Recognizing and trying to solve the problems involving equality, the environment, and consumerism represent the major part of the social responsibility of business. Business ethics are standards that govern business behavior. Many have found that they believed that a code of ethics was the most effective way to encourage ethical business behavior. Sometimes these codes are written down or a code of ethics is communicated orally or even through the overall climate or cultural values of the organization. A stated expectation about ethical behavior often implies a broader standard. For example, when management tells its salespeople, “We do not allow kickbacks,” this statement probab

One way of strengthening a code of ethics is to make it clear that the company will punish violators and reward ethical acts. A company that fires a manager for giving kickbacks will find that others who are guilty of this behavior will stop, and those who are merely thinking about it will not proceed any further. For example, one corporation warns that failing to report a violation by others could bring discharge. When employees receive attention or even an award for ethical behavior, the message quickly gets out that acting ethically is the way to get ahead. The consequential activity leads staff to the right conclusion, which happens to be in their best interest.

Another way of encouraging ethical behavior is to reward those who see illegal or unethical practices, and call them to the attention of the company or public bodies. These so called whistle-blowers can be particularly helpful in stopping the production or sale of defective products, and in helping management maintain high standards of ethical behavior throughout the company. Unfortunately, in some companies, whistle-blowers find out that their actions lead to harassment and punishment from those who have been a party to the unethical practices. To prevent such retaliation, the law protects federal employees, and an increasing number of states and cities are also passing laws that prevent private employers from threatening, firing, or discriminating against an employee who reports suspected violations of the law to a public body.

From an Utilitarian perspective a corporate code of ethics gives the greatest happiness to the greatest population if the code supports environmentalism. Corporations who encourage their employees to follow environmental laws in their actions, at substantial costs to themselves, are preserving our environment which transcends into happiness for all and future generations.

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, Companies Kant’s, social responsibility, ethical behavior, code ethics, comparative advantage, foreign businesses, absolute advantage, international trade, promote ethical behavior, business behavior, absolute comparative, cheaper labor, absolute comparative advantage,