Showing papers in "Journal of Business Ethics in 1984"
TL;DR: In this paper, a national sample was utilized to study college students' attitudes toward business ethics, with the results being analyzed by academic classification, academic major, and sex, finding that female students are more concerned about ethical issues than are their male counterparts.
Abstract: Although some attention has been devoted to assessing the attitudes and concerns of businesspeople toward ethics, relatively little attention has focused on the attitudes and concerns of tomorrow's business leaders, today's college students. In this investigation a national sample was utilized to study college students' attitudes toward business ethics, with the results being analyzed by academic classification, academic major, and sex. Results of the investigation indicate that college students are currently somewhat concerned about business ethics in general, and that female students in particular are more concerned about ethical issues than are their male counterparts.
315 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present the results of an exploratory study that examined selected correlates of salespeople's ethical conflict, and their implications for practitioners and academic are also provided.
Abstract: Much have been written about marketing ethics. Virtually no published research, however, has examined what factors are related to the ethical conflict of salespeople. Such research is important because it could have direct implications for the management of sales personnel. This paper presents the results of an exploratory study that examined selected correlates of salespeople's ethical conflict. Implications for practitioners and academic are also provided.
173 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze the OECD guidelines from the point of view of business ethics and show that inherent in the guidelines is a conflict between different goals, and how this conflict could be solved.
Abstract: In July 1976 the OECD adopted voluntary guidelines for multinational enterprises. These guidelines deal, among other things, with transfer pricing and other transactions between companies which belong to the same multinational enterprise. The purpose of the present article is to analyze the OECD Guidelines from the point of view of business ethics. It is shown that inherent in the guidelines is a conflict between different goals. In the latter part of the article it is shown how this conflict could be solved.
141 citations
Journal Article•
58 citations
TL;DR: In the I-made-me-do-it scenario as discussed by the authors, the problem is not limited to ethical norms, but also to the more technical aspects of their work, where professionals who prefer to "nest" in the technical aspect of their own work "delegate" to their bosses ethical decision-making.
Abstract: The astute manger should be aware that, in organizations, the deck is frequently ‘stacked’ against higher levels of ethical behavior. This deck stacking occurs because of socialization processes, environmental influences, and the organization hierarchy. As a result of bosses using hierarchical leverage to take the ethical dimension of decision-making away from subordinates, the stage is set for a they-made-me-do-it defense of their moral integrity by these subordinates if and when violations of ethical norms come to light. There is also at work, however, an I-made-them-do-it situation in which professionals who prefer to ‘nest’ in the more technical aspects of their work ‘delegate’ — upward — to their bosses ethical decision-making. Understanding these dynamics is crucial in an age which is especially sensitized to the ethical facet of organizational behavior.
52 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the claim that a corporation cannot be held to be morally responsible unless it is a person is investigated. But the claim is only marginally relevant to the question of corporate moral responsibility.
Abstract: In this paper, I consider the claim that a corporation cannot be held to be morally responsible unless it is a person First, I argue that this claim is ambigious ‘Person’ flags three different but related notions: ‘metaphysical person’, ‘moral agent’, ‘moral person’ I argue that, though one can make the claim that corporates are metaphysical persons, this claim is only marginally relevant to the question of corporate moral responsibility The central question which must be answered in discussions of corporate moral responsibility is whether corporations are moral agents or moral persons I argue that, though we can make a case for saying corporations are moral agents, they are not moral persons, and hence, we can hold them responsible In addition, we need not treat them the way we would be obligated to treat a moral person; we needn't have the same scruples about holding a corporation morally responsible as we would a moral person
46 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine some of the main conceptual issues in performance appraisal and sketch some key, practical dilemmas that may arise in the use of PA, and conclude that one can morally justify the use in PA under certain conditions.
Abstract: As the interest in ‘the quality of work life’ grows, it becomes increasingly apparent that certain practices within this arena require critical scrutiny. This paper is an examination of one such area, performance appraisal (PA). We examine some of the main conceptual issues in PA, and we sketch some key, practical dilemmas that may arise in the use of PA. We conclude that one can morally justify the use of PA under certain condition, and we suggest possible solutions to key ethical dilemmas that are faced by the manager and the employee.
39 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a personal business ethics of executives as distinguished from the institutional ethics of corporations is presented, with the purpose of giving practical moral guidance to executives for the conduct of their lives both as corporate decision makers and as human beings.
Abstract: This is an essay in personal business ethics of executives as distinguished from the institutional ethics of corporations. Its purpose is to give practical moral guidance to executives for the conduct of their lives both as corporate decision-makers and as human beings. The pivotal concept in this model of personal business ethics is a direct appeal to the self-interest of executives in their being moral.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors look at the problem of bribery in international business from both the North American and the developing country perspective, and highlight recurring patterns of behavior in international bribery.
Abstract: Bribery is a frequently discussed problem in international business. This article looks at the problem from the North American and from the developing country perspective. It describes and analyses specific cases and highlights recurring patterns of behavior.
27 citations
TL;DR: This article assessed the extent to which college students, tomorrow's executives agreed with various commonly heard assertions regarding the tactics of those climbing the corporate career ladder. But, their results indicated a highly significant relationship of the opinions to church affiliation, citizenship, and race of the subjects.
Abstract: This study assessed the extent to which college students, tomorrow's executives, agreed with various commonly heard assertions regarding the tactics of those climbing the corporate career ladder. The study used essentially the same data collection instrument as that used in a recent study of business executives. The results indicate a highly significant relationship of the opinions to church affiliation, citizenship, and race of the subjects. Moderate levels of significant opinion differences related to the subjects' school, age, social class, and gender. The subjects' opinions were not significantly related to their academic department, gradepoint average, or work experience.
26 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the manager as an Institution Citizen with the courage to be both as oneself and as a part is presented as alternative, contrast, and resistance model to the other 'ideal types' of the manager, particularly to the Eichmann "ideal type".
Abstract: On the basis of the Weber, Jaspers, and Arendt style ‘ideal types’ of the manager as Eichmann, Richard III, and Faust it is explained how under strong organizational pressures to obey orders and further organizational ends, different types of managers cooperate with organization behavior that harms people. On the basis of Arendt's and Tillich's action philosophies, the manager as Institution Citizen with the courage to be both as oneself and as a part is presented as alternative, contrast, and resistance model to the other ‘ideal types’, particularly to the Eichmann ‘ideal type’.
TL;DR: A review of research addressing correlates of attitudes toward social responsibility of business leads to the conclusion that little can currently be confidently stated concerning such correlates and that progress toward the understanding of relevant linkages is largely dependent on the development of psychometrically adequate indices of social attitudes as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A review of research addressing correlates of attitudes toward social responsibility of business leads to the conclusion that little can currently be confidently stated concerning such correlates and that progress toward the understanding of relevant linkages is largely dependent on the development of psychometrically adequate indices of social attitudes.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that business ethics seeks a meaningful reciprocity among economic, social and moral concerns, and that the ultimate goal of business ethics education is a moral business point of view through which one can live with integrity and fulfillment.
Abstract: This paper outlines and argues against some criticisms of business ethics education. It maintains that these criticisms have been put forward due to a misunderstanding of the nature of business and/or ethics. Business ethics seeks a meaningful reciprocity among economic, social and moral concerns. This demands that business organizations autonomously develop ethical goals from within, which in turn demands a reciprocity between ethical theory and practical experience. Working toward such a reciprocity, the ultimate goal of business ethics education is a moral business point of view through which one can live with integrity and fulfillment.
TL;DR: The development of legislation determining corporate behaviour is a fascinating topic, offering insight into the societal problems of corporate enterprise as they are related to their accounting, their administration, and their external reporting as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The development of legislation determining corporate behaviour is a fascinating topic, offering insight into the societal problems of corporate enterprise as they are related to their accounting, their administration, and their external reporting. In this paper the following specific implications for accounting are examined:
-Should accountants get involved in social auditing and are they the ‘core’ persons in corporate social accounting systems?
-Should corporate social performance measurement and reporting become obligatory and to what extent?
-A general framework for the implementation of corporate social accounting systems is suggested and quidelines for its auditing are proposed.
-A tentative set of social auditing standard is outlined together with its methodological accompaniments.
TL;DR: The notion of professionalism includes the essential contents of other key notions within the field of business ethics as a term involving the notion of "vocation" it may be understood as containing a religious content, since 'vocation' refers to a man's most intimate personal decisions, "destiny" and "providence" as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Professionalism includes the essential contents of other key notions within the field of business ethics As a term involving the notion of ‘vocation’ it may be understood as containing a religious content, since ‘vocation’ refers to a man's most intimate personal decisions, ‘destiny’ and ‘providence’ Professionalism also connotes respect for law and so includes a reference to commercial law as a guide to right conduct Professionalsim thus lifts the requirements of law to the level of personal commitment
TL;DR: In his important and illuminating article, "Some Ethical Consequences of Economic Competi tion", James Michelman has argued cogently that "free enterprise" is fundamentally flawed: be cause its governing principle of private profit maximization requires us not only to be im moral towards others, but to attack ourselves as moral beings.
Abstract: In his important and illuminating article, 'Some Ethical Consequences of Economic Competi tion', James Michelman has argued cogently that "free enterprise' is fundamentally flawed: be cause its governing principle of private profit maximization requires us not only to be im moral towards others, but to attack ourselves as moral beings. Michelman reasons from the standpoint of a quarter of a century of business experience. His case is knowledgeable, ethically well-anchored and sanely prosecuted. It is in no way an ivory-tower or ideological attack against capital ism, but a clear-headed, measured analysis which compels our attention to a fundamental conflict between self and system, personal morality and corporate profit that cannot be rationally ig nored. Nevertheless, the great dilemma with which Michelman's argument concludes ? to be "im moral" under a "free-enterprise system" or "vir tuous" under a "command system" ? is serious ly incomplete. The choice before us is not so simple nor draconian as Michelman makes out. He has placed us in the dilemma of choosing between "free enterprise", "rationality" and "competition" on the one hand, and the loss of all these in an economically "virtuous" society on the other, by reductively misconstruing what "free enterprise" "rationality" and "competi tion" essentially mean. I would like to argue against his conclusion that there are more tradi tional and intuitively appealing understandings
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors define business ethics as the "continuing process of re-defining the goals and rules of business activity." In times of rapid change, spurred equally by technological innovation within the business community and by societal expectations in the larger community, participants should be sensitive to professional differences.
Abstract: Business ethics is the continuing process of re-defining the goals and rules of business activity. In times of rapid change, spurred equally by technological innovation within the business community and by societal expectations in the larger community, participants who share in that process of re-defining goals and rules should be sensitive to professional differences. Lawyers and executives, for instance, while seeking a common societal good, will utilize measurably different goals and methods based on differences in leadership style, accountability to constituents and client relationship generally. Because of these differences, definitions of what is ethical will vary as well, spread across a spectrum of ethicality.
TL;DR: In this article, a principle of accountability that has Aristotelian roots and is significantly different from the usual strict intentional action principles is examined and defined, and applied to the Mt. Erebus disaster.
Abstract: The tragic crash of Air New Zealand's flight TE-901 into Mt. Erebus in Antarctica provides a fascinating case for the exploration of the notion of corporate moral responsibility. A principle of accountability that has Aristotelian roots and is significantly different from the usual strict intentional action principles is examined and defined. That principle maintains that a person can be held morally accountable for previous non-intentional behavior that has harmful effects if the person does not take corrective measures to adjust his ways of behavior so as not to produce repetitions. This principle is then applied to the Mt. Erebus disaster.
TL;DR: Contemporary perspectives on conciousness provide us with a powerful metaphor for the corporate planning process; although organisations ultimately differ, in systems terms, from organisms as discussed by the authors, they are not organisms.
Abstract: Contemporary perspectives on conciousness provide us with a powerful metaphor for the corporate planning process; although organisations ultimately differ, in systems terms, from organisms.
TL;DR: The authors examines the moral constructs in microeconomic theory and the ethical objections to that theory at both the pragmatic and theoretic levels, and concludes that inappropriate assumptions about the nature and worth of human beings in the economic paradigm require the use of moral standards for business decisions and actions.
Abstract: There is a very apparent conflict between economists and ethicists over the moral standards that should be applied to the managers of business firms. The view of most economists is that moral standards in business are not relevant, beyond the normal personal obligations to speak the truth and observe the law, because profit maximizing behaviour, under market and resource constraints, leads inexorably to social welfare optimization. The opposing view of most humanists is that modern markets are not competitive enough to be constraining, that profit maximization often leads to social harm, and that welfare benefits are unjustly distributed. The article examines the moral constructs in microeconomic theory and the ethical objections to that theory at both the pragmatic and theoretic levels, and concludes that inappropriate assumptions about the nature and worth of human beings in the economic paradigm require the use of moral standards for business decisions and actions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the problem of subliminal communication with the purpose of trying to change a person's behavior either overtly or covertly, without the person's consent.
Abstract: Assume that we communicate for the purpose of trying to change a person's behavior either overtly or covertly. As long as this is done in an honest manner, no concern with ethics is involved. But suppose a communication pattern — subliminals — is developed that covertly tries to change our behavior without our consent. Then, concern with ethics is involved. Very little evidence exists to support a definitive quantitative impact of subliminal communication. There is a suggestion, however, that subliminals do in fact manipulate people to do certain things. If this is so, then we have an over-riding issue in ethics — the ultimate invasion of a person's privacy — his mind.
TL;DR: In this paper, it is suggested that other areas of theory developing new models of man may partly bridge the gap between theoretical and applied ethics, and aid those dealing with problems of moral decision-making.
Abstract: Archie Bahm argued recently that there is a gap between theoretical and applied ethics, and that those working in applied ethics must assume the burden of bridging it. Evidence of a gap is considerable, but it seems also partly due to much ethical theory having relatively little to offer to those grappling with practical moral problems. Some aspects of utilitarian theory are examined in this connection. Finally it is suggested that other areas of theory developing new models of man may partly bridge the gap and aid those dealing with problems of moral decision-making.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on one ethical concept, the good or the valuable, and show how to incorporate it in an ethically and economically effective decision process, which uncovers a key fault in strategic thinking and generates questions central to any complex decision.
Abstract: Ethics will not become part of the management decision-making process until it ceases to be viewed as an ‘add-on’; first you decide, then you assess the decision ethically. This essay focuses on one ethical concept, the good or the valuable, and shows how to incorporate it in an ethically and economically effective decision process. We focus on this concept because it uncovers a key fault in strategic thinking and generates questions central to any complex decision.
TL;DR: For the activity of business is not value-neutral, and if one is to manage morally in business, one must come to understand its general tendencies insofar as they affect values.
Abstract: Every human activity has its characteristic features, the general tendencies that are often difficult to perceive for those engaged in the activity. Such general tendencies are of special concern to those managing in such activities, whether one is coaching soccer or running a corporation, for only with knowledge of such tendencies can one engage in intelligent managing and, more important, intelligent moral action. For the activity of business is not value-neutral, and if one is to manage morally in business, one must come to understand its general tendencies insofar as they affect values.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the impact on producers and consumers from increasing space per animal, and concluded that similar policy changes such as doubling floor space can lead to dramatic differences in economic impact depending on the industry affected.
Abstract: Readily available data are used to provide relevant decision making information on the highly subjective issue of animal rights. Two examples of alleged crowding; cattle being finished in concrete lots, and broilers in confined operations were evaluated to determine the impact on producers and consumers from increasing space per animal. It is concluded that similar policy changes, such as doubling floor space, can lead to dramatic differences in economic impact depending on the industry affected. It is shown that economic analysis can provide valuable information in estimating the tradeoffs in moral issues.
TL;DR: In this paper, a comparison of the three management ethics (Protestant, humanist, and evangelical) suggests some differences in the characteristics of managers who follow each ethic, and the authors point out the recent healthy growth of the evangelical movement and the basic beliefs of evangelicals; then they relate elements of these beliefs to the manager.
Abstract: If a manager is evangelical, does it color the style he uses in his relationship with his subordinates? The paper sketches briefly the two familiar, historical ethical positions... the Protestant ethic and humanism and relates them to two styles of management. Then it points up the recent healthy growth of the evangelical movement, and the basic beliefs of evangelicals; then relates elements of these beliefs to the manager. A comparison of the three management ethics (Protestant, humanist, and evangelical) suggests some differences in the characteristics of managers who follow each ethic. There is increased evidence of the effect of the evangelical ethic in political, medical, and judicial life. Is it not logical to assume it is also affecting business and management?
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider a parallel set of arguments that purport to justify a lack of integrity among product advocates and lawyers, arguing that a great social good is obtained from the institutions, corporate and legal, of which these persons are essential participants.
Abstract: The integrity of corporate product advocates (advertisers and salespersons) is questionable for the same reason the integrity of lawyers is questionable. In both cases the requirements of a professional role inevitably lead to forms of deception. However, the integrity of lawyers has been taken to be a more serious issue than the integrity of product advocates. I consider why this is so, and I conclude that we should pay more attention to the integrity issue in the corporate case. In addition, I consider a parallel set of arguments that purport to justify a lack of integrity among product advocates and lawyers respectively. According to these arguments, a great social good is obtained from the institutions, corporate and legal, of which these persons are essential participants. Against these arguments, I emphasize the overriding importance of integrity, both within institutions and in society at large.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors reported the findings obtained from intensive interviews with thirty-nine Chinese advertising executives and found that there appears to be developing a cautious optimism about the role of advertising in the Chinese economy.
Abstract: While interest in doing business continues to rise steadily, information concerning the evolving social ethics of Chinese managers is sparse. This study reports the findings obtained from intensive interviews with thirty-nine Chinese advertising executives. In general, there appears to be developing a cautious optimism about the role of advertising in the Chinese economy. Findings are compared with earlier studies of American and Hong Kong managers and it is suggested that further research and observation is needed to track the development of business ethics in this largest of the world's developing nations.
TL;DR: In this article, moral issues surrounding consumer advertising tend to focus on the capacity to persuade or inform, and how these capabilities may be used to distort or fulfill needs and desires, which distracts from important issues stemming from actual advertising strategies, which involve campaigns designed for and conveyed to particular customer groups or segments within broader product market.
Abstract: The formulation of moral issues surrounding consumer advertising tends to focus on the capacity to persuade or inform, and how these capabilities may be used to distort or fulfill needs and desires. Discussion of these issues abstracts from widespread advertising and marketing practices, by assuming that all advertising is mass advertising, broadcast indiscriminately over the entire market population. This assumption directs attention away from important issues stemming from actual advertising strategies, which involve campaigns designed for and conveyed to particular customer groups or segments within broader product market. Several cases are outlined to illustrate the class of practices considered to be important and usually ignored, and issues that they raise for moral appraisal are suggested.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine Alasdair MacIntyre's argument in After Virtue that corporate managers do not have the rational expertise in social control which they have used to justify their position in modern society.
Abstract: This paper examines Alasdair MacIntyre's argument in After Virtue that corporate managers do not have the rational expertise in social control which they have used to justify their position in modern society. In particular, it is claimed that managerial science by taking an emotivist view, putting ends and values beyond the reach of sound rational judgment, has made human relationships matters of manipulation and undermined its own moral legitimacy. The question is advanced as to whether managers must operate from emotivist premises or whether they can truly understand and thus truly manage human affairs by rational reflection about human purpose, value, and intention.