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Completing the Learning Activities

· The expectation is that you present a thorough analysis and presentation in response to each question.  You are required to support the positions put forth in each response.  The course material or outside resources must be used to provide the support.

· Read the grading rubric for the learning activity.  Use the grading rubric while completing the learning activity to ensure all requirements are met that will lead to the highest possible grade.

· Third person writing is required.  Third person means that there are no words such as “I, me, my, we, or us” (first person writing), nor is there use of “you or your” (second person writing).  If uncertain how to write in the third person, view this link:  http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/first-second-and-third-person.

· Contractions are not used in business writing, so do not use them.

· Paraphrase and do not use direct quotation marks.  Paraphrase means you do not use more than four consecutive words from a source document, but put a passage from a source document into your own words and attribute the passage to the source document.  Not using direct quotation marks means that there should be no passages with quotation marks and instead the source material is paraphrased as stated above. Note that a reference within a reference list cannot exist without an associated in-text citation and vice versa.   

· You may not use books as source material. 

· Provide the page or paragraph number (required) when using in-text citations.  If using the eBook, use Business Ethics followed by the Chapter/Section title and paragraph number.

Learning Activity #1

Part (A)

In his book "There’s No Such Thing as 'Business' Ethics," Dr. John Maxwell says that there is no such thing as business ethics. There is only ethics. Maxwell goes on to say that "ethics is never a business issue or a social issue or a political issue. It is a personal issue." Therefore, in business decisions, just as in our personal life, there is only one rule for making decisions: the Golden Rule. Since the Golden Rule begins with each of us, we need to ask ourselves the question "How would I like to be treated in this situation?"

We adopt the Golden Rule as the basis for our ethics because:

1. It is accepted by most people and can be used to create common ground with any reasonable person. 2. It is easy to understand.  3. It is a win-win philosophy.

Maxwell further contends that when faced with an ethical dilemma (a problem, situation, or opportunity that requires an individual, group, or organization to choose among several actions that have negative outcomes)  people make unethical choices for one of three reasons:

He contends that when faced with an ethical dilemma (an undesirable or unpleasant choice relating to a moral principle or practice) that people make unethical choices for one of three reasons:

1. We do what's most convenient: giving ourselves permission to cut corners. 2. We do what we must to win: many people think they must choose between being ethical and winning. 3. We rationalize our choices with relativism: deciding what is "right" at the moment, according to our circumstances.

With the Golden Rule as our guide, fewer unethical choices would be made.

In 2-3 paragraphs, present your response in support of or in opposition to Maxwell and explain the basis of your position (in other words, why is your position correct?).  Be sure to include an example that illustrates your position. 

Also include a 1-2 paragraph discussion of the distinction between ethics and business ethics in your explanation. Cite your sources.

Part (B)

In Chapter 1: What is Business Ethics? we are introduced to the subject of this course. In 2-3 paragraphs respond to the following question: Why should we study business ethics? Cite your sources.

Learning Activity #2

In Chapter 2: Theories of Duties and Rights: Traditional Tools for Making Decisions in Business When the Means Justify the Ends we are introduced to two of the ethical theories that will guide our study this semester as we explore ethical decision making. Beginning on page 83, we are presented a case study titled Working at American Apparel. After having read Chapter 2 and the case study, respond to the following question in 2-3 detailed paragraphs:

In terms of duties Kant’s categorical imperative, which is more recommendable: keeping the American Apparel plant where and how it is, or moving it to Mexico and cutting the workers’ wages in half? Why is the decision you have made the better of the two?

Cite your sources.

Theme 1: What is Ethics?

Ethics is concerned with distinguishing between good and evil in the world, between right and wrong human actions, and between virtuous and non-virtuous characteristics of people. Ethics is the study of basic concepts and fundamental principles of decent human conduct.  It includes the study of universal values such as the essential equality of all men and women, human or natural rights, obedience to the law of land, concern for health and safety, and, increasingly, also for the natural environment. Similarly, business ethics is the study of how businesses and individuals define and construct values and moral behavior in the conduct of business.

Theme 2: Why Study Business Ethics?

John Hooker of Carnegie Mellon University suggests business ethics revolves around the question "How can one do good by doing well?"

Studying ethics is good for the bottom line because business relationships are built on trust, respect and reputation.  For instance, telling lies about a product or service offered, either through omission or directly, destroys trust in the selling or buying transaction. The loss of trust occurs immediately when the lie is caught and affects future years of potential transactions.  Volkswagen is one example to come under scrutiny for a bad ethical decision. In 2014, Volkswagen reported a profit of 2.5 billion Euros (Approximately $3.75 billion in 2014) (Cremer & Taylor, 2016). In 2015, the company lost 5.5 billion Euros (Approximately $8.25 billion in 2015) (Cremer & Taylor). In April 2016, the company announced they would put aside $18 billion to handle the fallout of potential losses from the emissions scandal (Cremer & Taylor). If you are subject to a bad service repair person do you call them a second time?

Reference:

Cremer, A. and Taylor, E. (2016, April 22).  Volkswagen takes $18 billion hit over emissions scandal.  Business News.  Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-emissions-germany-probe-idUSKCN0XJ19U

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bIys6JoEDw