Business Ethics

1. According to the module, what is the definition of Business Ethics?. The study of legal compliance in business situations. The study of business situations, activities, and decisions where issues of right and wrong are addressed. The application of religious principles to business decisions. The analysis of profitable business strategies.

2. Which of the following is a common way people rationalize to avoid ethical dilemmas, as mentioned in the presentation?. "This will significantly hurt someone.". "I was just following orders.". "The system is perfectly fair.". "We all share exactly the same ethics.".

3. The "Instrumental Perspective" on business ethics primarily views ethics as: A fundamental normative guideline that should dictate all business activity. A crucial factor that can be managed to support business success. An irrelevant consideration in profit-driven organizations. A concept that is entirely separate from the law.

4. According to the slides, a key reason why business ethics is important is that: Business malpractice has the potential to inflict enormous harm on individuals, communities, and the environment. Ethical companies are always the most profitable in the short term. Governments have solved all major ethical issues through legislation. Employees rarely face pressure to compromise ethical standards.

5. The module describes globalization in the context of business ethics as: The process of universalizing Western culture. A process of liberalizing international trade. A process of deterritorialization, diminishing the necessity of a shared territorial basis for social and economic activities. The internationalization of corporate headquarters.

6. According to the presentation, how are ethics and the law related?. They are exactly the same; anything legal is ethical, and anything illegal is unethical. They are completely separate and never overlap. They overlap, but some things may be ethical but not covered by law, and vice versa. Ethics is always a higher standard than the law, without exception.

7. Which of the following is identified as a main constraint for small businesses in managing ethics?. Excessive bureaucracy and transparency. Lack of resources and attention. Overwhelming pressure from a large number of diverse stakeholders. High levels of public scrutiny and formal reporting requirements.

8. What is a key characteristic of the approach to managing ethics in large corporations, as outlined in the presentation?. Informal and trust-based. Formal, public relations, and/or systems-based. Based solely on the personal values of the founder. Focused exclusively on accountability to government regulators.

9. The concept of "sustainability" in business ethics is defined in the slides as the ability to maintain systems essential to the wellbeing of: Only the current generation of shareholders. The company's current employees and customers. Our future wellbeing, people around the world, future generations, and non-human life. The economic systems of Western countries.

10. One of the module's assessments is a Case Analysis. What is the weighting of this assessment?. 40%. 60%. 50%. 100%.

1. According to Milton Friedman's classic argument, what is the social responsibility of business?. To address a wide range of social issues. To create shared value for all stakeholders. To increase its profits. To comply with all international norms of behaviour.

2. The "Triple Bottom Line" model of corporate responsibility, popularized by John Elkington, encompasses which three areas?. People, Planet, Profit. Economic, Legal, Ethical. Shareholders, Employees, Customers. Reactive, Defensive, Proactive.

3. According to Freeman (1984), a stakeholder is defined as any group or individual who: Owns shares in the corporation. Works as a manager within the corporation. Can affect or is affected by the achievement of the organization's objectives. Is a direct competitor of the corporation.

4. In Carroll's four-part model of corporate social responsibility, which responsibility is described as "required by society"?. Philanthropic Responsibilities. Ethical Responsibilities. Legal Responsibilities. Economic Responsibilities.

5. The concept of "Creating Shared Value" (CSV), as proposed by Porter and Kramer, posits that businesses should: Act solely as charitable donors to address social issues. Separate social responsibility from core business operations. Create economic value in a way that also creates value for society by addressing its needs. Focus exclusively on maximizing shareholder returns to benefit society indirectly.

6. According to the presentation, what is a key reason for the increasing political role of corporations?. A significant decrease in corporate power and influence. Governmental failure and the increasing power of corporations due to liberalization. The elimination of globalization trends. A reduction in the privatization of public services.

7. The "Principle of Corporate Rights" in stakeholder theory states that: Corporations have the right to maximize profits regardless of the impact on others. The corporation has the obligation not to violate the rights of others. Shareholders' rights always supersede the rights of other stakeholders. Corporations are only accountable to their direct owners.

8. According to Donaldson & Preston (1995), which form of stakeholder theory attempts to answer whether it is beneficial for the corporation to consider stakeholder interests?. Normative Stakeholder Theory. Descriptive Stakeholder Theory. Instrumental Stakeholder Theory. Fiduciary Stakeholder Theory.

9. What is a key characteristic of "explicit" CSR, as mentioned in the context of regional differences?. It is mandated entirely by a legal framework, with no voluntary element. It is strong in the US and involves conscious, voluntary policies and programs. It is integrated implicitly into business practices without formal statements. It focuses solely on philanthropic donations without strategic intent.

10. The "Pillar Model of CR" presented by Becker (2019) places what at the core of Corporate Responsibility?. Philanthropic obligations. Legal compliance. Ethical obligations. Economic profitability.

1. A key distinction between teleological (consequentialist) and deontological ethical theories is that: Teleological theories focus on the intentions behind an action, while deontological theories focus on the outcomes. Teleological theories focus on the outcomes of an action, while deontological theories focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of the action itself. Deontological theories are primarily concerned with maximizing pleasure, while teleological theories are concerned with fulfilling duties. Teleological theories are based on hypothetical contracts, while deontological theories are based on virtue.

2. According to Utilitarianism, an action is morally right if it: Results in the greatest amount of good for the decision-maker. Is performed out of a sense of duty and good intention. Results in the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people. Respects the universal rights of all individuals involved.

3. Immanuel Kant's "Categorical Imperative," specifically the formula of the end in itself, states that one should: Only act on maxims that you can will to be universal law. Calculate the net utility of an action before proceeding. Never treat people simply as a means to an end; always treat them as ends in themselves. Prioritize care and harmonious relationships above abstract principles.

4. John Rawls's theory of justice introduces the concept of the "veil of ignorance" to ensure: That the distribution of benefits and burdens is based on a fair and impartial agreement. That individuals are compensated for past injustices they have suffered. That the punishment fits the crime for lawbreakers. That economic inequalities are maximized for overall societal growth.

5. Which ethical theory is characterized by an emphasis on empathy, harmonious relationships, and an avoidance of harm, often contrasted with a justice-based perspective?. Virtue Ethics. Feminist Ethics (Ethics of Care). Discourse Ethics. Ethical Egoism.

6. The main idea behind Social Contract Theory is: A hypothetical agreement that establishes the rights and responsibilities of members of a society on a fair basis. A legal document that all citizens must sign to participate in economic markets. An innate moral impulse that drives individuals to care for others. A corporate policy that outlines stakeholder engagement procedures.

7. According to the presentation, what is a key limitation of traditional ethical theories like Utilitarianism and Deontology?. They are too focused on emotions and gut feelings. They are too abstract and can be impersonal. They prioritize relationships over rational principles. They reject the concept of universal rights.

8. Virtue Ethics, as discussed in the lecture, primarily focuses on: The consequences of an action for the majority. The inherent rightness or wrongness of an action. The character and integrity of the moral agent. The procedures for achieving consensus through debate.

9. The concept of "Negative Rights" entails: A responsibility to do something positive to enable someone to exercise a right. An entitlement to receive compensation for harm suffered. A responsibility to not prevent someone from exercising a right. The right to pursue one's own interests above all others.

10. Discourse Ethics, associated with Jürgen Habermas, determines the ethical legitimacy of an action based on: The emotional moral impulse of the individuals involved. The net utility calculated for all affected parties. The quality of communication and debate aimed at reaching a consensus. The virtues embodied by the decision-maker.

1. According to Virtue Ethics, a virtuous person is defined as someone who: Obeys all societal laws and regulations without question. Calculates the greatest good for the greatest number in every action. Does the right thing, has the right feelings about it, and does so for the right reasons. Follows a strict set of universal moral duties.

2. Which philosopher is most closely associated with the foundational development of Virtue Ethics?. Immanuel Kant. John Stuart Mill. Aristotle. John Rawls.

3. In the context of Virtue Ethics, a "virtue" is best described as: A rule that must be followed to avoid punishment. A character trait that enables a person to act in an exemplary way. The positive outcome of a business decision. A legal obligation to stakeholders.

4. According to the slides, which of the following is NOT one of the four cardinal virtues identified by Plato?. Courage. Self-Control. Generosity. Wisdom.

5. The concept of the "virtuous mean" in Aristotle's ethics refers to: The mathematical average of all possible actions. A balance between excess and deficiency in character traits. The primary goal of maximising shareholder value. The midpoint in a business negotiation.

6. From a Virtue Ethics perspective, a "flourishing" company is one that: Maximizes its quarterly profits. Achieves its purpose within a mutually supportive community of stakeholders. Outperforms all its competitors in the market. Has a fully diversified investment portfolio.

7. According to the slides, virtues are developed through: Genetic inheritance and natural talent. Interaction, reflection, and experience over time. Strict adherence to a corporate code of conduct. Government regulation and legal compliance.

8. The internal relationship between virtue and flourishing, as described by Aristotle, suggests that: Virtue is a tool used to achieve the external goal of profit. Being virtuous is an essential part of what it means for a person or company to flourish. Flourishing is a random occurrence unrelated to character. Virtue is only important for individuals, not for corporations.

9. The discussion featuring John Mackey of Whole Foods Market primarily challenges the idea that the purpose of business is to: Create excellent practices. Maximize shareholder wealth. Foster a community of stakeholders. Achieve a virtuous mean.

10. According to Alasdair MacIntyre's concept mentioned in the slides, virtue is connected to: Excellence in practices and the flourishing of others. The minimization of production costs. The aggressive pursuit of market dominance. The strict enforcement of legal contracts.

1. According to the presentation, what is the definition of "Business ethics management"?. The study of philosophical theories applied to business. The direct attempt to manage ethical issues through specific policies, practices, and programmes. The legal requirement for companies to report their social impacts. The informal moral development of individual employees.

2. Which of the following is a key component of a business ethics management system?. Supply chain logistics optimization. Codes of ethics. Financial quarterly reports. Market share analysis.

3. According to the slides, what is a critical factor for the effectiveness of a code of ethics?. Its length and complexity. Its implementation and administration. Its focus on global rather than local issues. Its use of technical legal language.

4. The UN Global Compact is presented in the slides as an example of what?. A professional code of ethics for accountants. A global code of ethics that defines minimum ethical standards for businesses. A national law for environmental protection. An internal reporting channel for a specific corporation.

5. When assessing stakeholder importance, the instrumental perspective suggests focusing on which of the following?. The intrinsic moral rights of all stakeholders. The stakeholders most crucial to the company's survival. The stakeholders with the most urgent demands, regardless of power. The stakeholders who are easiest to satisfy.

6. The term "Social Accounting" is defined in the slides as a voluntary process concerned with: Calculating annual corporate tax liabilities. Assessing and communicating organizational activities and impacts on social, ethical, and environmental issues. Managing internal financial audits. Reporting quarterly earnings to shareholders.

7. According to Trevino et al. (1999), which of the following is one of the four ways of organizing for business ethics management?. Profit orientation. Values orientation. Market orientation. Technology orientation.

8. The "two pillars of ethical leadership," according to Trevino, Hartman, and Brown (2000), are: Power and Legitimacy. The Moral Person and the Moral Manager. Compliance and Values. Urgency and Accountability.

9. What is a significant challenge associated with stakeholder communication and collaboration mentioned in the slides?. Lack of available communication technologies. The potential for "co-optation" where the company's agenda dominates. Stakeholders' unwillingness to provide any information. The high cost of advertising to stakeholders.

10. The presentation suggests that in Europe, the approach to business ethics often emphasizes: A strict compliance orientation with detailed internal codes. An external, socially based orientation. A protection orientation focused on legal defense. A focus solely on environmental management systems.

1. Descriptive Ethical Theories primarily seek to: Prescribe what actions managers should take to be ethical. Describe how ethical decisions are actually made and what influences them. Apply philosophical principles to business dilemmas. Judge the morality of past corporate scandals.

2. According to Rest's Model of Ethical Decision-Making, which stage involves the individual forming an intention to act ethically?. Ethical Awareness. Ethical Judgement. Ethical Intention. Ethical Action.

3. In Kohlberg's theory of Cognitive Moral Development, the "Conventional" level is characterized by: Obeying rules to avoid punishment. Making autonomous decisions based on universal ethical principles. Conforming to meet the expectations of others or society. Following rules only if it is in one's own immediate interest.

4. The concept of "Moral Intensity," proposed by Jones, includes which of the following factors?. Ego Strength and Locus of Control. Magnitude of Consequences and Social Consensus. Power Distance and Uncertainty Avoidance. Denial of Responsibility and Appeal to Higher Loyalties.

5. According to the presentation, what is a primary cause of "Moral Muteness" among managers?. A highly developed sense of personal integrity. A perceived threat to organizational harmony. Excessive use of normative ethical theories. Strong reinforcement for ethical behavior.

6. The "Interactionist Model" of ethical decision-making proposed by Trevino emphasizes that behavior results from an interaction between: National and corporate culture. Individual factors and situational factors. Rational calculation and emotional intuition. Legal requirements and ethical ideals.

7. Which of the following is an example of a "rationalization tactic" used to justify unethical behavior?. Moral Framing. Denial of Victim. Temporal Immediacy. Social Consensus.

8. From a descriptive perspective, which type of thinking do commercial managers tend to rely on most heavily when making moral judgements?. Deontological (duty-based). Virtue Ethics (character-based). Consequentialist (outcome-based). Feminist Ethics (care-based).

9. In Hofstede's cultural dimensions, a high score in "Power Distance" indicates that a society: Values individual autonomy and initiative. Prefers structured situations with clear rules and laws. Accepts and respects an unequal distribution of power. Prioritizes future rewards over short-term gains.

10. According to the slides, which category of factors appears to be MOST influential in determining whether an individual recognizes an ethical problem and takes action?. Individual factors, such as cognitive moral development. National factors, such as cultural characteristics. Situational factors, such as organizational culture and reward systems. Philosophical factors, such as understanding normative theories.