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In this course, you will look at classical ethical theories of utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. You will also examine different perspectives on ethical issues introduced by relativism, ethical egoism, and emotivism. For this paper, you will apply these theories and perspectives to a current issue, selected from the list of issues below. Choose one of the ethical issues from the list below to research and write about.
It is recommended that you choose a topic you are familiar with or have thought about previously. For example, you might choose an issue that either worries you or enrages you; you might choose one that you have worked on; or you might choose one that relates to recent events in your community. Possible Issues: Corporate executive compensation, Corporate contributions to political campaigns, Affirmative action, The media and its responsibilities, Domestic surveillance, Whistle blowing in government or in a business, Religion in the workplace, Pornography, Consumer tracking, Ethical problems of gambling, Progressive taxation rates, Immigration, Women’s equality.
For your paper, apply the ethical theories and perspectives to the issue you select. You do not have to use all six, but you should apply at least two ethical theories and at least one ethical perspective. Focus primarily on ethical topics and concepts; do not get distracted by political, economic, religious, or legal perspectives.
Describe, compare, and apply the ethical theories and perspectives to the chosen topic. Explain how the theories and perspectives would analyze the issue. What are the ethical issues involved? Where are breaches of ethical behavior? How could each theory help people think about what would constitute virtuous or ethical behavior?
The paper should be eight to ten pages in length (excluding title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style. Use at least five scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library other than the textbook to support your claims. You may also use the Sociology Research Guide available within the Ashford University Library.
Properly cite your sources both within the text and on the references page. For additional guidance on APA formatting, visit the Ashford Writing Center within the course resources.
Paper For Above instruction
Choosing the ethical issue of corporate executive compensation, this paper will analyze the topic through the lenses of utilitarianism and deontology, two prominent ethical theories. Additionally, it will incorporate the ethical perspective of relativism to provide a comprehensive ethical evaluation.
Corporate executive compensation has become a focal point in discussions about income inequality, corporate governance, and ethical conduct in business. This issue involves the remuneration packages awarded to corporate executives, often including high salaries, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. Critics argue that excessive executive pay, especially when not aligned with company performance or employee wages, breaches ethical standards of fairness and responsibility. Supporters contend that competitive compensation is necessary to attract talented leaders who can drive corporate success. This controversy raises fundamental ethical questions about fairness, justice, and the social responsibilities of corporations.
From a utilitarian standpoint, the ethical evaluation of executive compensation involves analyzing the consequences of high vs. moderate pay levels. Utilitarianism, as developed by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, emphasizes maximizing overall happiness and reducing suffering. Proponents argue that high compensation can motivate executives to perform better, leading to increased profits, employment, and shareholder value, thus producing greater net happiness. Conversely, critics contend that exorbitant pay disparities contribute to social unrest, decrease employee morale, and perpetuate economic inequality, which can generate long-term social harms. Overall, utilitarian analysis considers whether the policy of high executive pay produces more happiness than alternative compensation structures.
Deontology, rooted in the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, assesses ethical conduct based on duty, principles, and universal moral laws. According to Kantian ethics, actions are morally right if they are performed out of duty and according to maxims that could be universally accepted. Applying deontology to executive pay raises questions about fairness and respect for persons. If executives are awarded excessive compensation while ordinary employees are underpaid, this may violate the Kantian principle of treating individuals as ends rather than means. It breaches the moral duty to promote fairness and respect for all stakeholders. Deontological analysis would criticize unjustifiable disparities in pay as violations of moral duty and fairness.
The ethical perspective of relativism suggests that ethical judgments depend on cultural, societal, or individual contexts. From a relativist perspective, what is considered ethical in one society may not be in another. Regarding executive compensation, some cultures may accept high pay as a reflection of success and merit, while others see it as an injustice. Relativism highlights the importance of societal norms and values in shaping perceptions of fairness and ethicality. While relativism provides insights into cultural diversity in ethics, it also raises concerns about moral absolutes and the potential for ethical chaos if too heavily relied upon.
Analyzing the intersection of these theories reveals conflicting assessments of the ethicality of high executive pay. Utilitarianism may justify generous compensation if it leads to greater overall happiness, but also warns against it if social harms outweigh benefits. Kantian deontology underscores principles of fairness and respect, advocating for equitable pay structures that uphold dignity for all. Relativism emphasizes contextual values but can complicate establishing consistent ethical standards across cultures. These perspectives collectively inform the discussion on how to balance corporate success with ethical responsibility.
Breach of ethical behavior in executive compensation often manifests in greed, exploitation, and inequality. Excessive disparity between executive and worker pay can undermine basic ethical principles of justice and fairness. Companies that prioritize profits over social responsibility risk long-term reputational damage and social discontent. To foster ethical behavior, organizations should adopt transparent pay policies aligned with ethical principles, ensuring fairness and respect for all employees. Emphasizing corporate social responsibility aligns corporate interests with societal well-being, integrating ethical theories into practical governance.
In conclusion, applying utilitarianism, deontology, and relativism offers a robust ethical framework to evaluate executive compensation issues. These theories emphasize different aspects, including the consequences, duties, and societal norms shaping ethical behavior. An ethically responsible approach in corporate governance involves balancing incentives for performance with social fairness, guided by moral principles derived from these theories. Future policies should aim to optimize happiness, uphold fairness, and respect cultural contexts while promoting sustainable and ethical corporate practices.
References
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Moral and Legislation. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
- Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
- Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
- Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
- Shaw, W. H. (2016). Business Ethics: A Text and Cases (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
- Slote, M. (2007). The Ethics of Care and Empathy. The Journal of Philosophy, 104(6), 289–309.
- Thiroux, J. P., & Krasemann, K. W. (2012). Ethics: Theory and Practice (11th ed.). Pearson.
- Wilkinson, R., & Pickett, K. (2010). The Spirit Level: Why Equality Is Better for Everyone. Allen Lane.