Chapter 7: Professionalism and Ethics Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the primary objective of “Effective Business Practice”?
To identify and sustain core values within a company, ensuring that every employee and the business itself measures success ethically.
What are two ways businesses might define “effective” and “successful” without necessarily focusing on ethics?
- Being competitive and innovative, regardless of how results are achieved.
- Outperforming competition, even if it means “bending a few rules.”
What determines whether different business approaches are “acceptable behaviour”?
The “ethical theory” that the entrepreneur and/or management team uses as their moral compass.
What is a potential pitfall of strictly applying “Principle-based theory”?
It may lead to an undesirable outcome if a person ignores the situation’s consequences and only follows their principles.
What is the core idea of “Principle-based theory” in ethics?
A set of values or rules determines if an action is ethical, regardless of the outcome.
According to “Consequence-based theory,” what determines if an action is ethical?
The outcome of the situation.
What is the central idea of the “Utilitarian theory”?
An action is justifiable if its outcome benefits the majority of a group.
What do “Narrative theories” use to illustrate acceptable or unacceptable behaviour?
Stories, folklore, or organisational culture (common beliefs).
Provide an example illustrating the “Utilitarian theory.”
A pharmaceutical company releasing a drug that cures 90% of users but causes blindness in 10%, arguing the benefit to the majority outweighs the harm to the minority.
How do “Narrative theories” differ from other ethical theories in taking a stance?
They do not take a stand on what is right or wrong; instead, the story’s content leads the reader/listener to a conclusion about acceptability.
What is the core concept of the “Virtue-based theory”?
It judges a person by their character and reputation, rather than by an individual action.
What is the core concept of “Deontology”?
An action is ethical if the person upholds their obligation towards another person or society.
List five criteria for how a professional person will act, according to the text.
- Ensure knowledge and skills are current and applied without question for superior outcomes.
- Apply knowledge to develop other employees.
- Ensure fair engagement with clients and employees, not exceeding expectations.
- Accept accountability for decisions and not lie or shift blame.
- Ensure appearance matches role and environment.
What is the purpose of the “Batho Pele” framework in South Africa?
To ensure professional and ethical service delivery in the public service.
What are the two main types of documents discussed that address ethical behaviour in businesses?
A Code of Ethics and a Code of Conduct.
What is the difference between a “Code of Ethics” and a “Code of Conduct”?
A Code of Ethics describes the principles the business considers important to achieve superior outcomes, while a Code of Conduct guides specific actions and prevents negative behaviour.
List five types of unethical behaviour that a Code of Ethics/Conduct might address.
Bribery, corruption, and fraud.
Confidentiality of company records.
-Conflict of interest.
-Insider trading.
-Receiving gifts.
-Respect for intellectual property.
-Use of company resources and privacy.
-Employees having other jobs/businesses.
-Whistle-blowing.
List two ways to ensure staff members use the Code of Ethics/Conduct daily.
-Obtain staff input and allow feedback on a draft document for buy-in.
-Managers must lead by example, with one set of rules for everyone.
-Ensure guidelines are written in easy-to-understand language.
According to the text, what did Albert Einstein say about people being good only due to fear of punishment or hope for reward?
“If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.”
What is the main idea behind “Corporate Governance”?
Businesses should be good citizens of the country in which they operate because it is the right thing to do.
List five stakeholders whose interests are balanced by good Corporate Governance.
- Shareholders
- Management
- Employees
- Customers
- Suppliers
- Government
- Broader community
List three benefits of implementing a sound Corporate Citizenship programme.
- A good image and easier Public Relations.
- Improved relations with stakeholders (e.g., healthier workforce, easier recruiting).
- Investor confidence makes it easier to raise capital.
List and briefly explain the first 4 of 8 Batho Pele principles.
- Information: Sharing relevant government department and service delivery information with employees and the public.
- Openness and Transparency (Accountability): Government employees being accountable and responsible for resource use, with the public having the right to ask questions.
- Redress: Having mechanisms in place for quick resolution of issues when service delivery doesn’t meet standards.
- Value for Money: Ensuring citizens feel they receive value for money, with public servants striving for efficiency and cost reduction.
List the last 4 Batho Pele principles:
- Consultation: Asking citizens about their needs and what they have to say.
- Service Standards: Monitoring ongoing service to ensure citizen satisfaction and comparing it to international benchmarks.
- Access: Increasing citizens’ access to services, especially for those without current access.
- Courtesy: Showing consideration and respect to others to improve communication and service.
