[WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BUSINSESS

ETHICS]
Summary
The circle of people talking about ethics began when some of the hottest companies
improper accounting practices were revealed. Revelations started from the Enron, one of the
hottest companies in the booming nineties, which has been followed by Adelphia, Dennis
Kozlowski of Tyco and the WorldCom. They are one of the largest companies which have been
found of improper accounting procedures by using pattern of deception. With this, even more
people have been worried about ethics in business. The private unethical practices have
become a very public concern on which people having questions in mind: Why is this
happening, how could this happen? How many companies are unethical? Whatever happened
to business ethics?
People are disgusted with state of ethics and are sick of dishonesty and unethical
dealings. Their disgust of the Ethical Dilemma turned out into a discussion. They want to know:
Why is ethics in such a terrible state? There may be different possible responses; however,
three reasons have been introduced of why people make unethical choices.
First, We do whats most convenient. Ethical dilemma defined, is an unpleasant or
undesirable choice relating to a moral principle or practice. In such situation the question is: Do
we do the easy thing or the right thing? As human beings, we seem prone of failing personal
ethical test. People sometimes do something even knowing in mind it is wrong. They do
something unpleasant having an excuse that he wont get caught, its just one time or its a way
of dealing pressure. Second, We do what we must to win. Business people in particular desire
to win through achievement. But many think they have to choose between being ethical and
winning. Many believe that embracing ethics would limit their options, their opportunities, and
their very ability to succeed in business. There are only two choices: (1) to win by doing
whatever it takes, even if its unethical; or (2) to have ethics and lose. Lastly, We rationalize our
choices with Relativism. Many people choose to deal with such no win situations by deciding
whats right in the moment, according to their circumstances. When once our decisions were
based on ethics, now ethics are based on our decisions. If its good for me, then its good.
Fortunately, there is an increasing desire for ethical dealing in business. However,
looking at whats happening in the marketplace, even though people desire honesty and plain
dealing, we are still no in the winning battle. With this, people in our culture are currently trying
to resolve the problem. This is by teaching remedial ethics, performing an ethical flea dip and

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relying on the law. Companies are forcing their employees to take remedial ethics. They are
also hiring firms to offer on-line ethical classes and consultants to produce huge ethics manuals.
Another approach is to treat ethical offenders when caught called as the ethical flea dip. On
the other hand, some companies have given up entirely on figuring out whats ethical and are
instead using whats legal as their standard for decision making.
One of our problems is that ethics is never a business issue or a social issue or a
political issue. Its always been a personal issue. People say they want integrity. But at the same
time, ironically studies indicate that the majority of people dont always act with the kind of
integrity they request from others. It was said that the same person who cheats on his taxes or
steals office supplies wants honesty and integrity from the corporation whose stock he buys, the
politician he votes for, and client he deals with in his own business.
In order to succeed in business, ethics+ competence is the winning equation.
Companies that are dedicated to doing the right thing have written commitment to social
responsibility, and act on it consistently are more profitable than those who dont. In contrast,
people who continually attempt the edge of ethics inevitably go over the edge. King Solomon of
ancient Israel, reputed to be the wisest man who ever lived, said it this way: The ways of rightliving people glow with light; the longer they live the brighter they shine. But the road of wrong
doing gets darker and darker travelers cant see thing; they fall flat on their faces.

Discussion Questions
1. When you think of the subject ethics, what is your gut reaction? Is it positive or
negative? Is it something you would look forward to thinking about, discussing, and
applying to your life? Deep down, do you believe that a person can be ethical and still
win? Explain.
As then defined, ethics are moral principles that govern a persons or a group's behavior.
This has been a remarkable thought to me, since then. I look at it in a positive perspective
because this serves as a standard that governs every action of an individual. Without which,
a person would not have a definite basis of how he would act, think and decide in every
given circumstance. With this, I see this topic as a captivating one since ethics is a vital
factor in the practice of my chosen profession. I always thought of how other people define

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ethics and their basis of ethical and unethical. Moreover, I have been wandering of my
personal ethical standards and how would I apply it once I stepped in the corporate world.
In my own viewpoint, a person that is ethical will definitely win. If a person has a good
and strong moral standards this would serve as his vehicle to reach success in the end.
There might have been tough and difficult moments in fighting for what he believes in, but in
the end it would be paid-off given that the person has been morally upright.
2. Do you use one set behavioral standards for all areas of your life, or do you use several
- depending on where you are, who youre with, or what you are doing? Are you
essentially the same person using the same standards at work and home, with clients
and family members, while playing ball or helping at church? Do you believe its possible
or desirable to use just one standard in every area of life? Explain.
If to consider all areas of my life, I use several set of behavioral standards which
depends on the situation I am in and the people I am with. During classes and office
hours, I am more formal type of person especially when dealing with my professors or
superiors. On the other hand, when I am with my family and friends, I am more informal
and I often speak too casually.
Generally, I think it is possible to use one standard in every area of life but it is
not a desirable. Perhaps, it would depend of the persons application of his behavioral
standard in different situation. However, if we are confined into only one standard it
would be difficult for us to handle a situation with multiple
3. Think about someone you trust completely (If you cant think of anyone, explore why you
are reluctant to trust people). Now think about why you trust him or her. List qualities
describing that person.
The person that I trust completely is my grandmother. Out of all the people, she
knew me better as person. She knows the kind of personality that I have that others
arent aware of. Also, I know that in every of my undertaking she would always be right
there to support me. She is the person that would never put me down for she always
desires the best for me. Even though we are having some arguments in the end she
forgives me and make sure that I have learned something from the experience. For I
knew that she will always accept me no matter what, I trust her complete, respects and
love her.

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4. What are you currently using as an ethical guideline? Describe it.
Pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality and pertaining to
right and wrong in conduct, the ethical guideline that I use is based on the word of God
or the scriptures. I based my decision of what is the right thing to do and what is not
based on the teachings of God and His commandment. From this, I have formed my
own ethical standard which is not against of any of Gods commandment and teaching.
Before making any action, I try to evaluate things first and see if it would turn out ethical
or not.