Business Ethics

In the 21st century, business ethics have come under scrutiny.  More so than ever, people have become more conscious about the ethical practices of businesses.  At the same time, many business owners themselves have started to question what their ethics should be.  For those who are having confusion with this topic, they should consider taking business ethics courses.

Business ethics courses are simply courses that focus on the topic of ethics in business, both in a practical and theoretical sense.  In these courses, a variety of different facets of business are discussed.

For example, there will be discussions on the ethics of accounting information.  With all of the creative accounting that has went on, especially in big corporations, it is more important than ever to make sure you have formed your own strong ideology of accounting ethics in your business.  Otherwise, it will be easy to use misleading financial analysis and earnings management.

Business ethic courses also focus on human resource management.  This is how the relationship between the employer and the employee is governed.  Naturally, every business owner is ethically and legally compelled to not discriminate based on age, gender, race, religion, disabilities and physical attractiveness.  Besides, there are ethical concerns as to how much right to privacy the employee and the employer has.  These things deal with issues like workplace surveillance and drug testing.

Business ethics courses also have a focus on the sales and marketing process.  For example, look at McDonald's.  Many people think it is unethical for McDonald's to be so aggressive with their marketing to children, because of the questionable nutritional value of the food they serve to the children. 

While all marketing has a purpose behind it to manipulate the consumer's behavior to purchase the product, to what extent is it okay to use manipulation?  These are questions you will ponder in your courses.

Finally, there is a gray area, related to business ethics -- intellectual property.  Determining who has the rights to any idea can be problematic.  For example, if an employee comes up with an idea, do they have the rights to it, or do you because you trained them?  These deal with topics like copy right infringement, employee raiding and industrial espionage.

Business Ethics |