or services, people should have a moral responsibility and do what is best for the greater good.
It is well known that consumers are the ones who most commonly dictate what is needed, but business owners and employees should also have morality and the ability to defend their rights. The article outlines two distinct and important connections between businesses, ethics, and society. First, those who own a private business must properly communicate and establish respectful and ethical relations with the government and other organizations. This will ensure the interconnection between business people and society, as well as individuals. Second, business ethics must be definitively set towards the benefit of the majority, and only civilized and fair practices should be practiced for both businesses and the public to reach mutual respect and understanding (Goodpaster, 2010).
The most important point the articles make is that ethics and the way business is conducted becoming the determining factor in modern society. Businesses should not be a separate entity that only works for their success and monetary gain. Because corporations and organizations are a part of the larger society, it is instrumental that the operation of businesses is centered on bettering society and advancing the world in the right direction. The author acknowledges the fact that the business world must have a close and sensitive understanding of people’s minds want and need so that it can adjust to ethics demanded by the majority of the population. It is made clear that preventing any unwanted behavior, illegal activity and selfish usage of the population is the most important ethical frame that must be followed (Goodpaster, 2010). The interconnection between the decisions that businesses produce, the products and services they make available to the public, have a direct and significant effect on people, their health, and general well-being.
The article very specifically notes how ethics and morality are important in the modern world. The technological advancements have changed the industry and business world in such a way that it has become easy to “cut corners” and lead people astray. The intricate relationship with the environment and people set demands of proper care and kindness. Even though some laws and regulations outline the functioning of businesses and corporations, pollution and over usage of resources are still commonplace. The laws are just a part of human society and regulation of business, as it is up to the people running these companies to be responsible and prevent further damage to the planet and people’s health. Anything that businesses get involved in is consistent with ethics and how matters are conducted. The treatment of employees, respect for their differences, people’s cultural backgrounds, and gender are all part of moral standards that should be necessary for the provision of the best work environment.
Another important ethical consideration is the relationship between different businesses. As there is much competition in the modern market, companies often “borrow” ideas and make them out as their own. Globalization has increased international business, and people of many cultures come together. This leads to an important concern with the knowledge that a certain nation or business has about the country they want to deal with. It is crucial to be familiar with the ethical concerns of society, as people respond to companies that can adjust to their cultural preferences. Local customs and beliefs become a gateway to a business that wants to be successful, and the present world has clearly illustrated this fact. As all nations are mixing into one large business system, ethics are becoming a universal concept that everyone must adhere to (Jennings, 2010).
The similarity in ethical views and opinions proves that everyone wants to be treated fairly and with respect. People acknowledge differences in understanding, but business laws are becoming the same and morally demanding no matter where or when.
References
Goodpaster, K. (2010). Business ethics: Two moral provisos. Business Ethics Quarterly, 20(4), 740-742.
Jennings, M. (2010). Environment Business: Its Legal, Ethical, and Global Environment, Connecticut: South-Western Cengage Learning.