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Discussion on Ethics in Business Decision-Making
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Discussion on Ethics in Business Decision-Making
Introduction
This is a common excuse used by people who make decisions that harm others or society,
as famously captured by the famous movie The Godfather,' 'It's not personal, it's just business.
'This assertion usually means, or assumes, that business decisions should be ethically neutral,
preoccupied solely by financial or strategic objectives. However, the relationship between ethics
and business is more complex, and ethical issues should be connected to the business point of
view. This essay will examine this phrase, the meaning behind ethically permissible actions, the
importance of ethical actions, and the effect of power on moral decisions.
Whenever a man or a woman tries to defend himself or herself with the words, 'It was not
personal; it was business,' one has to consider the circumstances under which the decision was
made. Organizational needs usually come before people's well-being, performance, or priorities
since business choices focus on profits, productivity, or objectives. Notably, one must learn how
such decisions affect you personally or professionally. Establishing ethical concerns and possible
implications of the decision might influence people and bring ethical considerations into the
discussion. Ethics in business is crucial since it defines long-term success with no issues to do
with trust, reputation and r, or relations. Offering different strategies that enable the company to
meet business goals on the condition that they do not harm individuals or their communities can
show that ethical concerns are not only possible in the business context but are also vital for the
success of business initiatives.
Regarding whether some actions can be ethically free, various opinions depend on the
stance one takes. Others might be deemed strictly aesthetically or non-ethical when they are not
directly affecting others or ethical frameworks. For instance, deciding which coffee brand to use
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in the home can be deemed an amoral decision since it poses minimal risk to society. However,
actions described as amoral are occasionally based on an action's contextual and possible
implications. The decision or action that has potent effects that influence other individuals cannot
be neutral from an ethical perspective. Another factor that influences the process of defining
amoral actions involves authority, as the consensus that can be derived from societal standards or
legal codes, as well as what is considered acceptable or unacceptable by most ethical theorists
and practical ethicists.
Suppose the premise is adopted that there is nothing non-ethical about any action or that
everything does have some ethical dimension. In that case, ethical prioritization becomes
established based on the criterion of effects and their relevance. The measures that would cause
the most and the quickest improvement in the well-being and the rights of the people should be
considered first. The assessments of stakeholders can show how one feature influences various
groups; thus, it supports ethical action prioritization. In this case, it is possible to observe that
certain moral principles like justice, fairness, and non-maleficence guide decisions about
individuals' lives. Ethical actions are necessary because they mean that all those who have the
potential to do the best or harm are attended to most.
The claim that ethical judgments are simply the act of exercising power brings another
level of controversy. Of course, those in power may decide what is moral or unethical, and
historical and cultural factors play a crucial role here. But, attempting to reach universally ethical
standards that will herald such principles as human rights, fairness, and justice is essential.
Promoting the discussion and evaluation of ethical statements prevents them from being mere
manifestations of power and enhances their moral reasoning, thus improving the overall global
welfare.
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In Chapter 3: Global Business & Professional Ethics of Brooks & Dunn Business &
Professional Ethics, there is a call to have ethical values included as a consideration in the
governance and strategic management processes. It brings out the various ways that ethical
breakdowns may cost the organization and society in a bid to argue how ethical considerations
should form the basis of all business undertakings. Several examples are included to demonstrate
the effects of ethical and unethical actions in business and provide further support for the notion
that ethics ought to be integrated into business plans.
In conclusion, ethical decision-making is about weighing the pros and cons of business
decisions for individuals, communities, and society. Business decisions should not disregard
ethical factors; every decision should aim to further business objectives while fulfilling moral
obligations. Business organizations will avoid negative social impacts through ethical action and
attaining more impartial ethical goals while maintaining their strategic business goals.
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