Professional Ethics Flashcards
(48 cards)
What does the term “business ethics” mean?
A set of applied or professional ethics that govern the conduct of people within an organization.
Name the four core principles that underlie business ethics (as described in the course).
Autonomy (proper use of knowledge), Doing no harm, Doing good (prevent harm and defend rights), and Justice (fairness in action).
What three factors form the classic Fraud Triangle?
Opportunity, Rationalization, and Pressure.
What additional element turns the Fraud Triangle into the Fraud Diamond?
Capability (or character) of the perpetrator.
List any three components of a strong ethics program, according to the National Business Ethics Survey.
Written standards, ethics training, anonymous reporting channel, advice/helpline, ethics performance evaluation, and discipline for violations.
What is the purpose of a code of conduct?
To outline the responsibilities and proper practices expected of individuals in the organization.
Define whistleblowing in the context of professional ethics.
Raising concerns about illegal or unethical acts by co‑workers or superiors to an independent party.
Why do employees often hesitate to blow the whistle?
Fear of retaliation and lack of assured anonymity.
What is independence in fact?
Having no influences that impair your ability to make objective and independent decisions.
What is independence in appearance?
Being perceived by others as able to make objective and independent decisions.
What does objectivity mean for a professional?
A state of mind free from biases that could inappropriately affect judgments and decisions.
Give an example of an individual conflict of interest.
An employee works part‑time for a competitor while employed by the organization.
Give an example of an organizational conflict of interest.
A contractor who helps write an RFP later bids on that same contract, gaining unfair advantage.
List two risks that arise when conflicts of interest go unmanaged.
Poor decision making, misuse of confidential information, erosion of corporate culture, or creation of an inappropriate work environment.
What personal question should a professional ask to uphold integrity?
“Am I doing what a person of integrity would do?”
State the first three steps in the 10‑step ethical decision‑making framework.
1) Identify the facts,
2) List available alternatives,
3) Review laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Name the five ethical decision‑making approaches discussed in the course.
- Utilitarian,
- Rights,
- Justice,
- Common‑Good, and
- Virtue approaches.
What is the guiding test of the utilitarian approach?
Choose the action that produces the greatest good (or least harm) for the greatest number.
Which fundamental liberty underlies the Rights approach?
The right to choose freely (autonomy).
How does the Justice approach evaluate an action?
By asking whether it treats everyone fairly without unjust favoritism or discrimination.
What key question does the Common‑Good approach pose?
Will the decision benefit the community by improving shared systems, safety, or environment?
On what does the Virtue approach focus?
Acting in ways that reflect admirable character traits and moral ideals.
What does the phrase “tone at the top” refer to?
Leadership providing ethical direction and setting expectations for the organization.
What phrase describes reinforcement of ethics by middle management?
“Mood in the middle.”
