Frameworks for Teaching and Learning Business Ethics within the Global Context: Background of Ethical Theories

Abstract

In this article, we provide a summary of several major traditional and contemporary philosophical and psychological perspectives on ethical conduct for businesses, along with five different sets of internationally accepted ethical guidelines for corporations operating anywhere in the world. We include examples of corporate codes of conduct from particular multinational corporations. Our orienting framework of ethics theory is expanded to include a discussion of both Western and non-Western frameworks, including those of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Native American traditions, allowing faculty and students to explore ethical problems that honor a wide array of national, cultural, and ethnic contexts and differences.

Women’s Self-Initiated Expatriation as a Career Option and Its Ethical Issues

“…Socially accepted principles in employment are that selection should be fair and based on merit; that comparable candidates receive equal opportunities; and that the work setting is non-discriminatory, that is, the employer does not discriminate in selection and promotion processes according to gender. Specifically, in a justice approach, there is respect for the dignity of every person in that she or he is judged in a fair, objective, equitable and impartial manner (White and Taft, 2004). When there is unfounded male bias for posts abroad, selection is not fair and is not based on merit, nor is there equality of opportunity, resulting in discrimination against women.…”

Where Strategy and Ethics Converge: Pharmaceutical Industry Pricing Policy for Medicare Part D Beneficiaries

“…3 In this article only a brief summary is used. A complete discussion of these perspectives is found in the White and Taft (2004) article, ''Frameworks for Teaching and Learning Business Ethics within the Global Context: Background of Ethical Theories.'' 4 These newspapers, which were selected based upon circulation, are USA Today, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post.…”

“…Of course, consensus upon a conclusion may never be achieved, given the various mainstream ethical perspectives commonly used in ethical deliberations. White and Taft (2004) have neatly summarized these perspectives into two broad streams. 3 The teleological school of thought views an act in relationship to its impact upon other entities.…”

Using Live Cases to Teach Ethics

“…Some scholars support teaching students philosophical concepts and theories (e.g., White and Taft, 2004) and using a Socratic dialogue to discuss ethics (Morrell, 2004), while others advocate for applied and hands-on methods that engage students in the learning (e.g., Thorne, 1999). Solberg et al (1995, in Carlson andBurke, 1998) propose that students must live ethics rather than simply learn it.…”

“…First, it is important that students have exposure to philosophical and theoretical concepts of ethics, something that can be achieved through lectures and class discussion (Brady, 1999;Sims, 2002a;White and Taft, 2004). Theoretical concepts help students develop cognitive competence and understanding regarding ethics (Rossouw, 2002).…”