Bulacan State University College of Business Administration Business Ethics

Ethics Also known as known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct. The term comes from the Greek word ethos, which means character. Ethics is a compliment to Aesthetics in the philosophy field of Axiology. In, philosophy, Ethics studies the moral behavior in humans and how one should act. Ethics may be: Business (also known as enterprise or firm) is an organization involved in the trade of goods, services or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to provide service to customers. Businesses may also be not-for-profit or state-owned. A business owned by multiple individuals may be referred to as a company, although that term also has a more precise meaning. Characteristics of Business 1. Entrepreneur 2. Deals in goods and services 3. Involve production or exchange in goods 4. Series of deals 5. Desire to earn profit 6. Involves element of risks 7. Creation of utilities, etc. Importance of Business Ethics Ethics in business are not only common sense, but business sense as well, no matter if you run a huge corporation or a little home business from your garage. Some people raise hell when they get bad service or are overcharged for a product. But the vast majority of people are too busy or too tired to make a scene or write letters of complaint. This majority of customers just make a quiet mental note of what a useless business you have, and vow to never go back there, and they usually dont. These days of online shopping and delivery to your doorstep services, its really easy to find an alternative supplier. So honestly and respect really do pay in the business world, especially in the long term. Many hot shot whizz kids have made their fortune by partially ignoring business ethics and honesty, and this was one of the main contributing factors to the latest recession we are presently enduring. Bad ethics and dishonesty, greed and rudeness do not help a business at all, and the business will collapse when the customers all go elsewhere, or when the whizz kid crookedness is found out and punished.

It doesnt take a rocket scientist to work these simple principles out. So why do highly educated professionals and seasoned businessmen and entrepreneurs make the mistake of forgetting business ethics? It requires the courage of your convictions and good moral base in the individuals. Dishonesty does give you cash in the short term, much like sawing off the branch that you are sitting on gives you timber for a short time. So it will always be a temptation to those with weak morals coupled with financial pressure. In many cases it takes rough courage to be honest, but out if the troubles that businesses go through, its reputation grows, and businesses with good reputations are successful businesses. Naturally, you still need a good business plan and a hungry market, as well as ethics, to be successful. But good ethics are vital to keeping you successful. Prepared by: Jeanky Lou Cerillo June 17, 2013

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Ethics are important to us, it is discipline dealing with good and evil and with moral duty. It is also important to people who have a business or an entrepreneur. Business involves major activities like production, manufacturing, marketing, advertising and selling. It is an activity that is part and parcel of human society therefore its activities must be examined from the ethical perspective. The reason for examining the activities of business from the moral perspective is for the promotion of the common goods, protection of the individuals interests, and the preservation of human society in general. We should study ethics because it is the way for common ground in our understanding of the fundamental idea of what is good and what is bad in our human conduct. Without Ethics, people, especially businessmen, will set their own moral standards, moral rules and moral principles. Ethics as a science does not only evaluate the morality of our human conduct but also provides us with a common understanding of the universal, objective, and irreversible moral principles that govern our human conduct and guide our moral decisions.

Bulacan State University College of Business Administration Business Ethics

Businessmans Myth about Ethics

Myth #1: Professional ethics can be separated from personal ethics. A variation of the first myth is that we can live however we wish in our personal lives as long as we act ethically on the job. Aristotle discards such a juvenile idea when he proclaims that my character is the sum of all my habits. If I lie habitually in my personal life, then I am not building the strength or the character to stand true at other times. If I lie in my personal life, then likely I will lie in business situations. I will be too weak to resist future temptations of prevarication, even if they take place in the business realm. Myth #2: Ethics is matter of education alone. To act in an ethical way, one must understand his or her duties and obligations. Obliviously, education has a role to play in instructing folks about their ethical responsibilities. I have learned, however, that education alone does not produce ethical people, for some very highly educated people act thoughtlessly and selfishly and unethically. To steer citizens toward more ethical behavior, we must supplement education with enforcement with enforcement. When individuals break the rules, they need to suffer ill consequences. Enforcement incorporates justice into the social setting as well as providing disincentives for others to engage in unethical behavior. Myth #3: Responsibility for ethical education rests with colleges and universities. The calls for more ethics training at colleges and universities make me laugh. O wonder where were the parents, the churches, the K-12 teachers, the Little League coaches, and the Girl Scout leaders? Does our society really think that if we ignore ethics for 18 years that all can be made up during the college years? It is no wonder that we have a crisis of values! Myth #4: You either are an ethical person or you are not. This myth has several problems. The first mistake is that this assertion presumes that education and enforcement and habit building have no role to play. Clearly, they do. The second problem with this thought is that it assumes perfection but all people have ethical lapses. (I silently chuckle whenever people inform me that they never lie, because they just did). What differentiates the two groups is that an ethical person will admit the error, try to make amends, and learn from the transgression. Unethical people cover up the blunder, do not care about the consequences of their sin, and learn nothing from the experience. Myth #5: Business ethics is more a matter of religion than management. Altering peoples values or souls isnt the aim of an organizational ethics program managing values and conflict among them is

Myth #6: Business ethics is superfluous it only asserts the obvious: do good!. Many people react that codes of ethics, or lists of ethical values to which the organization aspires, are rather superfluous because they represent values to which everyone should naturally spire. The value of a code of ethics to an organization is its priority and focus regarding certain ethical values in that workplace. Its obvious that all people should be honest. If an organization is struggling around continuing occasions of deceit in the workplace, a priority on honesty is very timely and honesty should be listed in that organizations code of ethics. note that a code of ethics is an organic instrument that changes with the needs of society and the organization. Myth #7: Business ethics is a matter of the good guys preaching to the bad guys. Some writers do seems to claim a moral high ground while lamenting the poor condition of business and its leaders. However, those people well versed in managing organizations realize that good people can take bad actions, particularly when stressed or confused. (Stress or confusion are not excuses for unethical actions they are reasons). Managing ethics in the workplace includes all of us working together to help each other remain ethical and to work through confusing and stressful dilemmas. Myth #8: Ethics cant be managed. Actually, ethics is always managed but, too often, indirectly. For example, the behavior of the organizations founder or current leader is a strong moral influence, or directive if you will, on behavior or employees in the workplace. Strategic priorities (profit maximization, expanding market share, cutting costs, etc.) can be very strong influences on morality. Laws, regulations and rules directly influence behaviors to be more ethical, usually in a manner that improves the general good and/or minimizes harm to the community. Some are still skeptical about business ethics, believing you cant manage values in an organization. Donaldson and Davis (Management Decision, V28, N6) note that management, after all, is a value system. Skeptics might consider the tremendous influence of several codes of ethics, such as the 10 Commandments in Christian religions or the U.S. Constitution. Codes can be very powerful in smaller organizations a well. Myth #9: Our organization is not in trouble with the law, so were ethical. One can often be unethical, yet operate within the limits of the law, e.g., withhold information from superiors fudge on budgets , constantly complain about other, etc. however, breaking the law often starts with unethical behavior that has gone unnoticed. The boil the frog phenomena is a useful parable here: if you put a frog in a hot water, it immediately jumps out. If you put a frog in cool water and slowly heat up the water, you can eventually boil the frog. The frog doesnt seem to notice the adverse change in its environment. Relationship between Ethics and Business The relationship between business and ethics is intrinsically entwined. A successful company is one which can effectively recognize and cultivate the relationship which exists between the two. The relationship between business and ethics is inherently linked, but there are some who fail to make this connection. To determine business is business is not accurate as responsible (ethical) decision making is an important component of doing good business.

Granted the unethical companies may initially make significant gains financially and deliver the profits, but at what cost? When companies make unethical decisions it can result in defective or rushed products, unsubstantiated firing of employees, and false presentations of products to consumers, Is this good for the company? The fact its is illusion. Yes, these factors will all costs and give the appearance of profit, but its inevitable that poor choices will negatively impact the business. Consumer trust and confidence in a business can only serve to benefit the company. Economic rules dictate that the larger a network, the more value is added to that network. If customers can accurately rely on the fair treatment, expertise and knowledge of a company, this will further expand their reputation as honest and as a result attract more customers. This ultimately economical benefit the company as well, and their network will grow. This being the case, it would be in a companys best interest to promote universal ethically good behavior I the workplace. A positive reputation leads to higher profits and provide better service for the public. Ethics and business go hand in hand cannot effectively be separated. Ultimately implementing a strong ethical policy is a win-win situation for all. In todays competitive environment why wouldnt a company want to do all they can do to promote success on all levels? Moral Reasoning in Business Moral reasoning can be defined as the process of discerning what courses of action in a given situation are moral in which ones are not. While you can certainly do moral reasoning in a vacuum, such as for the purpose of developing basic moral principles like a prohibition against murder, the reality is that moral reasoning that is not applied to concrete situations is ultimately devoid of its essential purpose. That purpose is to make choices that create better situations not only for yourself but or those around you and society as a whole. Thus moral reasoning aims at some wider good even though the conception of that good may change defending on a variety of factors. That good, though, cannot be separated into distinct areas of life; it must apply across the board in everything you do. This is necessary because moral failures in one area of life eventually spill over and affect other areas of life. Not only does business need to have its own house in order and be open and honest about its products and services, it also needs to exercise the same kind of social responsibility expected from individual citizens. Again this implies the impossibility of really separating business ethics from personal morality; they are indeed one in the same. While a business may have its own specific moral requirements, these are in addition and complementary to those already in society as whole. Failing to heed them not only damages society but puts the very profitability of the enterprise at risks.

Prepared by: Canny De Jesus June 17, 2013

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Being ethical is not the same as doing "whatever society accepts." In any society, most people accept standards that are, in fact, ethical. But standards of behavior in society can deviate from what is ethical. An entire society can become ethically corrupt. Nazi Germany is a good example of a morally corrupt society. In this topic there are different myths of businessman like - professional ethics can be separated from personal ethics, ethics is matter of education alone, responsibility for ethical education rests with colleges and

universities, you either are an ethical person or you are not, business ethics is more a matter of religion than management, business ethics is superfluous it only asserts the obvious: do good!, and etc. The essence of studying Business Ethics is to provide managers and decision makers with a framework for the resolution of moral issues and problems affecting business activities and the organization. Moral reasoning is a process in which ethical issues and problems are benchmarked against a moral standard so that a moral judgment is made possible. Since managers are tasked to solve problems in the organization and its activities, it is also the responsibility of managers to help in the resolution, if not, prevention of moral problems in business activities and the enterprise.

Bulacan State University College of Business Administration Business Ethics Morality Principles concerning the distinction between the right and wrong / good and bad behavior. Principles or habit with respect to the right or wrong conduct. It defines how things should work according to an individual ideals and principles.

Business Ethics Business Ethics is the study of what is right and wrong human behavior and conduct in business. Business Ethics is a study of the perceptions of people about morality, moral norms, moral rules, and ethical principles as they apply and institutions in business. Ethics in business are nothing but the dos and dont s by the users in the business.

Profit Motive The incentive or desire to work or form a business in order to gain profit or make financial gains. Profit-motive is an ethical issue operates within two important aspects of our human conductfreedom and the structure of business. The element of freedom implies that businessmen have the right to decide on the amount of profit they want to earn in the process of selling goods and services to customers.

The Good and the Bad Sides of Profit-Motive The Good Side of Profit-Motive 1. Profit motive motivates people to do something meaningful, e.g., it gives human life a goal to pursue and something to live for. 2. Profit-motive promotes ingenuity and cleverness in running a business, e.g., business leaders and entrepreneurs have to struggle to overcome obstacles in order to achieve success. 3. Profit-motive makes people productive. Because of their desire for money businessmen have become productive and some of their products have been useful and have enhanced human life. 4. Profit-motive generates potential capital for the business. Profit is potential capital, something that can be invested to establish new businesses. In this way, profit also results in more jobs and more goods and services for the public and the society as a whole.

The Bad Side of Profit-Motive 1. Profit-motive promotes rivalry among competitors. Sometimes the competition becomes stiff that it results into a dog-eat-dog world of business where sources achieved by competing with others and pushing them down in order that ones own business might succeed. This certainty dramatizes business as an important human activity. 2. Profit-motive makes people focus only on making money, that is, to sell as many goods as possible without considering whether or not these products satisfy the needs and wants of consumers and end users. 3. Profit-motive turns businessman from being a reflective and a questioning person because it focuses his attention on the practical activity of making money. Thus, a life centered on profit results into a narrow existence, deficient in many important human dimensions. 4. Profit-motive promotes self-interest rather than the common good. The profit-motive, has to some extent, benefited some businessmen but it has also created some social costs that many people, if not the majority have to bear, e.g., depletion of the natural resources, toxic waster being thrown into the rivers, pollution of the environment, and disregard for the next generation to come. Prepared by: Jasmin Ruby S. Delos Santos June 17, 2013

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In this topic morality says that it is principles concerning the distinction between the right and wrong / good and bad behavior and principles or habit with respect to the right or wrong conduct. It defines how things should work according to an individual ideals and principles. There are different characteristics of good moral standards this are; a good standard should be objective and not subjective. It should be universally accepted and should apply to all. What is good for one person should be at the same time good for everybody, a good standard, when violated, brings about feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse of conscience and etc,. In business, there are factors why businessman put up a business, it is to make profit customer satisfaction, fair treatment of the employees, and respect for the environment. Businessmen consider profit as a form of anticipated reward or a compensation for the efforts they spend, skills they apply, and returns for the capital they invested in organizing the business.

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Bulacan State University College of Business Administration Business Ethics Problems of Ethical Relativism and Situation Ethics Ethical relativism - is basically the theory that holds that morality is relative to the norms of one's culture. There are no universal moral standards - That is, whether an action is right or wrong depends on the moral norms of the society in which it is practiced. The same action may be morally right in one society but be morally wrong in another. Some moral beliefs are culturally relative whereas others are not. Certain practices, such as customs regarding dress and decency, may depend on local custom whereas other practices, such as slavery, torture, or political repression, may be governed by universal moral standards and judged wrong despite the many other differences that exist among cultures. If the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on a society's norms, then it follows that one must obey the norms of one's society and to diverge from those norms is to act immorally. Example: If I am a member of a society that believes that racial or sexist practices are morally permissible, then I must accept those practices as morally right. But such a view promotes social conformity and leaves no room for moral reform or improvement in a society.

Moral Sense in Us Hume argued that moral evaluations arise from our sentiments. - When we observe a morally praiseworthy or blameworthy action, that action produces in us a corresponding feeling of approval or disapproval. - According to Hume, when we witness human suffering we are moved by feelings of sympathy to disapprove of the cause of the suffering, because we can imagine ourselves in that position. Pinkner states that the moral sense may be rooted in the design of the normal human brain.

Two Ethical Systems Teleological ethical system is based on the outcome of an act. If you do something that is bad as long as the outcome of that act is good then it is considered to be a good act. Utilitarianism is the view that "what is good is determined by the consequences of the action". If it can be shown that an action benefits the greater amount, than it is good because it outweighs the small amount of harm that the action has caused.

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 Ethics of virtues. Instead of judging the act or consequences, this ethical system looks at the person who is committing the act. It believes that in order for something to be considered a good act then the person must be a good person. Good people and will do good. Virtue of care which is based on the needs of individuals who are sick, injured, or incapable to make decisions on their own. The decisions are based on the immediate needs of individuals being cared for and doesn't concern itself with a person's individual rights. Deontological ethical system this system is based on the act itself. It is the normative ethical position that judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules. Deontological ethical systems are concerned with the nature of an action that is being judged. If the action is considered to be inherently good, even if the action has bad consequences then it can be defined as good. Preferred by: Katerine Lorenzo July 1, 2013

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Problems of Ethical Relativism and Situation Ethics it is believed that the differential in norms and culture result to ethical relativism, where in it is believed that because people where not always brought up in same environment, norms and culture where in there are probably more differences in ethical views rather than compatibility. In which may probably or most probably affect their views in other sense or morality. Moral sense in us define also by are own views of what wrong and right for us to be able to define others. We gather or base our own ideals through our ethical views. Teleological ethical system for me means that as long as the result is good it doesnt matter or what is the act made, while Utilitarianism is defined by the action itself when it is done meaning it doesnt matter what the outcome will be as long as your action is based in good ethical view in ethical virtue it is believe that act or outcome is good because I is judge by the person doing the act.

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Bulacan State University College of Business Administration Business Ethics

Human Conduct It deals with right or wrong, obligation and permissions, what is above and beyond the call of duty, and of what is so wrong as to be evil. The Development of Human Conduct A growing gap between rich and poor combined with accelerating environmental and social disintegration offer powerful testimony to the failure of conventional developmental practice in countries of both South and North. Humanity has arrived at a moment of crucial choice that presents a unique challenge to its collective intelligence and the technical and social advances it has so far achieved. The major hope for mobilizing social forces behind the affirmative choice is found within an awakened global civil society, an awakening already taking place. This vision calls for an end to social and environmental exploitation by the powerful t the expense of the powerless. In their place it envisions societies that empower people through economic and political decentralization to regenerate the local communities and ecologies that such exploitation ha s devastated. Development of Business Ethics Business ethics tend to cover various activity levels including responsibilities, obligations employees, customers, businesses, environment, and national/multinational governments. There are times when ethics is dictated by the folkways and conventions although there are also times when federal laws affect it as well. This is where institutionalized business ethics enter the scenes which include the contracts, product safety, pricing, warranties, and many others. There are now professions and corporations that contribute to the establishment of the code of ethics. Researches usually explore business ethics in three ways studying famous philosophers and their views, identifying ethical concerns, and examining various case studies. The development of business ethics took a long time. It embraces different generations until the present. The code cant be developed overnight. Businesses are expected to comply with the code to make sure that operations are carried out properly and without violating morality. If you want your business to stay competitive, it is important that you know the code of ethics.

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Defining Professionalism The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines professionalism as "the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person"; and it defines a profession as "a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation." These definitions imply that professionalism encompasses a number of different attributes, and, together, these attributes identify and define a professional. So, what are these attributes? Specialized Knowledge First and foremost, professionals are known for their specialized knowledge. They've made a deep personal commitment to develop and improve their skills, and, where appropriate, they have the degrees and certifications that serve as the foundation of this knowledge. Competency Professionals get the job done. They're reliable, and they keep their promises. Professionals don't make excuses, but focus on finding solutions. Honesty and Integrity Professionals exhibit qualities such as honesty and integrity. They keep their word, and they can be trusted implicitly because of this. They never compromise their values, and will do the right thing, even when it means taking a harder road. More than this, true professionals are humble if a project or job falls outside their scope of expertise, they're not afraid to admit this. Accountability Professionals hold themselves accountable for their thoughts, words, and actions, especially when they've made a mistake. Self-Regulation They also stay professional under pressure. They consider the emotions and needs of others, and they don't let a bad day impact how they interact with colleagues or clients.

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Image Professionals look the part they don't show up to work sloppily dressed, with unkempt hair. They're polished, and they dress appropriately for the situation because if this, they exude an air of confidence, and they gain respect.

Preferred by: Ernest Esteban July 8, 2013

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Human conduct says that it deals with right or wrong, obligation and permissions, what is above and beyond the call of duty, and of what is so wrong as to be evil. The development of human conduct is generally being define by the rich and poor combined with accelerating environment. It is believed that human conduct can be developed and shaped differentiated through different act and means governing ones environment and ways of living. It is being lived through while develop or shaped overnight since it is the motivation and purpose of business goals is what defines it. As long as one knows it is goals and purpose rules could be the same and maybe passed on the next generation as it is. Professionalism is generally defined as a behavior or oneself regarding business. It is a behavior in which one act by and for the means of business gains. It is defined by the deep personal commitment to develop and improved their skills and where appropriate they have degrees and certifications that serve as the foundation of this knowledge. They exhibit qualities such as honesty and integrity; they keep their word and can be trusted implicitly, they also stay professional under pressure they consider the emotion and needs of others, and they dont let a bad they impact how they interact with colleagues or clients.

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Bulacan State University College of Business Administration Business Ethics Development of Ethical Standards in Business A. The development of human conduct Evolution of Human Conduct and Culture Experimentation to Habituation- Story of development of human conduct is textured in experimentation through hits and misses, trials and errors. Genetic Changes to Domestication- Domesticated people lose their sense of right or wrong about their conduct. Flaring of Immorality-An immoral act often provides more comfort and pleasure to the individual at physical level, but becomes an intolerable burden on his/her conscience.

The Reversal from Immorality- Reversal of a domesticated society from its immorality is possible through use of force only by somebody or a group thereof who are not domesticated to immorality.

B. Development of business ethics C. 2000s Ethical Culture Unprecedented economic growth is followed by financial failures. Ethics issues destroy some high profile firms. Personal data is collected and sold openly. Hackers and data thieves plague businesses and government agencies. Acts of terror and aggression occur internationally. Major Ethical Dilemmas

Cyber crime Privacy issues (data mining) Financial mismanagement. International corruption. Loss of privacy - employees versus employers Intellectual property theft

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Business Ethics Developments

Business regulations mandate stronger ethical safeguards Anticorruption efforts grow. Stronger emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility and Integrity Management OECD Convention on Bribery UN Convention Against Corruption Revised Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations Increased emphasis on evaluating ethics program effectiveness D. Ethics and Business professionalization

Professionalism - the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. How do you spot a professional? 1. 2. 3. 4. A professional will be interested knowing about you and your business. A professional will tell you honestly if your project is untenable and offer solutions. A professional is not pushy. A profession won't disclose confidential customer information in order to market their company. 5. A professional will invest time, money and energy into research and development. 6. A professional will be up to date in their field and will not rely on word of mouth or rumor but will research, analyze and test information for accuracy and relevance. 7. A professional won't make you feel as though you should be privileged to do business with them. Preferred by: Angelica Polintan July 8, 2013

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It is also like the last topic, is also about the development of human conduct. The development of human conduct is generally being define by the rich and poor combined with accelerating environment. It is believed that human conduct can be developed and shaped differentiated through different act and means governing ones environment and ways of living. It is being lived through while develop or shaped overnight since it is the motivation and purpose of business goals is what defines it. As long as one knows it is goals and purpose rules could be the same and maybe passed on the next generation as it is. This human conduct a purposed in business this is to examine employee reactions to human resource management (HRM) and performance. It placed employees on a centre stage in analyzing HRM to provide theoretical insights. In business we have to be a professionals so that people or clients trust you. A professional have to be; interested knowing about you and your business, tell you honestly if your project is untenable and offer solutions, not pushy, won't disclose confidential customer information in order to market their company, invest time, money and energy into research and development, up to date in their field and will not rely on word of mouth or rumor but will research, analyze and test information for accuracy and relevance and won't make you feel as though you should be privileged to do business with them.

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Bulacan State University College of Business Administration Business Ethics

Business and Its Environment What is culture? Collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another... Includes system of values; and values are among the building blocks of culture (Hofstede, 1980) Glue that binds groups together. Without cultural patterns, organized system of significant symbols, people would have difficulty living together (De Mooij, 2004) Culture and Its Effect on the Organization Power distance (the degree in which employees and management have distant relationship, formal and informal) Masculinity (the level in which defines the success as ambition, challenge and insolence, rather than caring and promotion). Individualism (the degree in which people may create difference between interest of organization and self interest). Uncertainty Avoidance Factors affecting the Environment Norms A standard or pattern, especially of social behavior, that is typical or expected of a group and how members should behave in a given context. Values Important and lasting beliefs or ideals shared by the members of a culture about what is good or bad and desirable or undesirable. Believes To accept as true or real.

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Institutions An institution is any structure or mechanism of social order and cooperation governing the behavior of a set of individuals within a given community. Religion An organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to the supernatural, and to spirituality. Language The human capacity is for acquiring and using complex systems of communication.

Education system General sense is a form of learning in which the knowledge, skills, and habits of a group of people are transferred from one generation to the next through teaching, training, or research. Art and aesthetics It is dealing with the nature of art, beauty, and taste, with the creation and appreciation of beauty. Material culture and life-style It is the typical way of life of an individual, group or culture. Preferred by: Kristine Paraiso July 8, 2013

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What I know in culture it is the glue that binds groups together, without this or cultural patterns, organized system of significant symbols, people would have difficulty living together. In Culture and its effect on organization, it is where in manager or regular employee distant themselves from each other because of their status or position in the said company. It is where a said position is defines by the acquired success out of the company rather than the love of the company or loyalty to be promoted given by the employee. And it is where each employee may categorize, if their interest is for the best of the company or the individual gain. In this topic there are different factors that affect in our environment there re norms, values, believes, institutions, religion, language, education system, art and aesthetics and lastly the material culture and life-style. This all about the individual behavior, beliefs, to accept the reality, structure, cultural system, communication, skills, appreciation of beauty and the typical way of life.

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Bulacan State University College of Business Administration Business Ethics What is Sexual Harassment? Sexual harassment is bullying or coercion of a sexual nature, or the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. In most modern legal contexts, sexual harassment is illegal. As defined by the Philippine Constitution Republic Act No. 7877 or an act declaring sexual harassment unlawful in the employment, education or training environment and for other purposes. Unwelcome Behavior is the critical word. Unwelcome does not mean "involuntary." A victim may consent or agree to certain conduct and actively participate in it even though it is offensive and objectionable. Therefore, sexual conduct is unwelcome whenever the person subjected to it considers it unwelcome. Whether the person in fact welcomed a request for a date, sex-oriented comment, or joke depends on all the circumstances.

Sexual harassment includes many things such as: Actual or attempted rape or sexual assault. Unwanted pressure for sexual favors. Unwanted deliberate touching, leaning over, cornering, or pinching. Unwanted sexual looks or gestures. Unwanted letters, telephone calls, or materials of a sexual nature. Unwanted pressure for dates. Unwanted sexual teasing, jokes, remarks, or questions. Referring to an adult as a girl, hunk, doll, babe, or honey. Whistling at someone. Cat calls. Sexual comments.

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 Turning work discussions to sexual topics. Sexual innuendos or stories.

Asking about sexual fantasies, preferences, or history. Personal questions about social or sexual life. Sexual comments about a person's clothing, anatomy, or looks. Kissing sounds, howling, and smacking lips. Telling lies or spreading rumors about a person's personal sex life. Neck massage. Touching an employee's clothing, hair, or body. Giving personal gifts. Hanging around a person. Hugging, kissing, patting, or stroking. Touching or rubbing oneself sexually around another person. Standing close or brushing up against a person. Looking a person up and down (elevator eyes). Staring at someone. Sexually suggestive signals. Facial expressions, winking, throwing kisses, or licking lips. Making sexual gestures with hands or through body movements.

Gift-giving and Bribery A gift or a present is an object given without the expectation of payment. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation of reciprocity, a gift is meant to be free. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging money, goods, etc. may contribute to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy. By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other happier or less sad, especially as a favor, including forgiveness and kindness.

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Gift-giving occasion may be:

Expression of love or friendship. Expression of gratitude for a gift received. Expression of piety, in the form of charity. Expression of solidarity, in the form of mutual aid. To share wealth. To offset misfortune. Offering travel souvenirs.

At common law, for a gift to have legal effect, it was required that there be (1) intent by the donor to give a gift, and (2) delivery to the recipient of the item to be given as a gift. In some contexts gift giving can be construed as bribery.

Bribery is an act of giving money or gift giving that alters the behavior of the recipient. Bribery constitutes a crime and is defined by Black's Law Dictionary as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty. The bribe is the gift bestowed to influence the recipient's conduct. It may be any money, good, right in action, property, preferment, privilege, emolument, object of value, advantage, or merely a promise or undertaking to induce or influence the action, vote, or influence of a person in an official or public capacity. Preferred by: Irvin Pacheco July 22, 2023

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We know that sexual harassment is bullying or coercion of a sexual nature, or the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of rewards in exchange for sexual favors like actual or attempted rape or sexual assault, unwanted pressure for sexual favors, unwanted deliberate touching, leaning over, cornering, or pinching and etc,. Gift-giving and bribery is gift or present given without the expectation of payment although it involves reciprocity. It is free, it can be refer to anything that makes other happier less sad especially as a favor; including forgiveness and kindness in occasions such as expression of love or friendship, gratitude for a gift received, of piety, in the form of charity and etc,. At a common law says that for gift to have legal effect, it was required that there be intent by the donor to give a gift, and delivery to the recipient of the item to be given as a gift. Bribery means an act of giving money or gift-giving that alters the behavior of the recipient. It is considered a crime because it influence the recipients conducts and influence a person in an official or public capacity.

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Bulacan State University College of Business Administration Business Ethics Topic1: The Morality of Advertising Advertising- any paid form of presentation of ideas, goods, services and organization of an identified sponsor. Point of Morality Advertising in itself is not bad or immoral since it helps achieve the goals of both the seller and buyer. It only becomes immoral when, in the attempt to persuade consumers, the advertisement become deceptive, misleading and manipulative. There is only one criterion in evaluating the morality of advertising, and that is the truth. Truthful information is morally permissible False statement/lies is immoral Some Issues in Advertising 1. Deceptive 2. Use of weasel words 3. Exaggeration 4. Psychological appeals 5. Ads directed at children Topic2: Office Romance -is defined as a relationship between two people who are employed by the same organization. The Companys Stand The company is trapped in the middle of office romances present in the organization. This is why a lot of companies come up with the policy that covers office romances and educate all employees on the guidelines and effects through trainings and seminars.

Benefits of Office Romance It includes friendship, mutual support to each other at work, and other personal experiences.

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Disadvantages of Office Romances 1. Damaged Professional Reputation 2. Disturbed Co-workers 3. Changes in productivity 4. Dating the Boss 5. Extramarital affairs Ethical Issues in Office Romances Interventions Legal/Ethical Considerations Sexual Harassment Topic3: The Problem in Fair Pricing Determining a Fair Price Accordingly, prices are determined differently such that the price in a fixed-price system is fair when a seller gives the lowest price for his good that he is willing to accept no other forces within. Ethical Issues in Fair Price a. True cost of the product is concealed b. Suggested retail price c. Use of electronic scanners d. Promotional pricing e. Follow the leader pricing f. Price gouging g. Price fixing

Prepared by: Kathleen V. Pulumbarit August 5, 2013

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Advertising is any paid form of presentation of ideas, goods, services and organization of an identified sponsor. In point of morality advertising it self is not bad or immoral since it help achieve goals of both the seller and buyer. It only becomes immoral when in an attempt to persuade the consumers, the advertisement become deceptive, misleading and manipulative. Truth is only criterion in evaluating the morality of advertising truthful information is morally permissible false statement/lies is immoral. Some Issues in Advertising are; deceptive, use of weasel words, exaggeration, psychological appeals and ads directed at children.

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Bulacan State University College of Business Administration Business Ethics

Trade secrets and corporate disclosure Trade secrets is formula, practice, process, design, instrument or compilation of information which is not generally known, by which a business can obtain an economic advantage over competitors and customers. Such secrets are referred as confidential information but are generally not referred as classified information (Classified information is a term applied to material that a government claims is sensitive information that requires secrecy based on security needs.) Example: There is this wristbands which is named as Power balance. It was sold in many countries. It was said that Power Balance will improve your strength, balance and flexibility. After some time, they admitted that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims and therefore we engaged in misleading conduct. Meaning that they kept it a secret that the effects of Power Balance are not scientifically proven but they advertised that the effects of power balance will improve your athleticism.

Corporate Disclosure A firm has a proprietary right to its trade secret and information and knowledge which it can legally and morally protect. But the law requires it to reveal large amount information for public interest. Corporate disclosure provides financial reports, financial statement and management discussion. Though there are limitations to these moral principles: a) Each person entering in to a contract or transaction has the right to the fullest and truest information. b) Each person who is likely to be affected seriously has the right to know those actions of others.

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Product misrepresentation and Caveat Emptor Misrepresentation - a tort or a civil wrong. This means that a misrepresentation can create a civil liability if it results in a financial loss. Misrepresentation includes any untrue statements or statements that are likely to mislead. Also includes the failure to state any information that is material and that ought, in fairness, to be considered. Example: Sometimes people buy or sell things and discuss it over the internet. The buyer will buy an iPhone. The seller knows that here are some defects on the product that he will sell but instead of telling him the problems of his product, he said that it works properly so the value of the product will not decrease.

Caveat Emptor means let the buyer be aware in Latin. cavere, "to beware" emptor, "buyer". It is a warning that notifies a buyer that the goods he or she is buying are "as is," or subject to all defects. The basis that the buyer buys at his/her own risk and therefore should examine and test a product himself/herself for obvious defects and imperfections. Example: The buyer will buy a car. He must take responsibility of checking and testing the car before purchasing it. If something happens after the transaction was done, it is not the sellers responsibility. The morality of Labor strike Labor strike is a work stoppage caused by the mass refusal of employees to work. A labor strike usually takes place in response to employee distress. Mostly people go on labor strike because they want a better wage, better benefits, and better working condition. Laborers go on strike so their rights will be given importance. They want a better reward for the work they have done. Example: In a factory, there are laborers who are underpaid by the management. The laborers refused to work until they are properly paid. They made a labor strike outside the factory. The result of their strike is that the factory stopped functioning because the laborers did not work. Because of that, the management was forced to give them their proper wages.
Prepared by: Kenneth Roque

August 5, 2013

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Reaction: The topic of Trade Secrets what I know in this is, it is a formula, practice, process, design, instrument or compilation of information, which is not generally known, by which a business way of advertising a product or business by omitting facts which would be helpful in obtaining economic advantage over business rivals. In Corporation Disclosure though trade secrets are proprietary rights of a firm which it can ba legally or morally protect, law still requires business to give or reveal large information or facts to public or people entering a contract with their business to protect them from the bad effects by action of others. If a specific product, businessman wants to engage some investors or prospect customer they should reveal information or trade secrets regarding their product that could seriously affects those said investors and prospect customer. For Product Misrepresentation and Caveat Emptor, misrepresentation it is a tort or a civil wrong and it is an omission of fact that may resulted for an investor to be unsatisfied or the sad product. Caveat emptor it is where is an investor of the defects of a said product where in the some investor or buyer is in full responsibility of the outcome. The Morality of Labor Strike is a natural reaction or move of employees to a management when there are unsatisfactory by means of their mistreatment given to them by the management either by unsatisfactory wages, benefits, working conditions etc., and this act would usually result by the company stop functioning or management to be forced to give what the employees want.

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