Chapter 5 (Review Questions)
Chapter 5 (Review Questions)
Chapter 5 (Review Questions)
1. Define “Ethics”
Ethics, as defined in the book, refers to a set of moral principles or values that
govern the actions and decisions of an individual or a group. Its primary objective
is to guide and encourage the members of a company or simply an individual to act
in accordance with the rules of the company to promote uniformity and efficient
output. Each person may follow different ethics but in a society as a whole, there is
a certain principle that is followed by everyone which validates whether a certain
action is ethical or not. Ethics could also be associated with moral philosophy as it
could determine whether an actions is morally bad or good, and morally right and
wrong.
3. Name and explain the characteristics and values associated with ethical
behaviour.
Integrity
This encourages the company members to be courageous, upright and
honourable. It discourages the characteristics of being twofaced and
unscrupulous or adopt an end-justice-the means philosophy that ignores
principles.
Honesty
This aims to govern the employees to disclose only the truth and aims to
eliminate cheating, lying, stealing and deceiving.
Trustworthiness and promise Keeping
This cherishes the essence of trust and full commitments among the
company members. It promotes just and reasonable interpretations of
agreements in order to rationalize noncompliance or excuses in breaking
commitments.
Loyalty and Confidentiality
This refer to being loyal to employers, client and the country. It tells us not to
disclose information learned in confidence and safeguard the influences and
conflicts of interests.
Fairness and Openness
Being fair and open-minded in dealing with different situations. A person
who is willing to commit mistakes, flexible enough to change his perceptions
and beliefs, and equally treats other individuals. He does not take advantage
of other’s weaknesses and has a high tolerance of accepting diversity within
the organization.
Caring for Others
Being caring, kind and compassionate towards other people; willing to share
and provide service to others without asking something in return and willing
to help those in need.
Respect for Others
Values respect for dignity and privacy. A person who provides others the
information they need to make reasonable decisions and do not embarrass
nor demean others.
Responsible Citizenship
It promotes a citizen who obeys laws and exercises all democratic rights by
participating to government activities and public service. Those who belong
in high position of leadership should honour democratic processes of
decision making that prioritizes the welfare of the people. It does not tolerate
unnecessary concealment of information and assure that all decisions are
derived from intelligent choices.
Pursuit of Excellence
It exemplify a person who meets personal and professional responsibilities
with excellence and to the best of his ability. He should maintain a high
degree of competence and does not easily content with mediocrity.
Accountability
Accepts responsibility for decisions for the foreseeable consequences of
actions and inactions. Those who are in higher positions such as parents,
public officials, teacher and employers should exercise leadership to
safeguard the integrity of their families, the government and professions.