Business Ethics - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

Business ethics discussion at walmart inc.

Ethics have been broadly defined as the set of rules, written or unwritten that govern our expectations of our own and others’ behavior. They seek in finding solutions on conceptualized morals such as like or dislike, fair or unfair, responsible or irresponsible, praiseworthy or blameworthy. Business ethics are regulations and procedures that govern members’ conduct relating to a given business field. In this century, international environmental businesses often encounter issues dealing with the code of ethics (Arnold, Beauchamp, & Bowie, […]

Business Ethics in Negotiations

What do ethics have to do with negotiation? Questions surrounding ethical behavior in negotiation have been explored and researched for many years. Questions like, “What are ethics, and why do they apply to negotiation?”, “What questions of ethical conduct are likely to arise in negotiation?”, “What motivates unethical behavior, and what are the consequences?”, and “How can negotiators deal with the other party’s use of deception?” The subject of Ethics in Negotiation was discussed in Chapter 5 in the textbook, […]

Managers and the Ethical Dilemmas

This essay will examine thoroughly whether the guidance of ethics theories is sufficient to enable managers to deal with the ethical dilemmas that occur daily in any workplace. Starting with the definition of ethics, along the way it will analyze the different theories such as consequentialist theories, deontological, virtue ethics and models that are available, how they have been formed and the way that these can help. Simultaneously it will mention other influences that exist there. In addition, reference will […]

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Business Ethics in the Business World

Ethics Ethics “focuses on morality and the way in which moral principles are derived and applied to one’s conduct in daily life” (Miller 184). From a very young age, we are taught the difference between what is wrong and what is right, and as we grow, we develop our own sense of morals. The law cannot make ethical decisions, but there is a moral minimum that assumes we have a basic sense of ethical behavior we should use in society. […]

The History of Business Ethics

Introduction This paper is intended to review the history of business ethics, look at what it means, review some current ethics issues and what the future holds for business ethics. History The phrase "business ethics" has been used in a number of different ways. And therefore, the history can differ depending on what information you are looking for. The most modern concept dates back to the rise of anti-big business protest groups in the United States in the 1970's. A […]

Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Behavior in Corporations

This research paper will compare and contrast the differences between corporate social responsibility and ethical behavior in corporations by considering the ethics that impact business decisions. In order for a clear contrast of the two there first must be a clear understanding of ethics and business ethics. Ethics comes from the Greek word ethos, which means moral character. When we think of ethics in terms of behavior we understand it to be an aspect concerning good and bad, the right […]

Business Ethics and TechFite

TechFite is a U.K-based company that has done well, even though their operations within a new multicultural environment, the United States, have been challenging. With their community and employee-focused organizational structure, the company has successfully empowered their members by including leadership development and facilitating strong coworker relationships. TechFite also maintains high standards by properly compensating employees for their contributions to the company as a whole. In addition, their highly respected environmental ethos is a major plus for the future direction […]

Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

Introduction to Ethics Ethics is a system of moral principles. They affect how people makes decisions and lead their lives. It is concerned with what is good for individuals and society and also described as moral philosophy. Underinflated football issue in NFL, Turing increases drug price by 5000%, Uber’s billing policies are examples for ethics. Ethics is people feel “its just not right” like discuss seeing two movies for the price of one, disclosing your salary cut after the loan […]

On Teamwork in the Workplace

What started out as a routine assessment became a life or death situation for Elise Wilson, an emergency room nurse with over 36 years of experience. Her seemingly unaggressive patient quickly became violent as he punched her and yielded a knife, stabbing her 11 times. This left her fighting for her life, needing to be resuscitated and airlifted to a higher level trauma center. More than a year later, Elise is still recovering and has not yet been able to […]

Business Ethics in the Government

It’s not easy to narrow down the meaning of ethics and individuals have varying views and opinions concerning this. Ethics is often used to mean the scrutiny of morals, principles and social dilemmas. Recently, scholars have come up with new ways of looking into the subject and have come up with new principles and theories (Carroll et al., 2014). Ethics should not be confused with laws because they are two distinct subjects. When laws are passed, they consider ethical standard […]

Business Ethics: Creating an Atmosphere

I worked for a not-for-profit organization in the metroplex for 6 years. This not-for-profit organization dedicates time and effort to youth in the community by providing outreach services that include drug and alcohol awareness, youth leadership development, and academic support. This business has been in existing for many decades and empower the youth to be productive citizens. Throughout my time with the organization, I was noticing the need for a proper ethics program. The name of the organization will remain […]

Resolving Business Ethical Challenges

Companies ensure the wellbeing of their employees through following and applying established ethical regulations. For instance, the ethical code in a given firm may determine the working hours, sick leave, compensation, and the provision of protective equipment in working conditions that put the workers at risk. From the case study “Resolving Ethical Business Challenges,” Preet notes that the Amex Corporation's outsourced factory in China has developed issues that include late deliveries and increased accidents. After taking a trip to the […]

Stability of Business Ethics in Organizations

Business ethics differ from industry to industry. The nature of an organization's activities impacts the ethical issues with which it must contend. The significance of business ethics extends far beyond employee loyalty and morale, or the strength of a management team's bond. Like all organizational activities, the ethical operations of a company are directly related to profit in both the short-term and long-term. The reputation of a company in the surrounding community, other companies, and individual investors is paramount in […]

Adherence to Generally Accepted Concepts of Business Ethics

A set of ethical ideas that govern selections and moves. To act ethically is to act in methods which might be in line with positive values. It is thought that commercial enterprise ethics involves adhering to prison, expert, regulatory and organization standards, maintaining guarantees and commitments and abiding by using fashionable concepts like truth, equity, honesty and appreciate. The Institute of Global Ethics defines ethics as obedience to the unenforceable. This is a famous reality that Ethics is a complex […]

Legal Aspects of Business Ethics

Business Ethics - IT Takes the Lead in Enforcing Ethics Morals is characterized as the zone of study where one arrangement about what is acceptable conduct and terrible conduct. The article “It leads the pack in Enforcing Ethics” clarifies the morals in world business. The creator has expressed the moral inquiries which are best reasonable for the significance of morals. This article made me to consider the inquiries that the writer gave and furthermore made me consider the progression that […]

Opportunities for Teenagers at McDonalds

Amitai Etzioni’s essay does not have enough supporting evidence to prove that teenagers should not be working fast. A lot of his references date back to the 1980s and are not the most up-to-date information to rely upon. Currently, McDonald’s provides jobs for many young adults that need to make a living because they come from low-income families. McDonald’s is a great first job for teenagers, because it gives them structure, and education, and provides a stepping stone to job […]

Case Study – Lancaster Caramel Company

Introduction Hershey’s is one of the largest chocolate manufacturers that aims to continue expanding worldwide. The beginning of Hershey’s company was when Milton S. Hershey found Lancaster Caramel Company in the 19th century in Pennsylvania. He made his wealth by producing caramel pieces as the first product before turning into chocolate production. The idea of making chocolate came after he started covering the caramel pieces with chocolate, many people were impressed and attracted to the taste of the chocolate coat. […]

Is a Business a Profit?

Increasingly, corporations view business ethics as a bottom-line matter - not an optional one. This embrace of ethics, leading to collective operational gains or losses, means they are garnering renewed attention. This is because "acting ethically and responsibly" may be a timely decision, as doing the right thing may also prove to be the profitable thing. (Mitchell, 2003, p. 2) From this perspective, we realize that corporations didn't prioritize business ethics in the past. Some companies perceived it to be […]

Review on Businesses Without Values and Ethics

This review will study the impact of ethical leadership, of employees, performance in an organization. The progress of an organization's achievements is based on the employees. The employees are considered an important resource to achieve competitive advantages. An ethical leader who shares its authority with employees will improve their performance. So, if leaders set the precedence for upholding high ethical values then the employee will follow suit. On the other hand, if leaders do not have an ethical value and […]

Ethics and the Business Professional

Evaluate your own performance as a morally responsible group member. Which behaviors do you demonstrate? Which do you need to develop? What specific steps might you take to improve? The concept of moral responsibility implies that a person can be evaluated with praise or blame for actions based on a moral code. Moral responsibility suggests that the person is in control of her actions and no other element in the decision-making process interferes with the person's control of the situation. […]

Report of a Current Ethical And/or Sustainability Issue in Business

Introduction Business organizations need to be ethical so as to achieve the sustainability of the businesses in the industry. For a business to be ethical it must do what is right and avoid what is wrong towards its stakeholders. When a business organization is ethical to its stakeholders it enhances the organization to have a competitive advantage and customer satisfaction which leads to more sales hence growth and sustainability of the organization. Business can be ethical to its stakeholders. Some […]

Employer Brand and Ethical Behavior

Contents (a) Briefly discuss why the employee's overly narrow approach to applying to your company reveals current weaknesses in your Employer Branding. (b) Suggest preparations for establishing best practices that promote ethical behavior. (c) Discuss why the employee's overly narrow approach to applying to your company reveals current weaknesses in your Employer Branding. I am a Human Resource Manager working at Sky World Finance Co., Ltd. My company is of a middle-level size, focusing on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) […]

Milton Friedman on Social Responsibility

Milton Friedman on Social ResponsibilityNameInstitutionProfessorCourseDateIntroduction There are many forms of handling the issue of business ethics and for instance, business men often frequently argue on several bases and based on different views and opinions in which they view these circumstances that affect business set ups. Many times you would normally hear business men talking of business ideas that ideally affect their performance in the business industry. They would eloquently talk of ideas that are made to improve their sales and […]

Business Ethic Analysis

No, I would not steal the $10,000. Stealing from the firm raises costs, which reduces supply, raises price, and cuts demand. Stealing affects the business and consumers. In a company, owners and managers are responsible for imposing and enforcing checks and balances within the environments to protect patients, staff, and assets from theft and manipulation. When you steal, it’s important to also consider the motives or intentions. For example if I stole the $10,000 to help my son’s failed ambulance […]

Industrial Revolution – the New Factory System

"During the Industrial Revolution the new factory system and mining created a need for more workers. These new types of jobs were unsafe because no safety measures existed. Also, children were put to work because they were cheaper to hire and the jobs didn’t require skills. Unions fought to change these unsafe conditions and that eventually led to action by the government. Women were the leading force in ending child labor. Eventually these problems ended, creating the conditions that exist […]

The Relevancy of Ethics for Business D’ecisions

Business ethics (also known as company ethics) is a form of applied ethics or professional ethics that examines moral principles and ethical or moral issues that arise in a business environment. It applies to all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the behaviour of both individuals and entire organisations. Business ethics has both normative and descriptive dimensions. As a corporate practice and a career specialization, the field is primarily normative. Academics attempting to understand business behaviour use descriptive […]

Child Labor – Kids at the Ages of 6-14

"Kids at the ages of 6-14 and there getting very little pay and they do very hard work.There are millions of kids around the world being sold for child labor.Should kids under the age of 18 be working over time. There are very difficult working conditions. Children who work often experience very hard working conditions that last over 18 hours and causes them pain all over there body.Children get injured from machinery's they work with and and get health problems […]

Attracting Attention through Social Networks

 Introduction to Shoptiques and their Services Founded in 2012, Shoptiques has changed the way boutiques conduct their business and created a new way for people to shop the world’s most unique pieces from the comfort of their own home. Shoptiques serves two markets: online shoppers and small boutiques from around the world. Shoptiques grants boutiques both the opportunity to enter e-commerce and the tools crucial to their success online. Shoptiques' boutique partners have access to a plethora of tools such […]

Facebook is One of the Largest Corporations in the World

Making about $40 billion in profit with 2.23 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the biggest corporations today. Value of the company has a market capitalization of about 447.09B and a current stock price of around 154.78. Facebook has various ways of operating and making money. Facebook makes money through mobile advertisements, video ads, and target ads. Furthermore, Facebook also utilizes Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Oculus Rift as additional revenue streams. Lastly, Facebook partners with game makers like […]

Wal-Mart and the Protection Chance for Interpersonal Communication

In a profoundly questionable move, your favorite social network has recently agreed to allow Wal-Mart access to the posts, messages, and photos of its users. Wal-Mart will also access user names and email addresses, violating the network's security policy. Wal-Mart plans to mine this data to learn more about what its customers want and to create targeted direct mailings and emails promoting those items. You are vehemently opposed to this change in the privacy policy, compelling you to send a […]

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Business Ethics and Social Responsibility Essay

Searching for business ethics and social responsibility essay? This reflection paper discusses the importance of corporate ethics and social responsibility.

Introduction

The importance of business ethics.

  • Corporate Ethics & Social Responsibility
  • Relevant Practices

Ethics and social responsibility play an important role in business management. Organizations, both public and private, feel the need to incorporate corporate responsibility in their organizational culture. Ethics deals with knowing what is wrong and what is right. Business ethics encompasses analyzing ethical decisions, beliefs, and actions inline with business activities. Organizations are expected to show ethical values and operate socially responsible.

The major issue is that business ethics integrates different sets of ethics. This is the reason as to why organizations should employ good individuals as workers. Social responsibility deals with business conduct in respect to the broader social values. It questions the duties of business to the entire society (Sims, 2003). In this light, this paper discusses the importance of ethics and social responsibility and various practices and theories employed in different organizations.

Businesses operate in such a way that their owners can realize some benefits. Business owners are also known as shareholders. Though, other stakeholders are part of critical components of decision making because businesses have to act in a liable and ethical manner and reflect on the potential effects of any choices made. Stakeholders such as dealers, customers, staff, owners, and communities are the integral part of business operations.

Customers, who are also citizens, require quality products which are affordable. Likewise, other stakeholders expect fair business engagements from organizations. Citizens need to know that right things are being done for the right reasons. This is because organizations target citizens in their plans for making profits and it is imperative that citizens observe the conduct of businesses in order to make the right choices (McNamara, 2010).

Knowing ethical and social norms help citizens to keep organizations in tandem with the society’s expectations. Businesses should work in a way that is lawful, beneficial, ethical, and inline with social commands (Johnson, n.d). Ethics in business enable organizations to maximize profits, utilize business resources, and create support in the market. Ethical values should command what is suitable to pay employees as well as to charge consumers.

An organization is therefore required to have a culture that enhances strong values. This will also attract good employees in the company. For example, companies strive to be included in the list of the top 100 firms in the United States issued frequently in Fortune magazine. The most common criteria used are analyzing profit sharing, bonuses, and stock markets. The list also incorporates policies and rewards that refer to work and enhance social responsibility (Griffin, 2008).

In the health sector, patients are supposed to trust physicians because hospitals are normally governed with good ethical conducts. This trust ensures that good medical care is offered to patients. Studies have found that trust is mostly related to patient satisfaction and therefore vital in selecting and applying treatment that is essential to patients (Thom & Campbell, 1997). Moreover, such trusts are essentials because in many cases patients require long-term or ongoing management in chronic cases.

Reflection about Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

Social responsibility is an element of ethical conduct. It is improving the community in general. Areas of social responsibility include business giving, ecological and environmental quality, consumerism, government relation, and labor relations. Social responsibility improves the public image of an organization and enhances the local economy.

Trust and excellent reputation are among the most important assets in any business that can only be realized through social responsibility. Social responsibility also attracts and retains employees who are committed to their task, hence improved performance. By doing so, companies can reduce the cost of recruitment.

Moreover, social responsibility increases the customer base and attracts investors. Being a social responsible organization enable a business to gain competitive advantage. Developing products that are friendly to the environment adds value and increases sales in business. Investors prefer social responsible businesses because it is an indication of proper management and a good reputation (The Economist, 2009).

However, if a company produces products that are detrimental to the environment, there is high chance that the company’s image can be destroyed.

The effect of pollution on air, water, and land calls for the need to observe ecological and environmental quality. Companies should clean up the existing pollution, start processes to reduce pollution, control noise, recycle materials, and perform aesthetic improvements. Consequently, social responsibility determines how children behave and thus there is need to educate children about social responsibility in order to put a sustainable investment in the future. Children are the potential business stakeholders in future.

Practicing social responsibility such as training children and improving health and education broadens their view and persuade them to help others. Teenagers can be asked to take part in volunteer programs in nursing homes, heath centers, and schools. This helps to heighten the idea that we are accountable for the state and quality of our societies (Griffins, 2008).

Practices of Corporate Social Responsibility

Ethics and social accountability in the context of business have changed over the last decades. This is due to various ethics scandals that have captured the interest of people. It is vital to talk about some of these scandals. The Salmon Brothers, a sponsor of security, defied Treasury policy in 1990s by purchasing more than thirty five percent of a Treasury copy of securities at auction. This business scandal forced three top executives to resign, including other effects.

The crime contributed in the effort of setting the U.S. Sentencing Commission in 1991 which was responsible for ensuring that companies are accountable for any unlawful behavior (Brenner, 1992). In the mid 1990, many ethical scandals were inline with sexual harassment and racial prejudice.

Coca-cola, Mitsubishi, and Texaco are some of the companies that received such accusations. At the start of the new century, scandals were persistent in the news. In 2001, Firestone and Ford expressed regret to their customers for a continued tire failures. Business ethics crimes are still common in the present days and therefore there is a possibility of changing ethical and social responsibility practices and theories in the future.

From the inference of public interest in social responsibility during the last forty years, two implications can be made. Attention in social responsibility has increased throughout the past three decades. Consequently, attention in ethics and social responsibility appears to have been driven by business scandals. In essence, the society has constantly changed their view on the issue with different tastes; some take it seriously and others take it lightly.

Because of the increasing ethical missteps, companies have been undergoing an intensive analysis from the public with regards to their performance. Due to many allegations, such as unfavorable care for the customer and environmental degradation, social responsibility has changed dramatically and thus companies are required to offer back to the community. It is believed that individual corporations are like citizens so they should contribute to the society (Henn, 2009).

The current organizations in many aspects are part of the society made up of many persons with different views and expectations. This implies that there is new demand for all stakeholders to reorganize their relationships.

For example, according to the President of McDonald’s, Don Thompson, the enduring success of the company relies on customers’ trust and loyalty – in the value and safety of food, in the business processes, and in the firm’s commitment to solving issues presented by the customers (personal communication, June 13, 2010). Those businesses expected to last for long will be concerned with making certain that the evolving requirements are met.

These companies will need to observe legal, ethical, and social requirements while being able to operate in tandem with changing economic conditions. In the past, social responsibility was seen as a practice that can decrease profits and thus contradicting the reason for the firm’s existence (Griffin, 2008).

Likewise, most organizations applied the utilitarian principle in solving ethical problems. The utilitarian principle argues that an action should be taken if it brings greater value to the whole organization. Modern organizations take into consideration the rights of every individual. This is known as the moral rights principle of solving ethical problems. It is imperative that modern firms observe and preserve the rights of employees, customers, and the whole society.

In future, ethics and social responsibility will have a new meaning in the context of business operations. From the current happenings, it is possible that businesses will be required to be adoptive and interactive. Future organizations will need to observe the changing laws that govern business operations.

As pressure increases from the outside environment, companies will be able to anticipate environmental changes and blend their own goals with those of the society. This is an interactive approach that reduces the difference between society’s viewpoint and business routine.

Social responsibility is part of business ethics that require managers to be open in their business engagements. Observing ethics and social responsibility improves the company’s image and result to profit maximization.

The whole world would benefit from social responsibility because companies are required to take part in the following aspects: improve environmental quality, provide truthful advertisement, start industries in marginal areas, provide equal employment rights, develop quality products, and enable freedom of participation in company’s affairs.

As explained in this paper, ethics and social responsibility requires constant changes in organizational conduct and performance. Since internal and external requirements change, it is imperative that firms likely to survive in future observe the changing needs from the society and regulations imposed by the government. In essence, since businesses create some problems they should help solve them.

Brenner, S. N. (1992). “Ethics Programs and Their Dimensions”. Journal of Business Ethics , 11, 391-399.

Griffin, A. (2008). New Strategies For Reputation Management: Gaining Control of Issues, Crisis & Corporate Social Responsibility. Philadelphia, USA: Kogan Page Limited.

Henn, K. (2009). Business Ethics: A Case Study Approach. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Johnson, K. W. Integrating Applied Ethics and Social Responsibility . Ethical Complexity or Ethical Chaos? . Web.

McNamara, C. (2010). Complete Guide to Ethics Management: An Ethics Toolkit for Managers . Free Management Library. Web.

Oneal, M. (Interviewer) & Thompson, D. (Interviewee). (2010). McDonald’s on a Roll, But Still Not at Top of its Game . Chicago Tribune. Web.

Sims, R. (2003). Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Why Giants Fall. United States: Green wood Publishing Group, Inc.

The Economist. (2005). The Importance of Corporate Responsibility . Economist Intelligence Unit. Web.

Thom, D. H. & Campbell, B. (1997). Patient-Physician Trust: An Exploratory Study. BNET. Web.

  • Ethical Considerations in Successful Business
  • Professional Values and Ethics
  • Volkswagen Scandal: Breach of Environmental Regulations
  • The Bribery Scandal at Siemens AG
  • The GameStop Scandal and Strategic Planning
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Concept in Modern Economy
  • Corporate Ethics in the "Business Through the Eyes of Faith"
  • Financial Reporting Practices and Ethical Standards in Health Care Finance
  • Business Ethics: Morality Issues Toward Customers
  • Some social responsibility practices
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

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Business Ethics Journal Review

Edited by alexei marcoux & chris macdonald — issn 2326-7526.

  • About BEJR — Now 10 years in!
  • Books Received
  • Instructions for Authors
  • Past Issues
  • The Editors

business ethics essay

Student’s Guide to Writing Critical Essays in Business Ethics (and beyond)

business ethics essay

Here is some advice for writing critical essays, in business ethics but also in other fields. There is of course much more to say on the topic, but this is a start.

Writing your own critical essay:

What kinds of criticisms should you offer in your essay? There are a nearly infinite number of errors or problems that you might spot in an essay or book that you want to critique. Here are a few common ones to look for, to get you started:

  • Point out one or more logical fallacies. Did the author present a false dilemma , for example? Or an argument from ignorance ? Has the author presented a false analogy or a hasty generalization ?
  • Critique the scope of the author’s claim. For example, does the author claim that his or her conclusion applies to all cases, rather than just to the small number of cases he or she has actually argued for?
  • Point out unjustified assumptions. Has the author made questionable assumptions about some matter of fact, without providing evidence? Alternatively, has the author assumed that readers share some questionable ethical starting point, perhaps a belief in a particular debatable principle?
  • Point out internal contradictions. Does the author say two things that, perhaps subtly, contradict each other?
  • Point out undesirable implications / consequences. Does the author’s position imply, perhaps accidentally, some further conclusion that the author (or audience) is unlikely to want to accept, upon reflection?

In general, a good critical essay should:

  • Describe and explain in neutral terms the article or book being critiqued. Before you start offering criticism, you should demonstrate that you understand the point of view you are critiquing.
  • Be modest. Your goal should be to offer some insight, rather than to win a debate. Rather than to “show that Smith is wrong” or “prove that Sen’s view is incorrect,” you should set your aims on some more reasonable goal, such as “casting doubt” on the view you are critiquing, or “suggesting reason why so-and-so should modify her view.”
  • Be fair. Sometimes this is referred to as the “principle of charity.” It has nothing to do with donating money. Rather, it is about giving the other side what you owe them, namely a fair reading. Your goal is not to make the author whose work you are criticizing sound dumb. Rather, the goal is to make her sound smart, but then to make yourself sound smart, too, but showing how her view could be improved.
  • Be well structured . Professors love structure. Remember: a critical essay is not just a bunch of ideas; it is an orderly attempt to convince someone (in most cases, your professor) of a particular point of view. Your ideas will only have real punch if you put them in a suitable structure. That’s not all that hard. For example, make sure your opening paragraph acts as a roadmap for what follows — telling the reader where you’re going and how you propose to get there. Make sure each paragraph in the body of your essay has a main point (a point connected to the goal of your essay!) and that its point is clearly explained.
  • Stick to two or maybe three main arguments . “The three main problems with Jones’s argument are x, y, and z.”
  • Be clear. That means not just that your essay should be clearly structured, but also that each sentence should be clear. Proof-reading is important: get someone with good writing skills to proof-read your essay for you. If you can’t do that before your deadline, you can proof-read your essay yourself by reading it out loud. We’re serious. It is much easier to spot errors in your own writing if you read out loud.

A few more tips:

  • Cite your sources carefully. Use whichever citation method your professor says to use. If in doubt, use one of the established methods (such as APA or Chicago ). But whatever you do, make sure to give credit to the people whose ideas you use, if you want to avoid being charged with plagiarism.
  • Use what you’ve learned in class. Your professor would love nothing more than to know that you’ve been paying attention. So try to make use of some of the concepts discussed in class, or in your course textbook.
  • Don’t try to sound like an author. Just say what you want to say. Trying to sound like an author just leads people to use big words they don’t understand and to write complex sentences that overshoot their grammatical skills. Just write it more or less the way you would say it out loud, in short, clear sentences.
  • Follow instructions. Failing to follow instructions is easily the most common way students screw up when writing critical essays. Read the assignment instructions through carefully — twice! — and then if anything is unclear, ask your professor for clarification.

Looking for essay topics? Check out Business Ethics Highlights .

See also: The Concise Encyclopedia of Business Ethics

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3 comments on “student’s guide to writing critical essays in business ethics (and beyond)”.

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This is a useful resource – thanks Chris

“Shack”

Arthur Shacklock (Griffith University Queensland, Australia)

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I’m currently a student at Arizona Christian University taking a Business Ethics course. I’m in the midst of completing an assignment that requires me to post on an open blog forum. It was very difficult for me to find something interesting and that pertained to my class. Then I stumbled across your blog then more specifically, this article. The purpose of this specific assignment is to share my individual and collective experiences derived from collaborative learning and expressed through the narrative, as “actionable knowledge.” Actionable knowledge reflects the learning capability of individuals and organizations to connect elements including; social, political, economic, technological.

Knowing how to write critical essays in Business Ethics is an important element of success. I enjoyed reading through these helpful tips. This is useful information that will help in college and beyond.

Supporting evidence is an important part of writing a sound paper. Like you mentioned in the blog, it can’t be based on bias or ignorance. Rather, backed up by factual evidence to help support your claim. I love the general key points as well. Describe and explain, be modest, be fair, be well structured, and be clear. I am very familiar with these key elements as we have spoken on them in class. They are very important components of business ethics. We’ve learned things about leading in the business world, Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism, Business advertising, and more. In the essay I write in this course, I will refer back to this blog.

Like any other course, it is important to cite your sources like you’ve mentioned above as well as use information that we’ve learned in class. Sound like yourself and speak from your own understanding. The last tip was to follow instructions WHICH IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS! It’s all in the fine print. Read until you understand and ask questions if you don’t.

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Good luck with your studies, Deon!

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Peer-Reviewed Business Ethics Journals (not an exhaustive list!)

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Essays on Business Ethics

Faq about business ethics.

How to Write Essay on The Role of Ethics in Business: 5 Best Examples

  • What is Business Ethics?

Importance of Ethics in Business

  • Trust Building: Ethical practices build trust among stakeholders.
  • Legal Compliance: Ethics ensures businesses adhere to laws and regulations.
  • Reputation: An ethical business fosters a positive reputation.
  • Employee Morale: High ethical standards improve employee satisfaction and productivity.
  • Long-term Sustainability: Ethical businesses are more likely to sustain in the long run.
  • Tips for Writing an Essay on Business Ethics

1. Choose a Clear Thesis Statement

2. use real-life examples, 3. employ ethical theories, 4. structure your essay logically.

  • Introduction: Introduce the topic, provide background information, and present your thesis statement.
  • Body Paragraphs: Expand on your thesis with arguments and examples. Each paragraph should cover a different aspect of business ethics.
  • Conclusion: Summarize your key points, restate your thesis in the light of the information presented, and propose potential areas for future research or action.

5. Maintain Objectivity

  • 5 Best Examples of Essays on The Role of Ethics in Business

Example 1: Ethics in Corporate Governance

Introduction.

  • Transparency: Ethical governance promotes clear communication with stakeholders. Companies like Apple disclose their financial records and operational activities with high transparency.
  • Fairness: Ethical practices ensure fair treatment of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and shareholders.
  • Accountability: Companies like Johnson & Johnson take responsibility for their products' safety and quality, reflecting their commitment to ethical practices.

Example 2: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

  • Environmental Responsibility: Companies like Tesla are leading the way in sustainability with their focus on renewable energy.
  • Social Responsibility: Organizations like Patagonia donate a significant portion of their profits to environmental causes.
  • Economic Responsibility: Ethical businesses ensure fair wages and create job opportunities to boost the economy.

Example 3: Ethical Marketing Practices

  • Truthful Advertising: Companies like Dove are known for their honest portrayal of beauty standards.
  • Customer Privacy: Ethical businesses prioritize customer data protection, like Apple, which has strong privacy policies.
  • Fair Competition: Businesses should avoid misleading comparisons or negative tactics against competitors.

Example 4: Workplace Ethics

  • Equal Opportunities: Companies like Google promote diversity and inclusion in their hiring practices.
  • Health and Safety: Ethical businesses ensure a safe working environment, like Toyota's commitment to safety protocols.
  • Fair Compensation: Providing fair wages and benefits, as exemplified by Costco, reflects ethical treatment of employees.

Example 5: Ethical Supply Chain Management

  • Sustainable Sourcing: Ethical businesses like Starbucks focus on sourcing raw materials sustainably.
  • Fair Labor Practices: Ensuring that suppliers adhere to fair labor practices, such as those enforced by Nike, is crucial.
  • Quality Control: Ethical supply chains maintain high standards of quality and safety, as seen in Toyota's practices.
  • Writing Your Own Essay
  • Research Thoroughly: Gather information from reliable sources, including scholarly articles, books, and case studies.
  • Outline Your Essay: Plan your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion meticulously.
  • Draft Your Essay: Write your essay, providing clear arguments, examples, and citing your sources appropriately.
  • Revise and Edit: Ensure your essay is clear, free of grammatical errors, and effectively communicates your points.
  • Seek Feedback: Get feedback from peers or mentors to refine your essay further.

How to Write Essay on the Role of Education in Fostering Global Citizenship: 5 Best Examples

How to Write Essay on the Role of Education in Fostering Global Citizenship: 5 Best Examples

In a globally connected world, education is key to fostering global citizenship. Discover essential writing tips and explore five exemplary essays illustrating how education nurtures global perspective, critical thinking, and social responsibility.

How to Write Essay on The Role of Ethics in Business: 3 Best Examples

How to Write Essay on The Role of Ethics in Business: 3 Best Examples

Writing an essay on the role of ethics in business can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Discover practical tips and detailed examples that will help you craft a compelling essay and impress your readers.

30 ‘In Conclusion’ Synonyms and How To Use Them  Write Better Essays

30 ‘In Conclusion’ Synonyms and How To Use Them Write Better Essays

A strong closing section is essential for any essay. Whether you’re writing an argumentative essay, an exposition, or a narrative essay, the conclusion needs to be one of the most impactful parts of your writing. If you’re looking at ‘in conclusion’ synonyms, then you likely need some help with crafting an impactful summary section.

Home / Essay Samples / Business / Management / Business Ethics

Business Ethics Essay Examples

Ethics at work: emphasizing their significance in the workplace.

In today’s complex dynamic global business environment of the 21st century, the deep understanding of Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR is crucial to Young Entrepreneurs, who are aiming high to be at the top in their respective businesses. This is importance of work...

Ethics and Governance: an Introduction to Moral Principles

This is ethics Introduction essay where this topic will be considered. To start with, ethics is the philosophy of being a good person, doing what is right, living well with other being and desiring only that is right in life. Solomon also discussed that ethics...

Ethics of Behavior of Pharmaceutical Companies in the Market

This report aims to answer questions of whether pharmaceutical firms are acting ethically and responsibly through analyzing the stakeholders involved and qualifying the ethical considerations raised of each issue: Deceptive Marketing, Pricing and Improper payments and gifts. As immediate users of the products by Big...

Kellogg’s Misleading Special K Advertisement

The increasing globalisation and competition have left companies across all industries with fewer choices but exploit various brand awareness strategies through marketing. Advertisement message is one of the growing methods of creating brand awareness among competitors to their consumers. Ads help introduce a business, build...

Research of Ethical Shortcomings in Enron Case

Enron Corporation – one of the largest energy-based companies in America, eventually fell into the abyss of bankruptcy in the year 2001. The dramatic rise to power by Enron to later facing a dizzying fall shook the Wallstreet and affected thousands of people. This failure...

Kellogg`s Company: Analytics of Ethical Behavior in the Market

The sector in which I’ll be discussing about in this report is the food sector. The company in which I’ll be discussing about is Kellogg’s. They were opened in 1906 by the founder Will Keith Kellogg. Kellogg’s originally entered the market as a cereal-based product...

The Benefits of Outsourcing for Businesses

Businesses often recruit services from a source outside of its internal operations and engaging in this procedure is referred to as outsourcing. Outsourcing jobs is becoming more accepted with businesses in today's global economy. Organizations are realizing the benefits that come with outsourcing jobs. Companies...

Wal-marts Corporate Ethics and Social Responsibilities Efforts

Wal-Mart is a multi-billion corporation that opened its doors back in 1962, on July 2nd of that year the first Wal-Mart store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas under the supervision and influence of Sam Walton. Walton is the man responsible for engraving the goals, values,...

Corporate Psychopaths and the Implications They Can Bring on the Organization

The chosen topic of this review and synthesis is to look at one of the members of the ‘dark triad’ – psychopaths and how they find their way into the organizations or corporations therefore becoming a “corporate psychopath’’ or an ‘’organizational psychopath’’. It is important...

The Principles of Ethical Human Resource Management

“Human Resource Management is the set of organizational activities directed at attracting, developing and maintaining an effective workforce.”- Ricky W. Griffin The overall objective of human resources is to ensure that the organisation is able to attain success by people. HR practitioners manage the human...

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