LICEO DE CAGAYAN UNIVERSITY

Rodolfo N. Pelaez Boulevard, Kauswagan

Cagayan de Oro City

Project in

Corporate Social Responsibility and

Good Governance
BUS 104
____________________________________________

Submitted to:

Ma’am Ana Maria Cortes MM

College of Business and Accountancy
Liceo de Cagayan University

_____________________________________________

Submitted by:

Charrysah T. Tabaosares
CHAPTER 1

ETHICS
AND
BUSINESS
Question for Discussion

1. Discuss why ethics is important in business.

Answer : Business ethics are a reflection of the standard of business that either an individual or
business uses when conducting transactions. Business ethics are important because they add a
line of defense to protect the company, enable company growth, save money and allow people to
avoid certain legal implications.

2. Refute the businessman’s myth that ‘ethics has in place at all in business.

Answer : ETHICS HAS NO PLACE IN BUSINESS. ETHICS HAS NO PLACE IN BUSINESS !!

Ethics is the study of morality that involves scrutinizing the concepts of right and wrong. In the
same manner business ethics is depicted as the process of rationally evaluating our moral
standards and applying them to business situations.

3. Explain the phrase: “Not all that is legal is moral, but what is moral is worth legalizing. “

Answer : An action may be legal but not necessarily moral. Ethics provides a clear distinction
between morality and legality. Consider abortion-in some country’s abortion is legal but in the
Christian faith abortion is an immoral act.

4. Define Business Ethics. What is your own personal definition of Business Ethics?

Answer : Business ethics (also known as corporate ethics) is a form of applied ethics or
professional ethics, that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise
in a business environment.

Answer : On my own definition of business ethics is the set of moral rules that govern how
businesses operate, how business decisions are made and how people are treated. In business,
there are many different people you have to answer to: customers, shareholders and clients.

5. Explain the phrase: ‘Ethics is the unwritten law written in the heats of men.”

Answer : It means that ethics can be determined by anyone within himself. We are the only ones
who can determine whether the actions that we do are right or wrong.

6. What is your personal view on profit-motive?

Answer : Profit motive is the intent to achieve monetary gain in a transaction or material
endeavor. Profit motive can also be construed as the underlying reason why a taxpayer or
company participates in business activities of any kind.
7. Do you agree with Milton Friedman that the only responsibility of business is to maximize
profits? Why or why not? Discuss your answer.

Answer : No, this is really a very simplistic view. I believe that a business entity has other
responsibilities such as paying the correct taxes, giving quality products and services to its
clients and sharing its fruits through CSR and proper handling of its employees by giving them
the exact benefits in order for them to value their work.

8. What is the Catholic Church’s stand on profit-motive?

Answer : The church is not against profit -making. Pope Pius XIjust reminds that “one should
respect the laws of God, not prejudice the rights of others, and works according to faith and right
reason.” (QA #136)

9. What is your concept of reasonable profit?

Answer : In economics, a firm is said to be making a normal profit when total revenues equal
total costs. These normal profits then match the rate of return that is the minimum rate required
by equity investors to maintain their present level of investment. To elaborate further “If your
profits take away food from another’s table then it is excessive.”
CHAPTER 2

THE
PHILOSOPHICAL
BACKGROUND
OD BUSINESS
ETHICS
Question for Discussion

1. What is Philosophy? Do you have a personal philosophy in life? If so, what is your personal
philosophy?

Answer : Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental questions about existence,
knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Such questions are often posed as problems to
be studied or resolved. The term was probably coined by Pythagoras.

Answer : Yes

Answer : I believe that we are limitless, we are the ones making our own limitations. Explore
the world and discover new things and learnings. Be limitless.

2. Differentiate ethics from morality.

Answer: Ethics and morals relate to “right” and “wrong” conduct. While they are sometimes
used interchangeably, they are different: ethics refer to rules provided by an external source,
e.g., codes of conduct in workplaces or principles in religions. Morals refer to an individual’s
own principles regarding right and wrong.

And Ethics are what the society or the “Social System – External” says it is the right
thing to do while the Morals are what we believe or what each “Individual-Internal” believe in
something being right or wrong.

3. Why is ethics called normative science? Differentiate philosophy, art and science. Cite their
similarities and striking differences.

Answer: Ethics is considered a normative science because it is concerned with the systematic
study of the norms of human conduct. It involves a systematic search for moral principles and
norms that are used to justify our judgements. Philosophy deals with questions that cannot be
answered by observation or experiment. Science is the systematic method of acquiring
knowledge based on observation and experiment. Art is about creative communication of ideas
and emotions. They are all interrelated since all of them seek to find answers and explanations
about phenomenon in life. However, they differ in the way and manner they find answers. Their
essential difference lies in their nature, as art and philosophy are subjective, while science is
objective. Science is progressive in a way that Art is not.

4. Is ethics a one-sized shoe that fits all or a customized outfit? Explain your answer.

Answer: For me, ethics is a customized outfit, in which it varies from one person to another.
This is because ethics is relative. Two cultures or any people can hold different moral values of
an action and still, both can be right. An action may be right for one person or society and the
same action can also be wrong for another reason. Thus, there are moral differences based on
personal beliefs and convictions; the ethical conduct of a certain culture varies to others.

5. Explain why the Kantian ethics is considered a “Non-Consequentialist” Ethics.

Answer: Kantian duty-based ethics says that some things should never be done, no matter what
good consequences they produce. This seems to reflect the way some human beings think. Under
this form of ethics, you can't justify an action by showing that it produced good consequences,
which is why it's sometimes called 'non-Consequentialist'.

6. What is the difference between Theistic and Atheistic Ethics?

Answer: The primary difference between theistic and atheistic ethics is where they derive their
authority from. With theistic ethics, an ethical code is given authority because it was issued by a
divine being, one with more power and knowledge than mortal humans. For example, the Ten
Commandments are the Bible's ethical code in the Old Testament. According to the Bible, Moses
was given the Ten Commandments by God, who crafted them in order to help humans maintain a
moral society. These commandments serve as the basis for the Israelites' code of ethics and
direct their community. People who break these commandments are punished, not because they
have broken laws written by mere humans, but because they have gone against the will of God.

By contrast, atheistic ethics are created by humans using logic and moral reasoning.
Since they do not have a connection to a deity and often lack a strict origin point, they are
generally more mutable than theistic ethics. Atheistic ethics tend to be more situational than
concrete, which means that whether an action is right or wrong is dependent on the
circumstance. For example, with situational ethics, it is considered wrong to kill another human,
but if it is in self-defense, it is justified. This means that the ethical code can be changed to fit the
situation, but it also means that the code can be twisted to justify crime. Atheistic ethics are also
easier for people to challenge, since they are written by humans, and therefore, they will never
be without bias.

7. Do you believe that morality is relative, e, g., the goodness or badness of one’s action depends
on the culture, laws and beliefs of a society or community? Why or why not?

Answer: Yes, I believe that morality is relative. It varies from one person to another. Since each
one of us has different perspectives in life, each has different opinions and perceptions on things.
Some actions might be good to one person, but wrong to another person. Every culture has its
own morals. For example, in the Philippines, we, as a family, take good care of our
grandparents; while in other countries, they are being taken cared in the custody of caregivers.
Religion also places a significant role in varying moral perspectives of people, such as the
contradicting belief of Christian and Muslims regarding marriage.

8. Why is it difficult for people to reach Level 3 Stages 5 and 6 according to Kohlberg?

Answer: The third level of moral thinking is one that Kohlberg felt is not reached by most adults
because this level can only be reached by going through all the stages. One cannot possibly skip
a stage or reverse the order. Thus, one must understand and see the reasonableness and
importance of having a “higher stage” morality. People could not, for example, move from an
orientation of selfishness to the law and order stage without passing through the good boy/girl
stage. They could only come to a comprehension of a moral rationale one stage above their own.
CHAPTER 3

THE
RELATIONSHIP
OF ETHICS WITH
THE OTHER
PHASES OF
HUMAN LIFE
Question for Discussion

1. Differentiate ethics from law. Point out their similarities and striking differences.

Answer: Laws are a body of rules that are instituted via a process of political machinations to
codify a groups power and interests. Which, if contravened, results in some loss of personal
wealth or freedom. Ethics are a body of thought that have been derived via a process of
philosophical debate to empower and guide people. Laws are sometimes tangentially related to
ethics but are still ultimately derived via the afore mentioned process of political machinations.
Law and ethics are two frameworks that sometimes reach the same result. The former reflects the
views of those who have political power to make and enforce rules: the latter is a subjective view
of how one should treat other people.

2. How is ethics different from religion?

Answer:
 Religion: "A religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world
views that relate humanity to an order of existence."

 Ethics: "Ethics (also moral philosophy) is the branch of philosophy that involves
systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct."

 Religion can provide you with its knowledge of the self, God, world and customs related
to it. It purifies the inner being through loving devotion service to God. Inner purification
leads to receiving the never-ending grace of God, his limitless love, his endless goodness
and his measureless mercy. Religion in forms like Varna Ashram Dharma tells how we
can achieve our material goals and spiritual liberation. Truth, Justice, Love and Good
deeds are the pillars of religion.

 Ethics would teach you what is right and what is wrong in a certain action, speech or
thought. The sense of right or wrong. If the action, speech or thought promotes sins
(whether crime or seven deadly sins) then it is wrong, if it promotes well-being of all
with justice to all, it is correct. On a personal level action, speech or thought for self
defense, self-maintenance by right way i.e. right livelihood, service in a loving devoted
manner and guidance for betterment of the individual and of humanity without involving
sin is correct.

3. Differentiate ethics from etiquette.

Answer:
 Ethics are the standards or codes of behavior considered to be correct and expected by the
group to which an individual belongs. There are national ethics, social ethics, company
ethics, professional ethics. Sometimes a person's personal morals clash with the ethics he
is expected to practice at work. For example, a criminal defense lawyer may find murder
immoral but the ethics of his job demand that he defends a murderer to the best of his
ability.

 Etiquette is a code of behavior that outlines expectations for social behavior within a
society, social class or group. Rules of etiquette include all aspects of social interaction
including manners. But Etiquette is not just about saying 'please' and 'thank you'. One
important function of etiquette is that it shows respect and deference to others. For
example, in many countries not jumping the queue is considered normal etiquette.
4. Explain the phrase: “The rules of etiquette are nonmoral in character but the violations of
these rules on etiquette can have moral implications.” Cite a concrete example.

Answer: Rules of etiquette are nonmoral in character and are meant to serve as guidelines for
socially acceptable behavior. Violations of etiquette can sometimes have moral implications. The
strict observance of rules of etiquette can sometimes conceal serious moral issues.

It is important to note that different societies have different moral beliefs and that our
beliefs are deeply influenced by our own culture and context. For this reason, some values do
have moral implications, while others don’t.

Let us consider, for example, the wearing of hijab. For sure, in traditional Muslim
communities, the wearing of hijab is the most appropriate act that women have to do in terms of
dressing up. In fact, for some Muslims, showing parts of the woman’s body, such as the face and
legs, is despicable. However, in many parts of the world, especially in Western societies, most
people don’t mind if women barely cover their bodies. As a matter of fact, the Hollywood canon
of beauty glorifies a sexy and slim body and the wearing of extremely daring dress. The point
here is that people in the West may have pitied the Muslim women who wear hijab, while some
Muslims may find women who dress up daringly despicable.

5. What is the difference between ethics and morality?

Answer: The word Morals is derived from a Greek word “Mos” which means custom. On the
other hand, if we talk about Ethics, it is also derived from a Greek word “Ethikos” which means
character. Put simply, morals are the customs established by group of individuals whereas ethics
defines the character of an individual.

While morals are concerned with principles of right and wrong, ethics are related to
right and wrong conduct of an individual in a particular situation. Many use the two terms as
synonyms, but there are slight and subtle differences between morals and ethics, which are
described in the article below.

6. How is ethics related to economics?

Answer: Ethics or principles manage the society from within. None of the society can be based
upon the introvert laws that have zero connection with the inner ethics that can manage people
from within. So, such principle that have universal application, are adopted across the streams
of knowledge and sciences. Cooperation with each other may be used in providing insurance to
each other against future risks. Ethics is a way of thinking about how we should or should not
behave as humans in society and about what individuals and society owe each other.

Economics is a science that studies the allocation of scarce resources. Typically, this is
money and how money is used. But it can also be time, effort, anything that’s scarce. Economics
can also be thought of as our financial system. But that’s a verbal shorthand that’s not
completely accurate. It’s more accurate to call that our financial system.

7. What is the difference between Ethics and the Professional Code of Conduct?

Answer: Code of conduct is a set of rules regarding social norms to be followed by an

organization, in respect of behavior, manners etc. Ethics is the principles followed by an
individual. While code of conduct is mandatory, ethics is spontaneous.
CHAPTER 4

THE
FUNDAMENTAS
PRINCIPLES OF
ETHICS
Question for Discussion

1. Differentiate a human act from an act of man.

Answer: Human Acts these are actions of man that he does willfully. He does these things using
his free will and his intellect. Another definition of human acts is these are actions of man that
resulted from his own and personal choices. Acts of Man these are things that a man does
involuntarily and without using his free will. Examples of these are the functioning of a person's
senses and the normal functioning of a person's body

2. Why is the concept of voluntariness important to determine the morality or immorality of the
human conduct

Answer: The essence of volunteerism has a big significant effect to the morality and immorality
of individual. It can manifest to the things that we do not just to our own self but for the welfare
of our fellow people and to our community as well. An example of this is Community
Development. With this activity, each person can showcase their spirit of volunteerism by
offering efforts for the common good of people without asking for something in return.

3. What is the characteristic of human act?

Answer: Such actions are the biological and physiological movements in man such as,
metabolism, respiration, fear, anger, love and jealousy. For an act to be considered a human act,
it must possess the following characteristics: It must be performed by a conscious agent who is
aware of what he is doing and of its consequences.

4. What is the difference between natural involuntary action and natural voluntary action?

Answer: A voluntary action is basically an action which you yourself initiate by your own
conscious. Involuntary actions as their name suggest, are total opposites of voluntary actions, a
reflex action is not under the control of the will. The factors in human conduct that determine
whether it is good or bad. There are three such determinants of morality, namely the object, the
end, and the circumstances.

5. Why is the end of the act considered as the primary determinant of morality?

Answer: In the moral order, an object is good when it is in conformity with reason, when it is
suitable to reason which is the proximate norm of morality. Otherwise it is evil. Any action not in
conformity with reason is a bad action. an objectively good act performed for a good purpose
takes on a new goodness from the good end an objectively evil act performed for an evil purpose
takes on a new malice or evil from the evil end an act which is objectively good, but one for an
evil end, is entirely evil if the evil end is the whole motive of the act an objectively evil act can
never become good by reason of a good end
6. Why are the circumstances of the act important to determine the culpability of the actor in the
absence prima facie evidence?

Answer: The three moral determinates of the human act are the object, the end, and the
circumstances. For an action to be morally good, all three determinates must be good. A lack in
any of them will, at least in a qualified way, make the morality of the act to be bad.