Definition of Ethics
Ethics is a moral code that governs the behavior or conduct of an activity. “Ethics is thus said to be the science of conduct” (Paliwal, 2006, p.16). It involves particular standards of human behavior and morals and goes beyond the facts that pertain to moral questions. “Ethics, after all, are not supposed to be abstract principles they are supposed to be doctrines for the way we behave, the way we work, the way we conduct ourselves in life as well as business” (Liveris, 2010 p.36). The term business ethics is coined from linking ethics to business. Business ethics involves the usage of ethical rules in business behavior (Paliwal, 2006).
Definition of Consequentialism
Consequentialism is the theory that the morality of a deed is to be judged only by its consequences. The subject of consequentialism introduces a twist in ethics that ought to be considered carefully.
Origin of Ethics
Paliwal notes with worry about how instruments of society are devalued with each passing day. Indians continually lose faith in their law courts and their government (2006). A similar scenario is replicated globally. Business organizations violate moral codes. However, these corporations adopt business ethics due to increasing pressure, thereby signifying a transition from the old to the new business era.
The Great Awakening in the industry is when businesses begin penning how to behave among themselves and towards their environment (Liveris, 2010). The business society creates a more transparent mode of operation and general awareness in various quarters of civilization.
“There is no doubt that the current interest in organizational ethics stems from that many people feel that the respect for rules and ideals is slipping away” (Hall, 2000, p.23). Ethics evolve, resulting in changes in the ethical standards of organizations. Certain behaviors acceptable in the past are not acceptable today. Accountability for actions is demanded as the public is now conscious. Public interest is on the rise in the actions of business organizations (Thompson et al., 2012).
Goals of Ethics
Hall considers business ethics as a dual entity (2000). He asserts that ethics is a set goal to be achieved, and a rule to be observed. For success in the development process and the creation of ethical awareness, common goals and ideals that people are committed to ought to be considered (Hall, 2000, p.23).
“Ethical issues will continue to be at the forefront of organizational life for the foreseeable future” is a statement that emphasizes the importance of ethics in an organization (Thompson et al., 2010, p.128).
Organizational ethics are tasked with the establishment of guidelines towards the achievement of goals that the organization is committed (Hall, 2000).
Paliwal gives a brief outline of the nature of ethics (2006). He connotes that ethics is only practical among humans; it deals with voluntary human conduct and is a normative science as it involves deriving moral standards that regulate right and wrong.
According to Paliwal, businesses ought to operate as accountable corporate citizens within a country (2006). Therefore, ethics give guidelines on the conduct and form a basis for judgments. The beauty of human nature is the ability of different people to co-exist in society. A corporate is not exempted from this expectation. All activities of a business should consider the society in which it is situated.
Corporations exist in broad society. The law and society confer certain rights and privileges to corporates. With rights and privileges follow obligations. The obligations extend past financial ones to all those who have shares in Dowa chemicals (Liveries, 2010). The same is expected of all other business enterprises.
The past twenty years see the world treated to unspeakable extensively publicized unethical acts. These occurrences necessitate strict ethical laws and raise consumer demands for improved business conduct. One cited example is the Enron business empire that harms many of its employees. It challenges the credibility of brokerage services and consumer trust (Thompson et al., 2012). The faults leave a lasting impression on business ethics and accountability. Thus, business ethics exist for reasons.
Ethics exist to protect the businesses and the interests of society. Without proper guidelines on conduct, there can be a state of anarchy. Negative feedback is detrimental to the business because it directly affects operations and the general morale of the business environment (Paliwal, 2006).
It is essential for business organizations to practice ethics to uphold their reputation. Ethics do more than protect clients’ and employees’ rights (Thompson et al., 2012).
Consequentialism
The understanding of human rights is contentious as resultant duties can conflict with each other. In the case of ethics, following one guideline can underscore the proper discharge of another parallel duty.
Conclusion
An argument by Nagel considers consequentialists’ line of thought insufficient in the justification of human rights on moral grounds (Tasioulas, 2010). The notion that those rights are transparent to the fundamental interest of rights is faulty since it cannot explain the role of rights concerning the resistance of trade-offs.
Consequentialists “restrict rights and wrongs to the production of as much good as rationality requires” (Tasioulas, 2010, p.65). This should not be the case as ethics should not be based on maximum good, but should strive at achieving total good.
References
Hall, R. T. (2000). Introduction to healthcare organizational ethics. Cary, North Carolina: Oxford University Press.
Liveris, A. N. (2011). Vital ethics as a business strategy. Speeches of the Day, 77(1), 35-39.
Paliwal, l. M. (2006). Business ethics. New Delhi, India: New Age International
Tasioulas, J. J. (2010). Taking rights out of human rights. Ethics, 120(4), 647-678.
Thompson, K. J., Thach, C. E. & Morelli, M. (2010). Implementing ethical leadership: current challenges and solutions. Insights to a Changing World Journal, 2010(4), 107-130.