Bad 270 Business Ethics Essay Exam Write Short Essays On The

Bsad 270 Business Ethics Essay Examwrite Short Essays On The Following

Write short essays on the following (up to 1 typed page each):

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1. Comment on the evolution of ethical theory as applied to individual and organizational behavior in business over historical periods. Specifically, analyze the statement: "The United States has been exporting the idea that the invisible hand of free-market capitalism can solve the troubles of mankind and guides societies toward greater happiness and prosperity as a result of the increased availability of products and services." Discuss how this idea has evolved over time, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of this perspective using concepts from Stanwick & Stanwick's Understanding Business Ethics.

2. Select two of the following business concerns: conflicts of interest, employer/employee relations, whistle blowing, corporate loyalty, workplace privacy, discrimination, or financial misconduct. Write approximately half a page on each topic, incorporating insights from Stanwick & Stanwick's textbook, particularly the section on whistle blowing in Chapter 13.

3. Analyze historical ethical theories through primary texts, focusing on Kant's Categorical Imperative. Trace the evolution of the rights of man from the American Revolution through key periods in U.S. history—including the Civil War, Women's Suffrage Movement, the 1948 UN Declaration of Human Rights, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Patriot Act. Discuss what inalienable human rights are, referencing the summaries in the provided Moral Philosophers Summaries PDF and linked resources.

4. Compare and contrast contemporary ethical issues with historical, current, and emerging ethical thought in the global business environment. Consider the impact of globalization—particularly the globalization of low-cost production—since colonial times through the industrial revolution and into the present. Evaluate the responsibilities of global corporations, whose power often exceeds that of some nations. Discuss who protects the rights of the people affected by these corporations and to whom these corporations are accountable. Use an ethical framework based on one of the philosophers (Kant, Kierkegaard, Buber, or Secretan) from the Moral Philosophers Summaries PDF as context for your analysis.

5. Write an essay on the importance of the Triple Bottom Line—economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Use the background context from McKee's Chapter 15 on Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility to inform your discussion.

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Ethics in business have evolved considerably over the centuries, shaped by societal changes, philosophical developments, and economic transformations. This evolution reflects the changing understanding of what constitutes moral behavior within organizations and society at large. Historically, ethical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and rights-based ethics have influenced individual and organizational conduct, guiding decisions from early commercial trade to modern corporate governance. The concept of the "invisible hand," introduced by Adam Smith in the 18th century, epitomizes the idea that free-market mechanisms inherently promote societal well-being through individual self-interest. Over time, this notion has been championed as a moral justification for capitalism, asserting that laissez-faire markets lead to optimal resource distribution, innovation, and prosperity.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, however, critics highlighted the limitations and ethical dilemmas of unregulated capitalism, such as inequality, environmental degradation, and corporate misconduct. Theoretical evolution reflects a shift from strict economic laissez-faire principles toward responsible capitalism and stakeholder theory, emphasizing ethical responsibilities toward employees, communities, and the environment. While proponents argue that free markets foster innovation and individual freedom—hallmarks of economic progress—the weaknesses include potential market failures, exploitation, and systemic inequality. Consequently, ethical business practices now integrate broader social considerations, acknowledging that solely pursuing profit can undermine societal welfare.

Moving on to specific business concerns, whistle blowing and discrimination significantly impact organizational integrity. Whistle blowing involves employees exposing unethical or illegal activities within their organizations. According to Stanwick & Stanwick, whistle blowers serve as crucial internal monitors; however, they often face retaliation, moral dilemmas, and organizational hostility. Ethical organizations should foster an environment that supports whistle blowers and ensures protection and fairness. Conversely, discrimination—be it based on race, gender, or other factors—violates fundamental human rights and undermines workplace cohesion. Addressing discrimination requires proactive policies, diversity initiatives, and a commitment to equity to promote an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

Transitioning to the analysis of historical ethical theories, Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative advocates acting according to principles that can be universally applied. Kant's deontological ethics underscore respect for persons as ends in themselves, emphasizing duty and moral law. Throughout U.S. history, the rights of man have evolved from the American Revolution’s assertion of liberty to pivotal moments like the Civil War’s abolition of slavery, the Women's Suffrage Movement's pursuit of gender equality, the Civil Rights Movement’s fight against racial discrimination, and the 1948 UN Declaration of Human Rights establishing universal rights. These milestones reflect an expanding recognition of human dignity, inalienable rights such as life, liberty, equality, and freedom from oppression. The Patriot Act, however, raised challenges to these rights, highlighting tensions between security and civil liberties.

The concept of inalienable human rights—inalienable because they are inherent and cannot be surrendered—has been a foundational principle driving social justice and reform. The U.S. Declaration of Independence declared rights to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," while later agreements like the Universal Declaration reaffirmed these rights globally. Philosophical underpinnings from Kantian ethics reinforce these ideas, asserting that individuals must be treated as ends, not means, thus advocating for universal respect and dignity for all persons. The historical trajectory reflects a growing consensus that these rights are fundamental to human dignity, yet ongoing struggles reveal the persistent gaps between ideal and reality.

In examining contemporary ethical issues in a globalized context, the dominance of multinational corporations has accelerated the dissemination of production and consumption patterns, often prioritizing cost minimization over social and environmental responsibility. This phenomenon raises critical questions: what responsibilities do these powerful corporations have toward the workers and environments in host countries? Who safeguards their rights? Typically, national governments, international organizations, and civil society attempt to regulate and oversee corporate conduct, but enforcement varies significantly across regions. Ethical frameworks, such as Kantian deontology, help evaluate whether corporate actions respect the dignity of all affected parties, emphasizing the importance of acting according to principles that uphold human rights universally.

Using Kant’s philosophy as context, ethical business conduct in globalization entails respecting human dignity and treating all stakeholders as ends in themselves. This perspective underscores the moral duty of corporations to ensure fair labor practices, environmental stewardship, and transparent governance, regardless of economic pressures. The global arena demands a heightened sense of moral responsibility, with accountability mechanisms including international agreements, consumer activism, and ethical certifications. Ultimately, corporations answer to a complex web of stakeholders, including governments, consumers, employees, and civil society, all of whom influence corporate accountability and ethical behavior in an interconnected world.

The concept of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)—balancing economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability—has gained prominence as a pragmatic approach to responsible business. McKee’s Chapter 15 highlights that sustainable organizations integrate financial success with social and ecological well-being, recognizing that long-term viability depends on maintaining healthy ecosystems and equitable societies. The TBL framework encourages companies to measure success through a comprehensive set of indicators that reflect their impact across these three dimensions, ensuring that economic activities do not undermine social cohesion or environmental integrity.

In practice, the TBL promotes corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethical sourcing, community engagement, and environmental conservation. It shifts the focus from short-term profits to sustainable growth, aligning business strategies with broader societal goals. This integrated approach not only mitigates risks associated with environmental degradation and social unrest but also enhances brand reputation and stakeholder trust. As the global economy faces unprecedented challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, the TBL offers a vital roadmap for organizations committed to creating value that endures beyond immediate financial gains.

References

• Adams, J. S. (1965). Inequity in social exchange. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 62-87.
• Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Boston: Pitman.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
• McKee, J. (2012). Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
• Schwerin, K. (2019). Ethical challenges of globalization. Journal of Business Ethics, 154(3), 625–640.
• Stanwick, P., & Stanwick, S. (2020). Understanding Business Ethics. SAGE Publications.
• United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
• Walker, B., & Salt, D. (2006). Resilience Thinking: Sustaining Ecosystems and People in a Changing World. Island Press.
• Wood, D. (2019). The global economy and corporate responsibility. Global Business and Organizational Excellence, 38(4), 6-18.