Ethics: Moral Issues in Business Expository Essay

Introduction

“Moral Issues in Business” is one of the most accepted books on business ethics accessible today. The authors of the book, William H. Shaw and Vincent Barry present an exceptionally meticulous and realistic guide to the character of morality, accountability, economic righteousness and the ethical issues that crop up in the place of work.

Ethical conduct embodies an extensively accepted first-rate business practice. Ethical behavior is about knowing what is correct and incorrect (Sims 45). A decision that fulfills permissible values and satisfies ethical standards in a society qualify to be ethical. Ethics and corporate social responsibility link together in business (Sims 51).

The view of Robert Solomon on Ethical Behavior and Success in Business

In the book, Solomon generates a captivating view on business and ethics. In his view, irreproachable ethics is comparable to principled business. Solomon thinks that an excellently performing business is a reward for meritorious ethics (Shaw and Barry 14).

Ethical behavior among all actors in a business is necessary for positive results. A business should develop a mechanism or strategy to ensure that its workers uphold ethical values. Ethical businesses should address issues on corporate social responsibility, customer needs, relevant laws and policies as well as business reliability (Sims 76).

Solomon argues that an ethical business should think about helping the people neighboring it. This constitutes the corporate social responsibility of a business. A business can do this by investing a fraction of its profit in improving infrastructure in the community. Solomon also says that an ethical business should consider any possible danger that their activities could pose to people.

A business should add value to a community and while addressing any possible threats. Solomon finally holds the view that a business should generate employment opportunities for local people (Shaw and Barry 47). This will improve business relations with the community as well as improving the general image of the business.

A character of ethical decisions generates trust in a business among fellow associates, suppliers and customers (Sims 88). The community holds high expectations from a business in terms of conduct that enhances its image. Use of decision-making skills in ethical decisions helps in building an ethical business reflection. Decision-making skills help a business to identify problems, consider varied solutions to a problem and gathering of data (Sims 98).

In most cases, businesses rush into decisions without clearing the causative element. A problem will usually have a wide-range of solutions, and it is important to consider them before settling for a permanent solution. When making a decision it is essential to collect as much information as possible.

Practical Reasons Offered by Solomon for Behaving Ethically

Solomon believed that ethics were considerable business. Solomon provides three workable reasons for ethical behavior by businesses. The three reasons are compliance, contributions and consequences (Shaw and Barry 79). Ethical business practices entail compliance with the relevant laws and policies.

Doing right things and avoiding wicked ones should be the foundation of an ethical business guiding principle (Sims 104). As earlier discussed, it is ethical for a business to contribute towards the development in a community. This helps in improving both the business and the community image. The third reason offered by Solomon requires a business to take responsibility for its actions. A business should take full responsibility for the consequences of their actions regardless of whether they are positive or negative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is right to ascertain that ethical behavior directly links to success in a business. A business that upholds ethical conduct generates intimate relations with all the actors. This influences the image of the business as well as that of the community in a positive way. Ethics and business are inseparable.

Works Cited

Shaw, William and Barry Vincent. Moral Issues in Business. New York, Wadsworth Publishing Company, 2009. Print.

Sims, Ronald. Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Why Giants Fall. New York, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2003. Print.