universalism theory in business ethics
5.4 Are the Values Central to Business Ethics Universal? After all, literature that has stood the test of time can provide tremendous insight into human behavior, and Homer or Shakespeare may be more relevant to contemporary executive leadership than a business seminar on how to motivate employees. Moral Relativism or Moral Universalism Business ethics motivates managers to (1) meet legal and industry governing and reporting requirements and (2) shape corporate culture so that corrupt practices such as bribery, embezzlement, and fraud have no place in the organization. In the ideal case, the organizations culture never allows the latter, because scandals not only damage reputations but they make companies and countries much less attractive to investors. In fact, we could argue that anything that makes an impact on people should legitimately be within the scope of business. However, no amount of rationalization of the fear of job loss, financial pressure, desire to please a supervisor, and the rest, can justify such behavior, because it diminishes moral agency, the self-awareness, freedom, and ability to make choices based on our perception of right and wrong. 8 They do need to understand people and their motives, to know how to read and judge character, and to have the ability to imagine themselves in anothers shoes, be they those of a competitor, a boss, or a subordinate. Corruption appears to exist everywhere, so it would seem to require a persistent and consistent answer everywhere. Universalism > These principles can be, and are, used in combination; different principles are also used in different situations.18 The principles that we will cover are utilitarianism, universalism, rights/legal, justice, virtue, common good, and ethical relativism approaches. WebUniversalism: broadmindedness; wisdom; social justice; equality; a world at peace; a world of beauty; unity with nature; protecting the environment; inner harmony Benevolence: helpfulness; honesty; forgiveness; loyalty; responsibility; friendship Tradition: accepting one's portion in life; humility; devoutness; respect for tradition; moderation endobj Next: A Framework for Making Ethical Decisions, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Business Ethics A major limitation when using this principle is, Who determines what the common good is in situations where two or more parties differ over whose interests are violated? In individualistic and capitalist societies, it is difficult in many cases for individuals to give up their interests and tangible goods for what may not benefit them or may even deprive them. Business WebUniversalism in Ethics. V. Value pluralism - Value theory - Vedanta - Verificationism - Verism - Vienna Circle - Virtue ethics - Vitalism - Voluntaryism. Ch. However, happy employees are one thing; the human flourishing identified by Aristotle and John Stuart Mill is quite another. What would that look like? The Supreme Court upheld her and her staffs decision. Using one or more of these principles and ethical approaches intentionally can also help you examine choices and options before making a decision or solving an ethical dilemma. The first view uses universality to distinguish the moral from non-moral. In this model, organizations focus on employees as a vital part of the operation and support them in their professional training, health care, education, family responsibilities, and even spiritual concerns. When we present the specifics and facts of a situation, this and the other principles begin to make sense, although judgement is still required. This is even more important in industries like banking that are more susceptible to unethical behavior because of the great sums of money that change hands. List of philosophies No matter our culture, geography, or time, could we identify some basic normative behaviors to govern business conduct in general? It recognizes that decisions about right and wrong can be difficult, and may be related to individual context. Particularism, on the contrary, means that some people are more equal than others. Many companies in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere were pressured in the 1980s and before by public interest groups whether or not to continue doing business or leave South Africa. As you read these, ask yourself which principles characterize and underlie your own values, beliefs, behaviors, and actions. endobj WebUniversalism means that everybody is treated as subject to the same rules. 139 0 obj Using creativity is also important when examining difficult moral decisions when sometimes it may seem that there are two right ways to act in a situation or perhaps no way seems morally right, which may also signal that not taking an action at that time may be needed, unless taking no action produces worse results. grramire. Additionally, the study investigates if the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) adoption can be interpreted and derived from the moral theories by focusing on one of the three RtoP pillars, prevention. doi. Content: formal principles or uniform requirements? For example, everyone must eat to survive, but not everyone would agree that eating chocolate-raspberry cake brings happiness. At the individual level, then, principles and values offer a source of stability and self-control while also affecting job satisfaction and performance. Universality Ethics and International Relations introduces students to the key debates about ethics in international relations theory. > Universal Moral Values for Corporate Codes of Ethics are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written Moral (and human) rights, on the other hand, are universal and based on norms in every society, for example, the right not to be enslaved and the right to work. So, universalist ethical principles may present difficulties when used in complex situations, but such principles can also save lives, protect the integrity of a nation, and stop meaningless destruction. Some of the principles presented here date back to Plato, Socrates, and even earlier to ancient religious groups. 133 0 obj 2023 Informa UK Limited, an Informa Group Company. https://scholar.valpo.edu/jvbl/vol8/iss2/3, ValpoScholar Home WebUniversalism. Marques, Joan "Universalism and Utilitarianism: An Evaluation of Two Popular Moral Theories in Business Decision Making," (2) Is it right? This is especially the case when facts are not available and there is no objective external jurisdiction of the state or federal government. 0000004093 00000 n This, as with all these principles and approaches, is broad in nature and seemingly rather abstract. Universalism theory in business ethics To put this question another way, is there a set of universal values that all can endorse? It is an orientation that many use quite frequently. endobj An example of bias occurs when employees engage in unethical activity because it has been sanctioned by higher-ups. What responsibilities do companies have regarding justice and care? grramire. <>/Border[0 0 0]/Contents( \n h t t p s : / / s c h o l a r . Also needs of individuals involved in a Some of the strengths and weaknesses that will be discussed for Universalism are consistency, intension basis, and universalizability, while some of the discussed strengths and weaknesses for Utilitarianism are flexibility, outcome-basis, and lack of consistency. Applying the common good principle can also be asked by a simple question: How will this decision or action affect the broader physical, cultural, and social environment in which I, my family, my friends, and others have to live, breathe, and thrive in now, next week, and beyond?. Is it possible to identify a set of universal values that is consistent across cultures and time? What are major ethical principles that can be used by individuals and organizations? Ethical Relativism: A Self-Interest Approach. The second major meaning behind A result was enflamed widespread public protests from American youth and others. One model of ethical behavior, sometimes called the humanistic business model, may provide the answer for businesses that wish to achieve the dual goal of human flourishing and responsible profits. Contributing to a Positive Work Atmosphere, 26. <>/Border[0 0 0]/Contents()/Rect[72.0 607.0547 200.4551 619.9453]/StructParent 3/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> universal As a theory for justifying moral practices and beliefs, ethical relativism fails to recognize that some societies have better reasons for holding their views than others. It is helpful to ask and if not clear, perhaps identify the principles, you most often use now and those you aspire to use more, and why. 0000000016 00000 n grramire. Practical wisdom, however, is often required to be virtuous. Utilitarianism and UniversalismTwo Worlds Apart? 1999-2023, Rice University. Some limitations of this principle suggest that it does not consider individuals, and there is no agreement on the definition of good for all concerned. In addition, it is difficult to measure costs and benefits. This is one of the most widely used principles by corporations, institutions, nations, and individuals, given the limitations that accompany it. From a relativists perspective, moral values are only applicable within certain cultures and societies. Grounded in good character, motives, and core values, the principle is best exemplified by those whose examples show the virtues to be emulated. 5.3 Ethical Principles and Responsible Decision-Making ;;rlH,.6\I)- ld P1|d`-0iA 6H3dxU0[0u0*3lar H"%LX001da0rJ`X` uq&%61d2g,e^|N Z@@: -l,3BNZ D H Basically, the possessor of good character is moral, acts morally, feels good, is happy, and flourishes. Except where otherwise noted, textbooks on this site Or it may be identified with various claims to identify a single fundamental universal principle, from which all other ethical principles and judgments derive. To date, the fallout has cost the company nearly $30 billion in fines. Want to cite, share, or modify this book? The same action may be morally right in one society but be morally wrong in another. Limitations here also show that using this principle may not always prove realistic or practical in all situations. Yet it remains controversial. As some have asked, What is a human life worth?. She chose, with the support of and pressure from her editorial staff, to release the classified documents to the public. If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, e]__3EwcaXLpMu\6ki3=3A{aji_*i/NQwio+OKZM$>w3@-$CH^~d), q)>x1t4N8S8JrRG?;*6Q^LZE j;@+l8PPi-(v=XFM7%-Ag}VuPfa{+_gU ?hv Z&*~TVF:F78%dDZ N|#*q6]d/PQ{ox S@twnir@/ohoWDw^p Qd~`JyBAAFH WebIt has these characteristics: (1) universality, because it applies to all acts of human behavior, even those that appear to be done from altruistic motives; (2) objectivity, meaning it operates beyond individual thought, desire, and perspective; (3) rationality, because it is not based in metaphysics or theology; and (4) quantifiability in its The mainstream in business ethics has declared the collective and selfless end to be the ideal that must guide practice and research. Attempt all questions in brief. 97 terms. This principle has at least four major components that are based on the tenets that (1) all individuals should be treated equally; (2) justice is served when all persons have equal opportunities and advantages (through their positions and offices) to societys opportunities and burdens; (3) fair decision practices, procedures, and agreements among parties should be practiced; and (4) punishment is served to someone who has inflicted harm on another, and compensation is given to those for a past harm or injustice committed against them. Let us look at how it is possible to align business with human rights in such a way that both profitability and responsibility are honored across the globe. One distinctive understanding of universalism in ethics is that ethical principles are principles for everybody. Those documents revealed that there were doubts the war could be won while thousands of young Americans continued to die fighting. <>stream If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, xXn8+Y)@Jo2( 3u;v-jeRoRlj~:Xb6eXGCADLQLb*~cY8[|Rr6/6+7_, b(L>ncEl "&-$\y}8-nfk3\Z .E+;KcIEm,D;TO~SB$A*;XTH$Ixi\nCQBtd!tyy^6a v+0 #qy 7s"!g"0ms> ^D8D ,Jac7e cHa#OoU(e;MQEAtz}QdQg'n-J%z-%_"J} [`{L|8\~pi!JzL, org/10.4135/9781473910034 More information Summary Contents then you must include on every digital page view the following attribution: Use the information below to generate a citation. Universal business ethic is an attempt to formulate common business ethic principles that are acceptable by all rational agents and applied to all countries beyond BUSG 210 Practice Final Exam. <>stream This book explores the reasons why grappling with universality and ethics Use of this principle generally applies when resources are scarce, there is a conflict in priorities, and no clear choice meets everyones needsthat is, a zero-sum decision is imminent, Universalism is a principle that considers the welfare and risks of all parties when considering policy decisions and outcomes. This means we must hold ourselvesand one anotheraccountable to our values and to creating an open and inclusive workplace. Although ethical practice has been directly influenced by religion, as noted, ethics is not religion and religious belief is not a prerequisite for a commitment to business ethics. We might begin with always honoring the terms of a contract, consistently treating customers and partners with honesty, and never cheating. 73 terms. It is either less clear what to do or harder to do it because of constant pressure to increase the organizations profitability and the perception that everybody else is doing it.29. Utilitarian Sexual Identification and Orientation, 31. After all, we cannot make a commitment to serve customers, develop leaders, and improve life for all stakeholders unless there is freedom and moral agency, the necessary ingredients in establishing an attitude of concern, that is, respect for oneself and for others, including all appropriate stakeholders. The main principles of business ethics are based in academia and on academic writings on proper business operations. It is not only a method to make a decision; it is a way of incorporating a humane consideration of and for individuals and groups when deciding a course of action. Grounded in good character, motives, and core values, the principle is best exemplified by those whose examples show the virtues to be emulated. (credit: Love Is All You Need Signage by Jacqueline Smith/Pexels, CC0), article Panama Papers FAQ: All You Need to Know About The 2016 Investigation on the Panama Papers and how journalists might hold the corporate world to account in cases of fraud and corruption, article on the LIBOR scandal and the consequences, https://openstax.org/books/business-ethics/pages/1-introduction, https://openstax.org/books/business-ethics/pages/5-4-are-the-values-central-to-business-ethics-universal, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, Explain the difference between relative and absolute ethical values, Discuss the degree to which compliance is linked with organizational responsibility and personal values, Identify the criteria for a system of normative business ethics. Webundergraduate and graduate students of business ethics, this article briefly examines the two most popular theories, Universalism (Kantian) and Utilitarianism (consequentialist), As the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) scandal, in which banks were manipulating rates to profit from trades, showed, ethical breakdowns often occur because systems fail or people make bad decisions, and sometimes both. Business ethics theories include the moral principles or codes a company implements to ensure that all individuals working in the company act with acceptable behavior . A few different business ethics theories exist , such as the utilitarian , rights , justice , common good and virtue approach . (2015) In the case of LIBOR, the United Kingdoms Serious Fraud Office determined there were inadequate systems of oversight in the setting of rates and that individual executives encouraged rate fixing, which led to the conviction of several traders, at least one of whom still maintains his innocence.33 Cooper, Santora, and Sarros wrote, Universalism is the outward expression of leadership character and is made manifest by respectfulness for others, fairness, cooperativeness, compassion, spiritual respect, and humility. Corporate leaders in the Worlds Most Ethical Companies strive to set a tone at the top to exemplify and embody universal principles in their business practices. 2 The principles that we will cover are utilitarianism, universalism, rights/legal, justice, virtue, common good, and ethical relativism approaches. 1 / 35. Business ethics concerns. A simple way of summarizing this principle when examining a moral dilemma is to ask of a proposed action or decision: (1) Is it fair? It is not only a method to make a decision; it is a way of incorporating a humane consideration of and for individuals and groups when deciding a course of action. This book uses the Some limitations of this principle suggest that it does not consider individuals, and there is no agreement on the definition of good for all concerned. In addition, it is difficult to measure costs and benefits. This is one of the most widely used principles by corporations, institutions, nations, and individuals, given the limitations that accompany it. Business Ethics Universal Kantian Ethics - Overview, Categorical Imperatives, Morality Personal responsibility is a different matter. Unfortunately, in the United States, much of this money is spent on merely meeting the minimum requirements of compliance, so that if there is ever a problem with the Department of Justice or the Securities and Exchange Commission, the organization is insulated from criticism or liability because its employees have engaged in the recommended training. Legal rights are entitlements that are limited to a particular legal system and jurisdiction. Limitations when using this principle involve the question of who decides who is right and wrong and who has been harmed in complex situations. 129 0 obj Ethical relativism holds that people set their own moral standards for judging their actions. 0000001486 00000 n For example, the following precautionary actions might have prevented the disaster: updating the equipment and machinery that failed in the BP and the Exxon Valdez oil crises and investment banks and lending institutions following rules not to sell subprime mortgages that could not and would not be paid, actions that led to the near collapse of the global economy. If you need friends or relationships in the government bureaucracy in order to get your imports cleared or your license extended, then that means particularism. 0000003198 00000 n THEORIES From these systems has emerged a basic set of ethical norms for the business world. <>/Border[0 0 0]/Contents(scholar@valpo.edu)/Rect[350.833 72.3516 427.21 82.8984]/StructParent 8/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> This book uses the In the United States, the Constitution and Declaration of Independence are the basis for citizens legal rights, for example, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the right to freedom of speech. The dilemma for the Washington Posts then CEO centered on her having to choose between exposing the truth based on freedom of speechwhich was the mission and foundation of the newspaperor staying silent and suppressing the classified information. Principles help inform and influence values. beckyschroeder. Universal value The film The Post, based on fact, portrays how the daughter of the founder of the famed newspaper, the Washington Post, inherited the role of CEO and was forced to make a decision between publishing a whistle-blowers classified government documents of then top-level generals and officials or keep silent and protect the newspaper. <>/Border[0 0 0]/Contents()/Rect[72.0 618.0547 118.127 630.9453]/StructParent 2/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> Cooper, Santora, and Sarros wrote, Universalism is the outward expression of leadership character and is made manifest by respectfulness for others, fairness, cooperativeness, compassion, spiritual respect, and humility. Corporate leaders in the Worlds Most Ethical Companies strive to set a tone at the top to exemplify and embody universal principles in their business practices.19 Howard Schultz, founder of Starbucks; cofounder Jim Sinegal at Costco; Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook; and Ursula M. Burns, previous chairperson and CEO of Xerox have demonstrated setting effective ethical tones at the top of organizations. One alternative is to put the humanities into business. Abstaining from cheating customers, defrauding clients, lying, and murder are fairly objective ethical values; the reason for making any exceptions must be carefully laid out. Until that time, international firms doing business in South Africa were expected to abide by the apartheid policy and its underlying values. So, universalist ethical principles may present difficulties when used in complex situations, but such principles can also save lives, protect the integrity of a nation, and stop meaningless destruction. trailer X. Xenofeminism. Dec 12, 2022 OpenStax. It is not a coincidence that it appears in the American Declaration of Independence (1776), which was written by Thomas Jefferson and inspired by the British Enlightenment philosopher John Locke. WebUniversal ethics [ edit] There are several ethical standards that are considered to be self-evident, and seem to apply to all people throughout all of history, regardless of cultural, political, social, or economic context. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . Exchange is fundamental to business. Corporations and Politics: After Citizens United, 14. The universalizability theory holds two significant views. Business can mean an activity of exchange. In addition, we are sometimes faced with the question, Who has the moral authority to punish to pay compensation to whom? Still, as with the other principles discussed here, justice stands as a necessary and invaluable building block of democracies and freedom. B. what ethical behaviors should be expected of company personnel in the course of doing their jobs. Corporations and their Social Responsibility. endobj This, as with all these principles and approaches, is broad in nature and seemingly rather abstract. Only the individuals self-interest and values are relevant for judging his or her behavior. Boeing leadership encourages employees to proactively seek out issues, speak up and report concerns, and engage with transparency. Businesses currently rely heavily on data analytics, algorithms, and statistical analyses to drive decision-making. v a l p o . Framework for Making Ethical Decisions We recommend using a 0000001815 00000 n | 0000017527 00000 n universalism theory Web(SEM-III) THEORY EXAMINATION 2020-UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES AND ETHICS Time: 3 Hours Total Marks: 70 Note: 1. WebUbuntu - Universalism - Utilitarian bioethics - Utilitarianism. The Volkswagen emissions scandal also began in 2015, when the Environmental Protection Agency cited the German automaker for violating the Clean Air Act by cheating on emissions tests. | Creative Commons Attribution License Web(SEM III) THEORY EXAMINATION 2021-UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES & PROFESSIONAL ETHICS. At the organizational and societal levels, laws, regulations, and oversight can go a long way X [%:6Ou\Ng73Y Some of the principles presented here date back to Plato, Socrates, and even earlier to ancient religious groups. That is, whether an action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which it is practiced. They prescribe obligations for everybody, define . The damage done to an organizations or governments reputation due to scandal can be enormous and long lasting. 16 terms. And although a good system of law incorporates ethical standards, the law can and sometimes does deviate from what is ethical. But 5. Theory That policy lasted until the 1990s, when several parties negotiated its demisewith the help of Nelson Mandela (www.history.com/topics/apartheid). One entity (e.g., a person, a firm) does business with another when it exchanges a good or service for valuable consideration, i.e., a benefit such as money. Basic ethical practices have been gleaned through research and practical study of how businesses function, and how they operate, both independently and with one another. Still, the U.S. Constitutions Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, was designed as and remains the foundation of, which is based on freedom and justice to protect the basic rights of all. What are some ethical guidelines individuals and organizations can use to make ethical choices? This principle is related to universalism. 130 0 obj 135 0 obj But it becomes dangerous when people use it to blind themselves to the reality around them, reinforce hardened positions even in the face of contradictory evidence, and shirk their responsibility as moral beings. Spheres of human value encompass morality, aesthetic preference, human traits, human endeavour, and social order.Whether universal values exist is an unproven conjecture of moral philosophy and cultural anthropology, though it is clear that certain values are Webmoral relativism theory or more similar to the moral universalism theory and if there are any differences between the arguments. In addition, we are sometimes faced with the question, Who has the moral authority to punish to pay compensation to whom? Still, as with the other principles discussed here, justice stands as a necessary and invaluable building block of democracies and freedom. Compliance can be an immense task for industries like aerospace, pharmaceuticals, banking, and food production, due to the large number of employees involved, the certification of them that sometimes is necessary, and the requisite record keeping. 0000003514 00000 n As some have asked, What is a human life worth?. According to the Union Internationale des Avocats, an international, nongovernmental association of legal professionals, corruption corrodes the democratic principles of accountability, equality, and transparency.
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universalism theory in business ethics