Introduction

We start with critical thinking, the techniques from Philosophy: the use of logic and reasoning to present and discuss arguments, typically this will involve logical consistency, theory of knowledge; that is the study of the nature of knowledge.

Philosophical Ethics

Attempts to apply philosophical methods to questions like:

How ought we to live?
What institutions / practices are good?
Can we make objective moral judgements?
Are some values higher than others?

Ethics

standards of conduct that distinguish between:

right and wrong
good and bad
virtue and vice

Morals

ethical standards that apply generally

Philosophical ethics ( ethics )

critical discussion of the theory, by reasoning ( logic ) looking for inconsistency, exceptions and unacceptable consequences in order to evaluate authority for belief.

Contrasting philosophical ethics

With Social science:
Descriptive and explanatory, usually not recommending a particular value system.

With Theology:
Ethical theories and moral judgements are based upon revelation and sacred texts.

With Science:

Positive statements - Factual or empirical statements about the world which can be tested by experiment and observation.

Normative statements - Value judgements about what is right or wrong, where the criteria of truth itself is disputed.

Ethics

Ethics has two dimensions:

Prescriptive ethics; an ethical theory that presents some values and principles in a system.
Meta - ethics; the logical argument for a particular system of ethics being more rational.

Applied ethics:

The application of philosophical ethics to practice in specific areas:

• medical
  
• business
  
• marketing
  
• social
  

There may be common themes across the professions:

• impartiality
  
• objectivity
  
• transparency
  
• confidentiality
  
• duty of care
  
• due diligence
  
• fidelity
  
• avoiding conflict of interest
  

Concepts / terminology

Ethical values:

what is believed to be of worth, e.g. happiness, honesty, freedom.

Ethical principles:

rules are standards which express the values and supported by ethical theory.

Ethical theory

A systematised basis for the authority of value judgements

A. Consequentialist:

Theories hold that the rightness or wrongness of any action depends on its consequences.

a) Utilitarianism
That we assess the decision on the basis of the greatest balance of good / bad.

b) Duty of care
That decisions and actions should be assessed by care / concern for others.

c) Respect for rights
That decisions and actions should take account of the fact that people have rights.

B. Deontological theories

The theories that see actions / decisions as right or wrong in themselves

a) Moral rules
The "golden rule" Do unto others etc.

b) Virtue
That people should strive to become ethical characters by moral development, ie courage, honesty, loyalty, integrity etc.

c) Cultural relativism
That ethical standards are relative to the time and place of a particular society, "when in Rome…"

Business and Marketing Ethics

Ethical Dilemmas:

A situation where the manager can choose between at least two different courses of action that are equally valid from an ethical position.

Ethical choice:
Where a decision has involved a moral value or ethical principle.

Business Ethics

Decisions about values and ethical principles in the Organisation and its relationship to society / environment.

To sensitise managers about how to act and retain a moral compass in times of change and / crises.

Areas of Business Ethics

A. HRM practices

The treatment of employees
The nature of work
Casual / temporary contracts
Bullying / harassment at work
Equality of opportunity
Fair / just rewards
Health and Safety
Training and Development

B. "Moral mazes of management"

wrongful use of resources
loyalty / "whistle blowing"
disclosure / rights to know
ownership / risk
consistency / exceptional circumstances
disclosure / conflict of interest
hospitality / gifts

C. Social responsibility

The impact of the Org. on the society and the environment:

Community relations
Quality of life
Pollution
Heritage
Consumer education
Animal welfare
Controversial products
"affirmative action"

Marketing Ethics

A. Marketing Research

Deceptive techniques
Focus group management
Anonymity of respondents
Integrity of report

B Marketing mix issues

Product: Safety / risk; Appropriate labelling; Life cycle (obsolescence) / Product development e.g. the pc of segmentation ??

Place (distribution): Product availability; Coercion / exclusivity

Promotion: Product endorsement; Selective info. Pressure selling

Price: "Prices from…" discounts (old stock) size reduction / packaging

Management Ethics Practice:

Design a model for Ethical Decision Making in Management

1. identify moral dimension
   e.g. conflict of values and a normative discussion.
   
2. identify interested parties
   relationships / org. authority
   
3. surface principles / ethical theories
   
4. critically discussion
   philosophical methodology and process management; within a context of public policy and legal aspects
   
5. statement of code of ethics policy, statement on the values / ethical principles to guide decisions and actions.

Benefits of ethics management from the marketing perspective.

• establishes operating values / behaviours
  
• develops awareness / sensitivity to ethical issues
  
• process to resolve ethical dilemmas
  
• public awareness of the companies position
  
• builds intangible asset of trust and confidence of company