Ethics Free Essays

ROLE OF ETHICS IN BUSINESS: Ethics Defined: Ethics are principles based on doing the right thing. They are the moral values by which an individual or business operates. In theory, a business or individual can act ethically and still attain ultimate success. We will write a custom essay sample on Ethics or any similar topic only for you Order Now A history of doing the right thing can be used as a selling point to heighten a person’s or organization’s reputation in the community. Not only are ethics morally valued, they are backed by legal repercussions for failure to act within certain guidelines. Finance Manager Ethics: The ethics of a finance manager should be above approach. This includes more than just acting in an honest, above-board manner. It means establishing boundaries that prevent professional and personal interests from appearing to conflict with the interest of the employer. A finance manager must provide competent, accurate and timely information that fairly presents any potential disclosure issues, such as legal ramifications. The manager is also ethically responsible for protecting the confidentiality of the employer and staying within the boundaries of law. Importance Of Ethics: Businesses have to meet economic expectations, they also have ethical responsibilities. Everyone, from the bottom to the top of the organizational chart, must take care to meet these responsibilities. According to Dr. Jill Young, integrity is the most important ethical concept because it covers such a broad area. â€Å"If you act with integrity, ethical behavior is just a natural progression,† she says. â€Å"Those who have integrity are guided by a set of core principles that influences their decisions and behaviors. † What Role Should Ethics Play In Business? Ethics are based on both individual beliefs and standards in society. They vary from person to person, situation to situation, and culture to culture. Society’s ethics are usually minimum standards for decency and respect of others. Individual ethics are personal beliefs about what is good and bad. Business ethics are tied to both society’s ethics and the ethics of the individuals who work for, and buy products from, the company. A Code of Ethics: Businesses face ethical questions every day concerning the products or services they sell and the way they deal with people inside and outside the company. Many companies choose to operate according to a code of ethics—a document that explains specifically how employees should respond in different situations. A code of ethics is especially useful when problems arise. For example: In the Chicago area in 1982, someone contaminated several bottles of Tylenol with poison, and seven people died as a result. This was the first case of product tampering of its kind. Johnson Johnson, the manufacturer of Tylenol, followed its code of ethics and immediately pulled every package of the product off the shelves throughout North America, even though this was very expensive for the company. Johnson Johnson also changed its packaging so it would be much more difficult for someone to contaminate the product in the future. The recall and repackaging effort cost the corporation about US$100 million, but it also showed customers that the company cared about their safety. A code of ethics helps different people approach problems in the same way. Many companies have gone beyond simply writing a code and have established educational programs to help employees learn to behave more ethically. Program topics range from making personal calls during business hours to handling employee layoffs. The problem with creating and applying a code of ethics is that drawing a line between right and wrong isn’t always easy. In Canada, the law details acceptable business behavior, but companies can still behave unethically without actually breaking the law. Like the law, no code of ethics can provide guidance for every possible situation. Although codes of ethics sometimes help people make decisions, they are not conclusive guides to distinguishing between right and wrong, and they are not necessary for every company. As a result, some would say that people should rely on their own judgment first. Principles of Admirable Business Ethics: 1. Be Trustful:  Recognize customers want to do business with a company they can trust; when trust is at the core of a company, it’s easy to recognize. Trust defined, is assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, and truth of a business. 2. Keep An Open Mind:  For continuous improvement of a company, the leader of an organization must be open to new ideas. Ask for opinions and feedback from both customers and team members and the company will continue to grow. 3. Meet Obligations:  Regardless of the circumstances, do everything in power to gain the trust of past customer’s and clients, particularly if something has gone awry. Reclaim any lost business by honoring all commitments and obligations. 4. Have Clear Documents:  Re-evaluate all print materials including small business advertising, brochures, and other business documents making sure they are clear, precise and professional. Most important, make sure they do not misrepresent or misinterpret. 5. Become Community Involved:  Remain involved in community-related issues and activities. 6. Maintain Accounting Control:  Take a hands-on approach to accounting and record keeping, not only as a means of gaining a better feel for the progress of company, but as a resource for any â€Å"questionable † activities. Gaining control of accounting and record keeping allows to end any dubious activities promptly. 7. Be Respectful:  Treat others with the utmost of respect. Regardless of differences, positions, titles, ages, or other types of distinctions, always treat others with professional respect and courtesy. | â€Å"We must, therefore, consider the right way of performing actions, for it is acts, as we have said, that determine the character of the resulting moral states †¦ † (Aristotle)| How to cite Ethics, Essay examples Ethics Free Essays string(207) " one third of the physicians had answered to the question, â€Å"Is it acceptable to become involved romantic or sexual relationship with a patient\? In Medicare’s 2012 ethics survey \(Reese, 2012\)\." Table of Contents Therapeutic Patient Relationships Overview Since the sass, ethics has been incorporated into virtually every aspect of the health care system. Because of such a small time window, the study of ethics in a medical perspective continues to change and improve for the benefit of the patient. Studies of doctor-patient relationships Indicate the need of greater ethical study and intervention. We will write a custom essay sample on Ethics or any similar topic only for you Order Now Studies show that although many physicians are aware that a romantic r sexual relationship Is unethical, as many as nine percent believe that the ethics depends on the situation (Reese, 2012). Often, an abuse in the doctor-patient relationship does not occur because of a lack in educational skills. Rather, abuse in the doctor/patient is attributed to flaws, or loopholes, in the rules of ethics and law (Subplots et al, 2010). Continued research of the most recent ethical framework can begin lowering any chance of unprofessional. In order to have a successful patient relationship, a physician must understand and respect the barriers in place. This session will take a look at ethics. Participants will assess their own ethical principles and apply the concepts they’ve learned to problems in ethical communication and/or conduct in the workplace. Behavioral Objectives Intended to inform the physician on the definition of ethics Clarify the nature of the ethical responsibilities held in common by current and prospective physicians. Identifies ethical considerations relevant to physicians Recognize different situations containing unethical conduct. Gain the knowledge on how to respond to in situations that require ethical decision-making. Apply the incept of good ethical behavior in their current practice. Outline of Training Session I. Introduction:What is ethics? Ethics refers to a framework of discipline from a branch of philosophy, in which ideas of right and wrong, virtue and vice, and good and evil, are all examined systematically (salvoes Meyer, 1990). II. Components of Ethics Participants will know basic history, definition, and examples of ethics. A. Ethical Framework – before we can manage ethical dilemmas in the health care setting, we must understand examples of ethical principle, as well as our own, to avoid any conflict of interest. . Self-Assessment Culture Values Beliefs Ideas 2. Continuous Regulation Self-control Trustworthiness Professionalism Education Intervention B. Understand the Significance of Ethics 1. Factors That Improve Ethical Conduct a. Public view c. School curriculum d. Government regulations 2. Factors That Require Ethical Behavior a. Provide company guideline for ethical behavior b. Teach the company’s guidelines importance c. Describe punishments for unethical conduct C. Review Examples of Unethical/Ethical Conduct IV. Class Activity – Ethics Assessment V. Effectively practice effective ethical communication A. Understand the needs of the recipient D. Ensuring the message considers the common good E. Continue to interpret for conflicts of interest F. Consider the consequences of each message 1. Is this message mutually valuable? 2. Is this message violating confidentiality of another person? Is this message questionable to your professionalism? . VI. Class Discussion VII Summary of Training Session VIII Conclusion Literature Review: Where the Patient Relationship Ends Dry A, a 49 year-old gynecologist, was treating a 36 year-old female patient, Ms B, for chronic vaginal yeast infections. He described her as being seductive during the husband. Dry A found himself feeling very sympathetic towards her and began scheduling longer patient appointments so he could provide some therapy for her as well as assessing and treating the vaginal complaints for which she ostensibly saw him. He would hold her hand while she talked about her difficult situation at home. This decent down the ‘slippery slope’ progressed into hugging, and then kissing at the end of the session. He recognized that he was feeling lonely and not having regular sexual relations with his wife. Dry A even noted that his wife was inorganic as though her condition was in some way an excuse to progress to a sexual relation with the patient) (Gabbed Hobby, 2012). The first time that Dry A and Ms B had sexual relations was after hours in his office. This sexual encounter consisted of mutual oral sex. The meetings were set up during appointments in the office, usually at the end of the day. He finally ended these contacts when he felt the encounters were no longer gratifying to him. In addition, he was worried about being caught and that others would not understand his reasons for departing from the usual procedures (Gabbed Hobby, 2012). Following the filing of a complaint by the patient, Dry A was sent for evaluation. When asked directly he thought he had harmed the patient, Dry A responded that he felt he had actually helped her by his sexual involvement with her (Gabbed Hobby, 2012). Introduction This physician, Dry A, failed to recognize the unethical conduct he was committing in the obvious power differential with the patient, Ms B. Dry A failed to recognize that a patient is paying for his expertise for the treatment of a disease or ailment, and not a relationship of conscious feelings. If Dry A had greater understanding regarding the ethical principle of the doctor/patient relationship, Dry A may have been able to make a more rational decision so this situation never occurred; likewise, if Ms B had more understanding of the ethical principle prior to her first appointment, Ms B may have had the knowledge to evade Dry Ass advances. In summary, the doctor and the patient should be educated on ethical conduct before the doctor-patient relationship is formed to avoid situations, like the example. Studies show that although many physicians are aware that a romantic or sexual relationship is unethical, as many as nine percent believe that the ethics depends on he situation (Reese, 2012). The American Medical Association (AMA) states that prior doctor/patient relationships can influence the patient’s treatment and that such a relationship is unethical if the doctor â€Å"uses or exploits trust, knowledge, emotions or influence derived from the previous professional relationship† (American Code of Medical Ethics, 2012). The Mama’s use of â€Å"prior relationship† leaves wiggle room for the â€Å"it’s complicated† answer, which over one third of the physicians had answered to the question, â€Å"Is it acceptable to become involved romantic or sexual relationship with a patient? In Medicare’s 2012 ethics survey (Reese, 2012). You read "Ethics" in category "Papers" Could it be that the and Ms B are aware of the rules but chose in proceeding to break the barriers of the doctor/patient relationship because â€Å"it’s complicated? † The â€Å"it’s complicated† answer may originate from feelings from the physician to do anything possible to treat the patient. One study on therapists, explains that the therapists would get sexually involved relationships with suicidal borderline patients in order to save the patient from suicide (Gabbed Hobby, 2012). This ration is flawed, however, because the physician, like Dry A, should have continued to worked to attain the nature of the intended relationship as clearly therapeutic with any potential unexpected circumstances, which is the idea behind the entire therapeutic process (Crower, Belly Subplots, 2010). A professional needs to self-regulate their internal drives and thoughts in the absence of clear standards or unexpected circumstances, such as that of a suicidal patient whom is not responding to evidence- based treatment (Crower, Belly Subplots, 2010). This is critical because usually a patient will give up his or her own autonomy to respect the decision of a paternalistic physician (Shari, Samara, Arachnids, 2013). Not to say this approach to a doctor/ patient is unethical, but it can leave room for unethical conduct if the physician cannot control his or her internal drives or thoughts. Patients, like Miss B, need doctors that are competent in all areas of their profession. The study of ethics in undergraduate courses and medical school curriculum is still improving; consequently, it should continuously be assessed in terms of content, educational methods, and change in behavior, and be revised accordingly (Shari, Samara, Arachnids, 2013). Within only the past 20 years or so, medical schools have gun incorporating ethics as its own respective subject (Houghton, Sparks Chadwick, 2010). The introduction of ethics in to medical undergraduate curriculum has met resistance, however, because it is evolving constantly and some believe ethical topics are redundant or impossible to be taught (Houghton, Sparks Chadwick, 2010). Once a few generations of physicians are educated, they can begin teaching newer generations from first hand experience to ensure they are fully competent, rather than trainers teaching the instructors (Shari, Samara, Arachnids, 2013). Ethics, according to James S. Recourse (2003), â€Å"refers to a field of inquiry, or discipline, in which matters of right and wrong, good and evil, virtue and vice, are systemically examined (p. 49). Professional ethics is described by Craven Hiring (2009) as involving â€Å"principles and values universal application and standards of conduct to be upheld in all situations (p. 76). The traditional principles that provided the moral grounding for the protection on human subjects in the United States began forming in the sass (Faded, Sass, ethical concern has been to protect patients from injury, risk, abuse, and unjust orders of medical research (Faded, Sass, Goodman, Provosts, Tunis Bà ©chamel, 2013). There has been an importance in our society of forming a Just health care system, which is guided by principles of healthcare ethics that include benefice, non- maleficent, respect for autonomy, and Justice (Craven Hiring, 2008). Physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team have been developing codes of ethics in order to sustain a Just health care system. Faded, Sass, Goodman, Provosts, Tunis Bà ©chamel (2013) propose a framework that consists of seven ethical obligations, they include: ) to respect the rights and dignity of patients; 2) to respect the clinical Judgment of clinicians; 3) to provide optimal care to each patient; 4) to avoid imposing monomaniacal risks and burdens on patients; 5) to reduce health inequalities among populations; 6) to conduct responsible activities that foster learning from clinical care and clinical information; and 7) to contribute to the common purpose of improving and quality and value of clinical care and health systems (p. ). Most frameworks regarding medical ethics loosely follow these seven steps. Frameworks in ethics provide a systematic way to decide what’s right from wrong in a rarity of assigned priorities that are goal emphasized (Craven Hiring, 2008). All members of the health care team have a framework, and they can find it resembles this model. Several issues of unethical conduc t in the health care setting can arise if ethical principle is ignored. The following are a few debated matters of medical ethical principle that occurs in the health care setting: physician-assisted suicide (Glover, 2010), clinical trials (Barton Ugly, 2009), bribes/gifts from patients (Sash Fug- Barman, 2013), patient abuse, sexual comments/actions toward patient (Crower, Belly Subplots, 2010), confidentiality (Craven Hiring), and financial interests (Reed, Mueller, Brenna, 2013). While some subjects such as euthanasia (physician- assisted suicide) may have different labels of good or bad from different people, other subjects such as sexual patient abuse is generally discovered by most of society. While ethical principle of that society on certain principles might change at the about the same rate medical technology changes, it is still important for any health care worker to keep these principles in mind. Since the implementation of medical ethics is relatively new, changes are rapidly occurring in medical education curriculum as well as the workforce. Evidence shows, the effects of the teaching of medical ethics causes greater ethical sensitivity in the clinical setting (Crower, Belly Subplots, 2010). However, there are still many cases in which medical ethics education does not have an impact. As the progression of ethics continues in the health care setting, evaluation of medical ethics teaching is vital. Research by Shari, Samara, and Arachnids (2013) finds that matching education is successful, and not a waste of human or financial resources. The Institute of Medical Ethics recommends a pyramid of increasing levels of education, they include: knowledge, habituation, and action (Crower, Belly Subplots, 2010). The idea is to have medical students think critically about historical precedents and future situations involving ethical dilemmas, then put into practice the best consideration. The most important thing teaching ethics gives to medical students is awareness (Crower, Belly Subplots). With practicing physicians, it is important to continue education on professionalism because doing so shows its significance as a competency (Reed, Mueller, Brenna, 2013). As introductory and continuing teaching methods are evaluated and improved, future medical students can become more ethically sensitive in their communication and actions. References AMA Code of Medical Ethics. Opinion 8. 14 sexual misconduct in the practice of medicine. Http://www. AMA-assn. Org/AMA/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/ code-medical-ethics/opinion. Page Accessed November 3, 2012. Shari, F. , Samara A. Arachnids, A. (2013). Medical ethics course for undergraduate medical students: A needs assessment study. Journal Of Medical Ethics History Of Medicine, 6(1) Barton, E. , Ugly, S. 2009) Ethical or unethical persuasion? The rhetoric of offers to participate in clinical trials. Written Commu nication, 26(3), 295-310 Craven, R. F. Hiring C. J. (2008). Fundamentals of nursing: Human health and function, 6th. Liposuction Williams Wilkins Inc. Philadelphia, PA. 76-77. Crower, M. , Belly, S. , Subplots F. (2010) Abuse of the doctor-patient relationship. London: Royal College of Psychiatrists. Faded, R. , Sass, N. , Goodman, S. , Provosts, P. , Tunis, S. , Beach, T. (2013). An ethics framework for a learning health care system: A departure from traditional research ethics and clinical ethics. The Hastings Center Report, Spec Noses-ASS Gabbed, G. 0. , Hobby, G. S. (2012). A psychoanalytic perspective on ethics, self- deception and the corrupt physician. British Journal Of Psychotherapy, 28(2), 235-248. Glover, P. C. (2010) Physician-assisted suicide is unethical. Greengages Press. Recourse, J. S. (2003). Communication ethics. Management Communication: A Case- Analysis Approach. 2nd. New Jersey: Pearson Education. Professionalism challenges and opportunities. Minnesota Medicine, 96(1 1), 44-47 Reese, S. (2012). When is it okay to date a patient? Netscape ethics report 2012. Netscape, http://www. Educate. Com/vertically/774295. Sash, S. Fug-Barman, A (2013 Physicians under the influence: Social psychology and industry marketing strategies. Journal Of Law, Medicine Ethics. 41 (3), 665-672. Attachment: Principles of Medical Ethics Revised and adopted by the AMA House of Delegates (June 17, 2001) l. A physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical care, with compassion and respect for human dignity and rights. II. A physician shall uphold the standards of professionalism, be honest in all professional interactions, and strive to report physicians deficient in character or impotence, or engaging in fraud or deception, to appropriate entities. Ill. A physician shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements, which are contrary to the best interests of the patient. ‘ IV. A physician shall respect the rights of patients, colleagues, and other health professionals, and shall safeguard within the constraints of the law. V. A physician shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge; maintain a commitment to medical education; make relevant information available to tenets, colleagues, and the public; obtain consultation; and use the talents of other health professionals when indicated. VI. A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide medical care VI’. A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to the improvement of the community and the betterment of public health. As paramount. ‘X. A physician shall support access to medical care for all people. Source: Code of Medical Ethics: In-Hand Activity: Ethics Self-Assessment The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) made this survey so you can identify areas of ethical practice in which you are weak or strong. For each question, identify one of the five answers that is best suited to you. The ACHE does not believe in a numbered final score, because it is not a tool for evaluating ethical behavior of others. The number that corresponds with each response simply helps you uncover any areas of concern that may require the need for enhancement in some of your current ethical practice. Almost Never Occasionally Usually 4 5 Always Not Applicable 2 I. Leadership 3 I take courageous, consistent and appropriate management actions to overcome barriers to achieving my organization’s mission. I place community/patient benefit over my personal gain. I strive to be a role model for ethical behavior. I work to ensure that decisions about access to care are based primarily on medical necessity, not only on the ability to pay. My statements and actions are consistent with professional ethical standards, including the ACHE Code of Ethics. Circumstances would allow me to confuse the issues I advocate ethical decision making by the board, management team and medical staff. I use an ethical approach to conflict resolution. I initiate and encourage discussion of the ethical aspects of management/financial issues. I initiate and promote discussion of controversial issues affecting community/patient health (e. G. , domestic and community violence and decisions near the end of life). I promptly and candidly explain to internal and external stakeholders negative economic trends and encourage appropriate action. I use my authority solely to fulfill my responsibilities and not for self-interest or to further the interests of family, friends or associates. When an ethical conflict confronts my organization r me, I am successful in finding an effective resolution process and ensure it is followed. I demonstrate respect for my colleagues, superiors and staff. I demonstrate my organization’s vision, mission and value statements in my actions. I make timely decisions rather than delaying them to avoid difficult or politically risky choices. I seek the advice of the ethics committee when making ethically challenging decisions. My personal expense reports are accurate and are only billed to a single organization. I openly support establishing and monitoring internal mechanisms (e. G. , an ethics committee or program) to How to cite Ethics, Papers Ethics Free Essays What are the pros and cons of occupational licenser in general? The pros of occupational licensing are that it protects the public from incompetent providers. Licenses prove to the public that the provider has had the education and/ or training. This does not always mean the provider is going to perform a good Job. We will write a custom essay sample on Ethics or any similar topic only for you Order Now It also promotes higher income for the licensee. The cons of occupational licensing are that it restricts entry and limits competition in a certain profession. It is very costly to obtain some licenses and not everyone can ford it. It also limits the consumer’s choice and deprives the poor of adequate service. The employer is required to pay higher wages to the licensee. After reading Case 5. 1, â€Å"Yahoo In China,† discuss the following: Would American companies do more good by refusing to cooperate with Chinese authorities (and risk not being able to do business In China) or by cooperating and working gradually to spread Internet freedom? I personally think that American companies should refuse to cooperate but that Is not good for the monetary concerns of companies. So on that note, American companies would cooperate and work gradually toward spreading Internet freedom. I would think that putting up barriers with other countries would do more harm than It Is worth. China Is a major player In our economy and It Is best to keep things In good standing. The US expects others to obey our laws and we should do the same for other countries. It Is not right for us to go Into another country and expect them to do things the way we do. For example, I may not agree with the way my friend disciplines her children but that does not mean I have to push her to dullness them my way. How to cite Ethics, Papers Ethics Free Essays Ethics 101 1. 1 background and development of theoretical ethical approaches Deontological Theory The deontological theory state that the consequences or outcomes of actions are not important, what actually matter is that the actions are morally Justified. For example drunken driving is wrong, now if a person argues that he safely navigated his way back home and for that reason he/she should not be held accountable by law, they are wrong because their action was wrong in the first place and was breaking the basic principle for morally correct behaviour that a person should not drive while being drunk. We will write a custom essay sample on Ethics or any similar topic only for you Order Now The contribution of Immanuel Kant towards development of Deontological theory Immanuel Kant proposes that in taking a decision â€Å"Duty’ carries the foremost importance. Kant is of the view that a person’s actions will only be regarded as morally and ethically correct when they are taken keeping in mind the sense of duty and responsibility in mind. Teleological Ethical Theory The teleological ethical theory put the primary focus on the â€Å"Consequences† i. e. â€Å"What are those actions that produce the best possible results†? Along with attaching importance to the consequences the teleological theory also suggests that the ecisions framework that is developed for achieving the desired consequences should also be managed with care. Consequentialist Theory According to the â€Å"Consequentiality Theory’, the basis for determining how moral a person’s actions are the consequences. The consequences of actions can be good or bad, and they can be damaging or favourable. The contribution of Jeremy Bentham towards development of a person’s actions can be a classified as good or bad depending on what consequences the action has produced. According to Bentham’s opinion the good things are classified as â€Å"pleasure† and the bad ones as pain†. (http://www. studymode. com/) 1. 2 Absolute ethics has only two sides: Something is good or bad, black or white. Some examples in police ethics would be unethical behaviours such as bribery, extortion, excessive force, and perjury, which nearly everyone would agree are unacceptable behaviours by the police. Relative ethics is more complicated and can nave a multitude ot sides witn varying shades ot gray . What is considered ethical behaviour by one person may be deemed highly unethical by someone else. The Absolutist theory is the theory that certain things are right or wrong from an bjective point of view and cannot change according to culture. Certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, which means they are right or wrong in themselves. This is also known as deontological. The relativist theory is the theory that there are no universally valid moral principles. All principles and values are relative toa particular culture or age. Ethical relativism means that there is no such thing as good â€Å"in itself†, but if and action seems good to you and bad to me, that is it, and there is no objective basis for us to discover the truth. This theory is also known as teleological. An example of an absolutist ethical system would be if a single mother with a very young child had no money and therefore no food to feed the child, and she stole some food from the shop and the mother was caught and had a trial, an absolutist would argue that its morally wrong to steal and should suffer the consequences of the crime. They don’t take into account the situation the person might be in and use an absolute law. However, this is in contrast to the alternative ethical system, called â€Å"relativist†, because this system is really the complete opposite. Again I’ll use the same example s I did for absolutist. If a relativist was looking at this they would take into consideration the situation the woman might be in and empathize with her and try to find an outcome that is the most fair. One reason to support the absolutist approach as the only defensible approach is that it provides Justification for acting which means that morality seems to demand some sort of obligation. If there’s a fixed moral code then there is no obligation to act in a way. Another strength is that it gives clear guidelines, which basically means the rules are fixed and clear to apply. () 1. 3 Ethics refers to a prescribed or accepted code of conduct. Ethical issues are a set of moral values that need to be addressed while carrying out business. Businesses operate in a society that is structured around moral values. Therefore, when conducting its operations, a business has certain responsibilities which are to provide the society with quality goods and services that will improve the people’s living standards. In order to survive, a business needs to maintain its customers. Product packaging is one way of ensuring a business maintains its existing customers and also acquire ew customers. Some companies are known to allow underweight packaging of products which are then highly priced and this is a rude way of increasing profits. However this negative trend will affect the business in the long run as customers will eventually come to learn that they are being swindled. In an attempt to boost sales, some businessmen adapt promotional method mislead customers as the message conveyed may not give the exact details of the product. Businesses should desist from increasing prices without valid reasons. In doing so, they will be taking advantage of the customer and this is unethical. Businessmen should also desist from taking part in corrupt practices such as selling low standard goods while bribing government officials in order to continue operating. Entrepreneurs should consider the effects of their activities on the society they serve. In the long run, wrong dealings and corruption will tarnish the image of the business and have a negative effect on sales. Business people ought to comply with the law requirements and observe laid down principles of morality in their dealings. They should seriously consider expectations of the community they serve. (    How to cite Ethics, Papers Ethics Free Essays To:| Jeffrey Galbraith| From:| Master Minds- Kirstin Miner, Madeleine Roberts, Alyssa Tan, Jen Penza| Date:| March 5, 2013 | Re:| Evaluation of Theo Chocolate | | | | | Hello Jeff! Team Master Minds is excited to share with you today our findings on Theo Chocolate’s social responsibility record and why they are proud to say they stand by their word. They pride themselves on being the only Organic, Fair Trade, Fair for Life certified, Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Factory in North America. They are passionate about their product and about preserving the natural environment where the cacao bean grows in order to keep the industry strong and profitable, all the while making the customers healthy and happy. We will write a custom essay sample on Ethics or any similar topic only for you Order Now Below we have prepared for you some of the important components of what makes Theo Chocolate stand out from the rest of the chocolate market as far as ethics and social responsibility. What is the mission of Theo Chocolate? â€Å"We’re dedicated to making our world a better place. And we’re finding ways to do it through our passion—bringing out the best of the cocoa bean. We are all connected. We touch one another’s lives in incredible ways. And we are responsible to and for one another. From the cacao farmer in the Congo, to the truck driver in Seattle, to the chocolate lover in Philadelphia—there is a thread that runs through us all. Theo believes in celebrating those connections, in strengthening them and in finding inspiration within them—inspiration to change the world. We know that every action has a result. That the choices we make here in Seattle, Washington touch lives across the planet in real and lasting ways. That knowledge, and that responsibility, is what drives us to do things differently, to help make the world a better place. We think about every choice we make, every action we take and how it will impact our interconnected world. † A brief history of the company: Theo Chocolate was founded by Joe Whitney, the first to pioneer the supply of rganic cocoa beans into the United States in the year 1994. He fell in love with making chocolate when he explored the tropics of Central America and Africa. He had such passion for the land and the people farming there. The dedication to the farming people allowed him to explore further into the land and farmers, both of which were being exploited. He felt he had to do something to make a difference. He spent the next ten years promoting organic cocoa beans in the U. S. as well Fair Trade pract ices for those who farm the beans. He developed trusting, long-lasting relationships with the farmers in order to fulfill his dream of making chocolate and sharing it with the world. His next step was to team up with Sales and Marketing expertise Debra Music. They moved to Seattle in 2004 where they began creating the brand and building the factory with a small team. In 2006 Joe’s dream was brought to life with the first inaugural run. From there on out the company prides themselves on using the purest ingredients grown in the most sustainable ways. What is the nature of the company? Customers: Theo’s customers are probably educated consumers who care about where their food comes from, how it is produced, and whether any mistreatment of the environment or workers is involved in producing the product. In today’s society being â€Å"healthy† is the message sent across America to make a part of your lifestyle in order to live longer and maintain health. Therefore Americans don’t feel as bad when they know they are eating chocolate that is better for them that is why Theo Chocolate has developed a niche in the cocoa industry and have created a high demand that equips to today’s values. Products: Theo produces organic, fair-trade chocolate. Products include Chocolate Bars, Caramels, Confections, Specialty, and Gift Confections. The products are absolutely 100% organic without any synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers and are not exposed to industrial solvents or food additives. The suppliers of the cocoa bean is constantly changing, Theo works with farmer groups and grower cooperative throughout the world. Currently the beans come primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Peru. The company makes sure that the process from which the beans turn into chocolate involves completely ethical behavior where all parties involved are treated fairly. Evaluate code of conduct/ ethics. Theo Chocolates hopes to provide for its employees a stimulating work environment, opportunities for personal growth, and job satisfaction. Transparency is at the heart of the company’s values. They believe that being open to all who want to know about the company leads to trusting relationships with customers and suppliers. If you’re not open about your business it makes people think you have something to hide and that is something that can turn customers away from their product. Theo Chocolate is grateful for the talented team members, which is always an important practice within a business. It means that the company values their employees and wants to treat them the way they deserve to be treated. If employees know that they are truly valued they will be motivated to work extremely hard to make their company succeed which is what a company wants of its employees. Their policies and practices may change over time but Theo Chocolate remains to have core values intact which include being committed to enriching the lives of farmers, suppliers, shareholders, partners and employees. The company has developed the handbook to help their employees understand general expectations and benefits of working with them and also to answer any questions people may have. This is very important as it so that potential and current employees know what they’re getting into and there are standards that are set so that employees are held accountable for their actions. Evaluate social responsibility using the Porter model. Because their customers demand socially responsible products, it’s in Theo’s best interest to promote its products this way. Therefore, by marketing their products as Fair Trade, Theo can increase profits while maintaining social responsibility. The following excerpt is from Theo’s website: â€Å"The sources of our cocoa beans are always changing. We work with farmer groups and grower cooperatives throughout the world to ensure we are always getting the best beans possible. Currently, our beans come primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Peru. We have been actively cultivating supply chain in Tanzania for the last several years. † They can also benefit both their social responsibility record and increase profits when they help support the communities that produce the ingredients they use. . ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Our Mission | Theo. n. d. Web. 5 March 2013. . [ 2 ]. Theo – Shop. n. d. Web. March 5 2013. https://www. theochocolate. com/shop How to cite Ethics, Papers