What Are Ethics According To Alavudeen Ra

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Ethics, as defined by Alavudeen Rahman, Jayakumaran (2008), refers to a collection of prescribed codes of conduct among individuals or groups, which may be documented or informal. It encompasses the principles that guide what individuals ought to do, emphasizing behaviors that promote fairness, trust, kindness, and good conduct. Ethics often pertain to professional settings, such as rules that govern behaviors of employees or members of a particular profession, including equality in treatment and respectful interactions. They serve as standards that, when followed, contribute positively to societal and organizational values.

Distinguishing ethics from morality, Rahman and colleagues note that morality concerns conforming to a system of rules that define right or wrong, which can vary across cultures and contexts. Ethics, on the other hand, provide guidelines that govern professional conduct and societal expectations. While morality is often based on personal principles and varies between individuals and communities, ethics tend to be more standardized, sometimes codified in written form, to ensure consistency in behavior. Ethics can override individual moral choices in certain situations, such as legal professionals defending clients according to their ethical obligations, despite personal moral beliefs.

In my personal context as a student, I recognize that I have responsibilities to adhere to institutional rules and regulations. These ethical principles may not carry direct moral implications but are essential for maintaining discipline and respect within the educational environment. Respect for peers, irrespective of their age, gender, or race, exemplifies my ethical commitment to foster a fair and inclusive community. Upholding these standards promotes a harmonious learning environment and demonstrates personal accountability rooted in institutional ethics.

The origins of ethics are tied to societal justice principles, reflecting the necessity to manage conflicts and promote social harmony. Singer (2013) elaborates that societal conflicts prompt the development and refinement of social rules, including workplace standards aimed at creating neutral environments where interactions are fair and equitable. Similarly, Edel (1993) asserts that ethics evolve from individual moral differences and are constructed through addressing these variations by establishing common standards. As society becomes more complex, ethics serve as mechanisms to balance individual differences and promote social cohesion.

Regarding the ethical responsibilities of businesses, Sims (2003) emphasizes that corporations have a duty to act ethically, ensuring that their actions fulfill the interests of diverse stakeholders. Stakeholders — including employees, customers, suppliers, and the community — hold different stakes in the organization, which may sometimes conflict. To navigate this, businesses often establish ethics committees to oversee compliance with ethical standards and address violations through sanctions or corrective measures. Such frameworks ensure that weaker or less-powerful stakeholders—such as marginalized groups or the environment—are protected and their interests prioritized.

Furthermore, businesses owe ethical responsibility to the society in which they operate. This entails conducting activities legally and ethically—avoiding corruption like bribery, minimizing environmental pollution, and engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives. For example, refraining from practices that harm the environment demonstrates a business's commitment to external stakeholders, fostering goodwill and sustainable development. Implementing a code of ethics that promotes transparency, fairness, and environmental stewardship helps companies build trust and legitimacy within the broader community.

In conclusion, ethics serve as essential principles guiding individual and organizational conduct. They originate from societal needs to resolve conflicts and promote fairness and trust. In professional contexts, ethics act as frameworks to regulate behavior, protect vulnerable parties, and ensure social harmony. Businesses, in particular, bear significant ethical responsibilities toward their stakeholders and society at large. By adhering to ethical standards, organizations can foster trust, promote justice, and contribute to the common good, ensuring long-term sustainability and social legitimacy.

References

• Alavudeen, A., Rahman, R. K., & Jayakumaran, M. (2008). Professional ethics and human values. Firewall Media.
• Edel, A. (1993). In Search of the Ethical: Moral Theory in Twentieth Century America (Vol. 5). Transaction Publishers.
• Sims, R. R. (2003). Ethics and corporate social responsibility: Why giants fall. Praeger.
• Singer, P. (2013). A Companion to Ethics. John Wiley & Sons.
• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Kidder, R. M. (2005). How Good People Make Tough Decisions. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Donaldson, T., & Werhane, P. H. (2008). Ethical Issues in Business: A Philosophical Approach. Pearson.
• Bowen, S. A., & De Croon, R. (2001). Ethical decision making in business: A managerial approach. Journal of Business Ethics, 30(2), 189-199.
• Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2016). Corporate Social Responsibility: Concepts, Practice, and Context. Oxford University Press.
• Sandler, N. (2012). Business ethics in the global economy. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 3(21), 159-165.