Show Ethics play a huge role in modern businesses and can impact all aspects of doing business. Not only your customers expect you to act on ethical principles, it’s also about your reputation, public perception and employee productivity. Research has shown that companies that work to build an ethical workplace are more financially successful. It creates a more motivated and productive work environment. Here are 4 ethical principles that can help you connect to the characteristics and values that most people associate with ethical behavior: 1. Respect for othersEthical people show respect for the human dignity, autonomy, rights, privacy and interest of all stakeholders. They treat all people with equal respect and dignity regardless of sex, race or national origin. 2. HonestyYou should be honest and truthful in all your dealings while not deliberately mislead or deceive others by misrepresentations, overstatements, partial truths and selective omissions. 3. AccountabilityYou can acknowledge and accept your personal accountability for the ethical quality of your own decisions to themselves, your colleagues, the company and their communities. 4. IntegrityYou show personal integrity by doing what you think is right even when there is great pressure to do otherwise. You are principled, upright and honorable and fight for what you believe in. Following ethical principles is important for many reasons and a major selling point for many customers nowadays. You can take the lead in creating a better culture, improving your brand or the companies and simply feel good that you’re doing something positive. BY FRANK KUIJSTERSDirector – Digne Consult Asia Pacific
The discipline also emphasizes a code of conduct; a set of unwritten rules which are not legally enforceable. There is a lot of fine print when it comes to ever-changing corporate regulations. Business ethics, therefore, educates businessmen and employees about ethical procedures and penalties for non-compliance.
Business Ethics ExplainedBusiness ethics ascertain social, cultural, legal, and other economic limitations and safeguard the interest of parties involved. Further, it emphasizes moral and social values like consumer protection, welfare, fair business practices, and service to society. You are free to use this image on your website, templates, etc., Please provide us with an attribution link Article Link to be HyperlinkedFor eg: Source: Business Ethics (wallstreetmojo.com) Businesses are expected to be fair and honest in all their dealings. If businesses fail to do so, they face dire consequences. The statutory laws govern ethics. But ethics go beyond enforcement; they are to be self-imposed and followed diligently. To uphold ethics, businesses must conduct internal auditsInternal audit refers to the inspection conducted to assess and enhance the company's risk management efficacy, evaluate the different internal controls, and ensure that the company adheres to all the regulations. It helps the management and board of directors to identify and rectify the loopholes before the external audit.read more and quality control checks at regular intervals. Also, ethics vary from company to company. Factors Influencing Business EthicsThe application of ethics depends on the personal values of the business owners. At the end of the day, what is right and wrong within a firm boils down to individual ethics. Therefore, when managements choose leaders, ethics play a huge role. These individuals represent the firm. The management is ultimately liable for any unethical practice conducted by an executive or employee. More importantly, there are industry-specific government guidelines for working conditions, product safety, statutory warning, and social responsibilities. The guidelines need to be followed for the smooth functioning of the firm. The social culture impacts ethics; businesses are expected to adopt certain social and moral practices. If businesses fail to comply with societal norms, they risk ruining brand image, reputation, and credibility. Business Ethics ExampleA simple example of being ethical is avoiding plastic bags. Currently, corporate ethics strongly emphasize sustainability—resources for future generations are at risk. On December 9, 2021, Wintrust Financial Corporation won the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Torch Award for Ethics. Wintrust is a Chicago-based financial service. The company is known for its ethical standards and fair business practices. Wintrust flared out as a value-driven organization. Every employee tries to provide a relationship-centric banking solution. BBB is popular for its contribution to community service and financial care. Principles of Business EthicsThe fundamental principles of business ethics are as follows: You are free to use this image on your website, templates, etc., Please provide us with an attribution link Article Link to be HyperlinkedFor eg: Source: Business Ethics (wallstreetmojo.com)
Types of Business EthicsGiven below are the standard ethical practices that a business should adopt: You are free to use this image on your website, templates, etc., Please provide us with an attribution link Article Link to be HyperlinkedFor eg: Source: Business Ethics (wallstreetmojo.com)
ChallengesEducating employees on their ethical code of conduct is a huge challenge. Unlike personal ethics, corporate rules and regulations are complex. Non-compliance may not affect an employee much, but the firm could suffer huge losses. In large firms, it is a tedious task; there is less direct communication. Emails do not succeed in conveying the intended message accurately. If the corporate ideology is not well-communicated to the workers, there are chances of non-compliance. One simple mistake by one employee could tarnish the brand image of a huge entity. Moral compliance, bribes, sexual harassment, and a toxic atmosphere are the common challenges faced by firms. But, there is the other extreme too. Stringent rules drafted in the name of ethics interfere with the growth and profitability of businesses. On top of all the philanthropy and welfare, firms need to turn a profit. Without profits, businesses can’t pay their employees. Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)Why is business ethics important? Non-compliance with ethics can result in hefty fines and legal actions. Firms are liable for the illegal activities of their employees. Even if laws can be circumvented, businesses risk paying a hidden cost—loss of reputation. A small mistake made by one employee can tarnish the brand image of a large firm. How to make ethical decisions in business? For making ethical decisions, the management should go through the ethical guidelines. They must first ascertain what is right and what is wrong. Next, the firm must evaluate the impact of decisions. These decisions impact customers, employees, and shareholders. Finally, the management must communicate the conclusion with the stakeholders. What are the different types of ethical issues? Common ethical issues include workplace discrimination, inaccurate financial reporting, inappropriate safety measures, poor working conditions, employee harassment, and misleading product information. Unfortunately, large firms struggle to communicate ethics. Lack of direct communication hampers the enforcement of ethical policies. Recommended ArticlesThis has been a guide to Business Ethics & its Definition. Here we explain business ethics types, principles, challenges, examples, and the consequences of unethical practices. You can learn more about it from the following articles – |