Ethics, Etiquette, & Morality
Objectives
1. Given ethical issues, decide upon a course of action you would take. 2. Distinguish between ethics, etiquette, and morality. 3. Describe the effects of technology on business ethics.
Objective 1 – Describe the appropriate action to be taken
Objective 2: Distinguish between ethics, etiquette, and morality
Ethics – A set of moral principles of right and wrong. Etiquette – Correct behavior and practices according to social convention. No right or wrong, just preferred methods.
Morality – The goodness or badness of human action or behavior.
Examples of Ethical Conduct
Dow Corning – breast implants 3M – Scotchguard
Tobacco Industry
Objective 3: Describe the effects of technology on business ethics
Technological advances
E-mail – allows employees to work at home Cell phones – allows employees to work while in the car, etc. Internet – allows for on-line shopping, check stock prices, research, look for jobs Voice mail – communicate while out of office Laptop computers – work away from home
Objective 3: Describe the effects of technology on business ethics (cont.)
Effects
More demand on workers – can work in car, at home, on vacation, etc. Closer supervision by managers – less trust between workers and managers Opportunities for employees to NOT work – look busy, but not conducting company’s business