This Is A 2-Part Assignment: Write Two Initial Reaction Post

This Is A 2 Part Assignmentwrite Two Initial Reaction Posts One To Ea

This is a 2-part assignment. Write two initial reaction posts: one for each primary question prompt. Each post should have a minimum of 100 words. Both initial reaction posts must be submitted by Thursday. The questions are:

• 1. Is being legal more important than being ethical, or vice versa?
• 2. What is the primary responsibility of a business? Explain.

Your responses must be original, written in your own words, and at least 100 words each. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. After completing the initial posts, respond to two other students’ posts for each question (two responses for question 1 and two for question 2). Responses are due by Saturday.

Paper For Above instruction

Part 1: Initial Reaction to the Questions

Question 1: Is being legal more important than being ethical, or vice versa?

In my opinion, ethics hold more significance than legality. Laws are written regulations created by governments, aiming to maintain social order, but they do not always encompass every moral dilemma a person or business may face. Ethics involve personal and societal values about right and wrong, guiding behavior beyond what is legally required. A business might operate legally yet behave unethically, such as exploiting workers or harming the environment. Conversely, ethical conduct, even if it conflicts with certain laws, can foster trust and credibility in the long term. Therefore, prioritizing ethics ensures that businesses act responsibly, uphold integrity, and contribute positively to society, which ultimately benefits their reputation and sustainability.

Question 2: What is the primary responsibility of a business? Explain.

The primary responsibility of a business is to generate profit for its shareholders while operating ethically and responsibly within the community. Profitability ensures business sustainability and growth, which benefits stakeholders and the economy. However, this responsibility should be balanced with social and environmental considerations. Businesses have a duty to act ethically toward employees, customers, and society at large—by promoting fair labor practices, providing quality products, and minimizing environmental harm. A successful company recognizes that long-term success depends on building trust and maintaining positive relations with stakeholders and the community. Ethical practices not only enhance reputation but also secure ongoing support and loyalty from consumers and partners.

Paper For Above instruction

The debate between legality and ethics in business practices is longstanding, with many arguing that ethics should take precedence over strict legal compliance. Laws provide a minimum standard of conduct, designed to prevent harmful behaviors and maintain social order. However, laws do not always align with moral principles, and there are instances where a business may operate within legal boundaries yet behave unethically. For example, a company may legally avoid environmental regulations to maximize profits but do so at the expense of environmental sustainability and community health. Ethical conduct entails going beyond legal obligations to do what is morally right, fostering trust, fairness, and long-term stability in business operations. Ethical businesses prioritize honesty, transparency, and social responsibility, which ultimately enhances their reputation and customer loyalty.

Regarding the primary responsibility of a business, the focus historically centered on profit maximization. While profit is undeniably crucial for survival and growth, modern perspectives emphasize a broader responsibility that includes social and environmental stewardship. A business's primary duty extends to creating value not just for shareholders but also for stakeholders—employees, customers, suppliers, and the community. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives exemplify this expanded responsibility by promoting ethical practices, reducing environmental impact, and engaging actively with community needs. Balancing profit with social responsibility helps companies build sustainable models that secure long-term success while contributing positively to society. Such an approach aligns economic goals with ethical commitments, fostering a healthier, more equitable business environment.

References

• Carnes, M. (2019). Business ethics: Ethical decision making & cases. Cengage Learning.
• Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2021). Business ethics: Ethical decision making & cases. Cengage.
• Crane, A., Matten, D., & Spence, L. J. (2019). Corporate social responsibility: Readings and cases in a global context. Routledge.
• Swanson, D. L. (2018). Introduction to business ethics. Routledge.
• Boatright, J. R. (2020). Ethics and the conduct of business. Pearson.
• Alexander, B. (2016). Business ethics: Critical perspectives on business and management. Routledge.
• Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2021). Managing business ethics. Wiley.
• Donaldson, T., & Werhane, P. H. (2021). Ethical issues in business: A philosophical approach. Pearson.
• Smith, N. C. (2017). Why good companies go bad: Corporate responsibility and the failure of ethics. John Wiley & Sons.
• Carroll, A. B. (2019). Business and society: Ethics and stakeholder management. Cengage Learning.