Business Ethics

Business Ethics

Forrest La Jeunesse

University of Phoenix

Business Ethics

People, from childhood, are taught how to be ethical. Ethics are taught either by our parents, school, church, peers, teachers, and others. By the time we enter the workforce, we should have a clear understanding what society considers ethical and what is not ethical. There are those outside the norm, but this paper is not here to address those people. When people acquire their first, second, or even third job, they are then introduced to a new set of ethics, the company’s ethics. Business ethics are different from societal ethics because businesses are out to make money and crush competition, and some are willing to do it at any cost.

As a point of clarification, not all business engage in unethical practices, but there are many businesses that do to improve their profits. According to Tenbrunsel (2009), “Businesses regularly behave unethically, that is, they behave in ways that have harmful effect upon others and that are morally unacceptable to the larger community.” Business ethics are when a company or corporation puts society, the environment, products, and people above profits. Ethical companies are those who do not unfairly bill customers, they find safe ways to dispose of harmful material, are willing to pay people a livable wage, they fairly bid for contracts, and act as a partner in the community.

We now know what the definition of business ethics are, let us explore ethical issues that have come around in the business that I work in, mainly involving employees.

Human resources ethical problems have become more of an issue in the company I work for. Human resources does not allow for sexual harassment, discrimination, and other objectionable behavior to tolerated, the polices in place to protect those classes and prevent dirty jokes and lewd behavior are selectively enforced with an iron fist. Even the slightest joke or comment made in the wrong company is...