BUS3059 Week 1 Discussion

Ethical Considerations

Engaging in business research can raise dif�cult issues related to ethics. For example, if potentially harmful information about a customer is discovered during the

process of collecting data, to what extent, if any, should that information be used? This example illustrates the need for a company to have strong research ethics as

business research is being conducted.

Accuracy of information is another dimension in which ethics can be relevant in the context of business research. If a company researcher conducts research with �awed data and causes the company to take an action that it would not have taken if accurate data had been used, the company can lose shareholder wealth. This

would be contrary to the company objective of maximizing shareholder wealth.

First, the rights of the research participant, also known as the subject, should be protected. A research participant should not experience any discomfort, physical

harm, embarrassment, pain, or loss of privacy. To ensure this, the researcher should take certain actions. One action that can protect subjects from negative

consequences is to have the sign a nondisclosure form. In this way, the researcher can be legally bound not to reveal any of the data shared with the researcher by

the subject.

A potential research participant should be clearly informed about many aspects of the research project so that the participant can make an informed decision as to

whether or not the potential participant wishes to participate. Once the subject of the research provides informed consent, the researcher should ensure that the

subject is protected in every way possible.

There are many elements involved in securing the informed consent of a research participant. Review the "Actions Taken By A Researcher" document to learn

more about the steps required in securing such informed consent.

Additional Materials

View a Pdf Transcript of  Action Taken by a Researcher (media/week1/SU_BUS3059_W1_L4_S1_G2.pdf? _&d2lSessionVal=IVSGHc3LWe5wzZSkO1FBZlr2g&ou=84108)

View a Pdf Transcript of  Ethical Issues  (media/week1/SUO_BUS3059%20W1%20L2%20Ethical%20Issues.pdf?

_&d2lSessionVal=IVSGHc3LWe5wzZSkO1FBZlr2g&ou=84108)

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