Business Ethics

Business Ethics – Introduction

Business ethics refers to the study of practices and policies of a business regarding controversial issues to an organization (Trevino & Nelson 2010). Such issues might include trading, discrimination, business social responsibility, and fiduciary responsibilities. Normally, business ethics are guided by law. Ethics is what offers a framework business can follow in order to be accepted by the public (Bartolo & Furlonger 2006; Hancer & George 2003). It has the aim of fostering trust among stakeholders and ensuring that public interest is factored in. The purpose of this paper is to assist me to reflect on business ethics and critically assess the development and performance of my own skills. Finally, it will also assist me to develop my ability to analyze issues that are related to business ethics.

Inquiry-based learning (EBL) is a platform outlining the approaches applied in learning. Often, it is based on research and inquiries carried out by students in the process of learning. Unlike the traditional techniques of learning that were applied earlier, it demands responsibility. The technique applied in EBL varies considerably. For instance, it might be in the form of experimental learning or research that is self-directed.

Through following EBL principles, I learned to adhere to my own inquiry lines. What is more, EBL enhances the understanding I have on how to apply the knowledge I already have. Indeed, I was in a position to identify the consequent needed in learning. I was in the position of rechecking the progress made so far towards the attainment of my goals. Continued use of EBL made more responsible (Beach & Friedrich 2006). This is due to the fact it made it possible for me to complete assignments in a timely manner. Through it, I managed to cover all the roles each module requires. EBL has also assisted me in developing research skills which have in turn enabled me to have what is needed for self-directed learning. While using EBL I was able to get the required knowledge and am certain once I graduate from University and get employed, I will be in the position of dealing with business ethics as well as situations in the job market. The use of EBL also helped me in developing interpersonal, learning as well as life skills that are needed and it also made it possible to undergo a transition that is smooth compared to what might have happened had I not used EBL.

While using the EBL platform as students, we are able to operate our individual inquiry lines. Additionally, we applied the existing knowledge we have after identifying consequent learning. Additionally, we also sought evidence that would support our ideas and ensure we take responsibility for them. As a member of the group, this gave me the chance of getting personal engagement.

I ensured I undertook the most responsibility as that was exactly what I was interested in learning. I also researched sources that would make it possible for me to acquire information needed to fill my gap of knowledge. I learned to use multiple sources complementing each other and I also ensured I was able to assess progress made towards the achievement of my goals. Through EBL use, I was able to learn how to collaborate and react with fellow students as well as deal with wider perspectives related to business ethics. Working with the assistance of the EBL platform proved far better than working alone. What is more, in other instances, we were assisted by a tutor who ensured the job we were doing was constructive.

Before learning about business ethics, I did not have any respect for customers. I greatly lacked social responsibility which is a necessity in any organization. I never knew much regarding the impact my reduced corporate responsibility or unethical behavior would have on the company such as making it appear less appealing to interested stakeholders. As such, credits reduced. Apparently, my mission is to treat stakeholders in a fair manner as I have already learned business ethics.

A better understanding of moral reasoning and ethical theories will assist me to apply business ethics in all professional practices I undertake in the future. This is through incorporating the best ethics needed in an organization. The practice of business ethics aims at the expansion of an individual’s knowledge regarding matters that pertain to how they relate to one another within the work environment (Ferrel, O, Fraedrich & Ferrell 2011). It also boosts the individual’s efficacy in matters that concern business ethics. The knowledge acquired will make it possible for me to better understand organizational ethics in future undertakings. Additionally, it will assist me in evaluating the impact of organizational ethics on the motivation of employees. The knowledge I have will make it possible for me to form my own moral judgment regarding what is right and wrong (Hancer & George 2003).

I have learned decisions that are made in a business by individuals or groups are greatly influenced by the company’s culture to a large degree. An individual is morally right to behave in a manner that is ethical. As a future employee, I need to understand the action I am supposed to take as well as the choices that are right. The ethical behavior and corporate social behavior I have learned so far will help me in bringing benefits to the organization in the future. For instance, I have the ability to demonstrate effective ethical and corporate social behavior patterns in order to attract clients to the company hence boosting sales and profits. What is more, I can use the knowledge gained to convince employees to hold on for long. This will increase productivity by reducing labor turnover. Ethical behavior also helps attract additional investors which keep the share prices of a company high (Shaw, 2010).

References

Bartolo, K & Furlonger, B 2006, Leadership and Business Ethics. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 15(1): 87-93.

Beach, R & Friedrich, T 2006, Response to writing, In C. A. MacArthur, S. Graham, & J. Fitzgerald (Eds.). Handbook of writing research (pp. 222–234). New York: Guilford Press.

Ferrell, O.C Fraedrich. J & Ferrell. L 2011, Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases. London: Cengage Learning.

Hancer, M & George R.T 2003, Business ethics and job motivation of employees. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 27(1): 85-100.

Shaw, W. H 2010, Business Ethics: A Textbook With Cases.: A Textbook with Cases. London: Cengage Learning.

Trevino, L. K & Nelson, K. A 2010, Managing Business Ethics, New York: John Wiley & Sons.

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