SAN RAFAEL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

San Rafael Tigaon, Camarines Sur

S/Y 2020-2021
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET No. 4
Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
Week 4 & 5

Name of Student: ______________________________________________________________

Learning Area: ___________________________________ Grade Level: ________________
Section: __________________________________________ Date: _______________________

I. INTRODUCTION

In handling business, core values are important. It is a set of principles that guides professional action through
the events and issues business leaders face daily. Soon to be business leader, it is important to be certain of your
core values because these core values will become part of the company’s culture. Therefore, this learning activity
will help you gain insights and understanding the importance of philosophies in business.

II. LEARNING SKILLS FROM THE

MELCs
1. Illustrate these philosophies are reflected into business practices. (ABM_ESR12-IIIe-h-2.1)
2. Explain how the belief systems influence business practices

III. ACTIVITIES

Philosophy comes from a Greek word Philo- Love and Sophos-wisdom “Philosophia” which
means “ Love of wisdom”. In a broad sense, Philosophy is an activity or action that people
undertake when they are seeking understanding major truths about themselves, which they
live, as well as their relationship to the world and each other.

Business Philosophy is a guided principles and beliefs that a company is working toward to attain the goals,
mission and vision of the company.

The four main classical proponents are Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Confucius.

1. SOCRATES was an ancient Greek Philosopher considered to be the main source of western thought. He
advanced the idea of Gnothi Seauton or know thyself which he believed that knowledge is virtue and all
virtuous actions based on knowledge. He’s the famous proponent of “Socratic Method” which
introduced Socratic dialetic method of teaching which is composed of Ironic (destructive) element and
Maieutic (Constructive) element.

Implications of Socrates Philosophy in Business

Socratic Method is a method which obliged the audience to think through a problem to a logical conclusion.

In business, entrepreneurs bombarded with lots of assumptions based on the other’s viewpoints
and their perspective of what is to be the best plan of action for pursuing a business idea. Business leader
can find value in Socrates Method in acquiring essential learning through the constant questioning and

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 testing of these assumptions theories about what hold to be true for validity. Through this method, they
can assume of what the market wants, where opportunity lies, and the best effective feature of the product.

Socrates also insisted on our right to think for ourselves. In organization, Socrates Method encourages
independent thinking and follow one’s own conscience.

2. PLATO was an Athenian philosopher with the famous quote “Good people do not need laws to tell them to act
responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws”. He was the student of Socrates, the teacher
of Aristotle and the founder of the Academy. Plato did a lot of change the way people think about the
world, in everything from mathematics to ethics to logic. He popularized the theory called “ Theory of
Forms”.

Implications of Plato Philosophy in Business

Plato proclaims that the sequential and changing world of becoming we perceive derives its meaning from
a world of being and from forms that are timeless, immutable, and can’t be extended. This theory of Forms
represents Plato’s attempt to cultivate our capacity for abstract thought.

Theory of Forms

Is a pholosphical theory, concept, or world-view attributed to plato, that the physical world is not as real or
true as timeless, absolute, unchangeable ideas. (https: en. Wikipedia. Org)

Plato claimed that the world is constantly undergoing change. In his Socrates dialogues Plato argues that
behind this unreliable world of appearances is a world of permanence and reliability. In order to perceive the world
of forms, individual must undergo education. For example, someone wanting to manages an organization would be
required to recall knowledge of the Functions of Management. The fact that this person may have absolutely no
idea about managing people is irrelevant. On this basis. If you can’t recall the necessary knowledge then you’re
obviously not suited to be a manager, or business leader.

3. ARISTOTLE was a student of Plato who, after leaving the Academy at Plato’s death, founded his own school,
the Lyceum. He acknowledged the importance of pleasure and pain in human motivation. He recognized
the four factors that affected human ability to achieve the good life: individual differences, habit, social
supports, and freedom of choice.

Implications of Aristotle Philosophy in Business

Aristotle was the most practical and business oriented of all philosopher. He is interested in defining
principles in terms of the ethics of leadership. He concludes in his Nicomachean Ethics that the role of the leader is
to create the environment in which all members of an organization have their opportunity to realize their own
potential. He also emphasized that the ethical role of the leader is not to enhance his or her own power but to create
the conditions under which followers can achieve their potential.

He did raise a set of ethical questions that are directly relevant to corporate leaders who wish to behave in
ethical ways.

1. Am I behaving in a virtuous way?

2. How would I want to be treated if I were a member of this organization?

3. What form of social contract would allow all our members to develop their full potential in order that
they may each make their greatest contribution to the good of the whole?

4. To what extent are there real opportunities for all employees to develop their talents and their potential?

5. To what extent do all employees participate in decisions that affect their work?

6. To what extent do all employees participate in the financial gain resulting from their own ideas and
efforts?

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4. CONFUCIUS was politician and a Chinese philosopher of the spring and Autumn period who espoused the
well-known Golden Rule principle “Do not do to others what you do not want others to do it to you”.
Confucius philosophy emphasized correctness of social relationships, justice, personal and
governmental morality and sincerity.

Implications of Confucius Philosophy in Business

Chinese believed that crisis poses a potential opportunity to the people, if the danger is managed
properly. This mindset has made Chinese to think positive and flexible. Consequently, this mentality
has something to do in handling business. In managing business, there will be time that you’re on your
top of reaching your goals but there’s a certain moment you feel far from getting it. In all situation, you
must plan for the worst-case scenario. This does not mean that you should be prepared to fail, rather, in
order to prevent future failure, one must effectively evaluate worst case scenario to ensure a business is
adequately prepared for any “crisis” that may come on your way.

The importance of “Guanxi”

“Guanxi” means “relationships”, and interpersonal relationships in Chinese business are extremely
valuable, as Guanxi has been stated to be their ‘second currency’.

The Chinese business mentality is very much one of “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” In
essence, this translates to exchanging favours, which are expected to be done regularly and voluntarily.
What underpins this ideology is the concept of respect within a business context. Respect between all
with whom you conduct business with should be something we imitate from the Chinese business
culture, as Confucius said; “without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?”

What is Belief System?

A set of belief about fundamental aspects of reality that ground influence all one’s perceived, thinking,
knowing, and doing.

HOW THE BELIEF SYSTEMS INFLUENCE BUSINESS PRACTICES

Belief System has something to do with our everyday lives. They are commonly associated with religions.
A religious belief system is usually structured around a moral code, the belief of one or more deities, and the ability
for supernatural occurrences to affect us in the universe that we exist in. A spiritual belief system is closely related
to this, but it is not structured. Some choose to believe in an after-life and follow a moral code of conduct but do
not affiliate with a particular church or denomination. Since it affects the way a person views the world and defines
how they treat others, it still counts as a belief system.

HERE ARE WORLD’S EIGHT MAJOR RELIGIONS

1. Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in the world, with more than 2 billion followers. The
Christian faith centers on beliefs regarding the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Impact of Christianity on Business Practice

Jesus warns against greed, an excessive anxiety toward future needs, and in serving money instead
of serving God. Human dignity and concern and for persons are crucial in Christianity.

Basic Beliefs: There is one God, and Jesus was crucified but was resurrected. Followers reach
salvation by following the teachings of Jesus.

This religion stresses a sense of justice in business, such as the strict observance of contracts,
observing regulations and working for the sake of the common good.

2. Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots and customs dating back
more than 4,000 years. Today, with about 900 million followers, Hinduism is the third-largest religion
behind Christianity and Islam.

Impact of Hinduism on Business Practice

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 Hinduism, the first of the five religions based on ancient Asian cultures, is a cluster of religious
traditions that evolved in India between 3,000 and 1,500 B.C. Today, there are about 780 million
followers.

Basic Beliefs: Souls continue to be reborn. The cycle of rebirth ends only when the soul achieves
enlightenment, or freedom from earthly desires.

When it comes to business, we can make two observations: Hinduism has a positive attitude towards
business and creating wealth, yet wealth is not the supreme goal. Ethics (dharma) and salvation (moksha)
are more important.

3. Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims
worldwide. Although its roots go back further, scholars typically date the creation of Islam to the 7th
century, making it the youngest of the major world religions. Islam started in Mecca, in modern-day Saudi
Arabia, during the time of the prophet Muhammad’s life. Today, the faith is spreading rapidly throughout the
world.

Impact of Islam on Business Practice

Islam, with more than 1 billion practitioners, is the second largest religion in the world and
growing. The history of Islam started with Muhammad, who was born in Mecca around 570 A.D.
Muhammad believed in one God, Allah, and recorded his divine revelations in the Koran. Several Islam
business scholars agree that a central concept of the religion is tawhid, or unity with God.

Life is unified because it provides the practical way to pattern all facets of human life in
accordance with God’s will.

Basic Beliefs: There is one God. Followers must follow the Five Pillars of Islam in order to achieve
salvation.

1. Shahadah – Bearing witness that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet

2. Salat – Praying five times daily

3. Zakat – Giving charity or alms to those in need

4. Sawm – Fasting during the month of Ramadan

5. Hajj – Making pilgrimage to Mecca

Business is included and should be run according to the laws of nature dictated by God.

4. Buddhism is a faith that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (“the Buddha”) more than 2,500 years ago in
India. With about 470 million followers, scholars consider Buddhism one of the major world religions. Its
practice has historically been most prominent in East and Southeast Asia, but its influence is growing in the
West. Many Buddhist ideas and philosophies overlap with those of other faiths.

Impact of Buddhism on Business Practice

Buddhism, is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, called “Buddha” or “The

Enlightened One” which began in India around 560 B.C. and searches to find relief for human suffering.

Basic beliefs: People reach enlightenment, or wisdom by following the Eightfold Path and
understanding the Four Noble Truths.

The Eightfold Path

1. Right View or Right Understanding: Insight into the true nature of reality
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 2. Right Intention: The unselfish desire to realize enlightenment

3. Right Speech: Using speech compassionately

4. Right Action: Using ethical conduct to manifest compassion

5. Right Livelihood: Making a living through ethical and nonharmful means

6. Right Effort: Cultivating wholesome qualities and releasing unwholesome qualities

7. Right Mindfulness: Whole body-and-mind awareness

8. Right Concentration: Meditation or some other dedicated, concentrated practice

Four Noble Truth

1. Truth of suffering

2. Truth of the cause of suffering

3. Truth of the end of suffering

4. Truth of the way that leads to the end of suffering or Nirvana

In business, Buddhists search for the “right livelihood” and are generally against companies that
do not care for the environment or that abuse animals.

5. Judaism is the world’s oldest monotheistic religion, dating back nearly 4,000 years. Followers of Judaism
believe in one God who revealed himself through ancient prophets. The history of Judaism is essential to
understanding the Jewish faith, which has a rich heritage of law, culture and tradition.

Impact of Judaism on Business Practice

Judaism has 15 million adherents, started with the original covenant made between God and
Abraham around 1900 B.C.

The main source for understanding business ethics in Judaism is the Torah. “The legitimacy of
business activity and profit, conducted within a framework of religious and ethical norms, is one of the
guiding principles for business ethics highlighted in the Jewish tradition”.

Basic Beliefs: There is one God. People serve God by living according to his teachings. God handed down
the Ten Commandments to guide human behavior.

In Judaism, work, including manual of work, is held in great esteem, like a sort of human
partnership with the divine.

6. Confucianism is based entirely on kindness, mutual respect and an appreciation for character virtues. It is
founded on the belief that society can flourish only when people learn to interact positively with each other.

Impact of Confucianism on Business Practice

Confucianism, one of the three traditional religions of China, along with Taoism and Buddhism, is
based on the teachings of Confucius during 5th and 6th century B.C.

According to Confucius, “A gentleman takes as much trouble to discover what is right as lesser
men take to discover what will pay.”

Confucius emphasizes that profit in business is acceptable as long as it is acquired with

righteousness.

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 7. Taoism is regarded as the oldest of China's three religion-philosophies (Confucianism and Buddhism are the
other two). Taoism has both a philosophical and a religious tradition in China. Although philosophical
Taoism flourished early in the fifth century B.C.

Impact of Taoism on Business Practice

Taoism coexists with Confucianism in China. It seeks to promote the inner peace of individuals
and harmony with their surroundings.

“Tao” could be translated as “path” or the “the way.” It’s like a force that flows through life and
pervades all things.

In business, Taoism encourages companies to nourish people, and the aim should not be personal
success or gain, but the common good.

According to Tao Te Ching, “Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill…Do your work, then step
back.

8. Shintoism has been a major part of Japanese life and culture throughout the country's history, but for the
greater part of that history Shinto has shared its spiritual, cultural, and political roles with Buddhism and
Confucianism. It has its origin dating back to the 1000 BC. Early records don’t refer to a unified or
organized religion that we now recognize as Shintoism. Instead it is a collection of native beliefs and
mythology, with its roots in worshipping nature and natural objects ranging from trees, lakes, mountains,
flowers, and rocks.

Impact of Shintoism on Business Practice

Shinto, which is inextricably tied to the origin and development of Japan was derived from the
Chinese words Shin Tao (the ways of gods). Started in 500 B.C., the religions focus on the worship of the
kami, a host of supernatural and mysterious beings (natural deities) that can be known through forms, such
as objects of nature, or abstract creative forces just as justice or remarkable people.

In business, Shinto emphasizes benefits for the group which is like a family.

VI-References

Aliza Racelis (2017). BUSINESS ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Manila, Philippines: REX
Book Store.

Bambao, Mary Grace(2021) BUSINESS ETHICS. La Union, Philippines: La Union Schools Division

https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/business-ethics/resources/advic-from aristotle

https://leadersinheels.com/business/5-things-confucius-could-teach-us-about-business/

DEVELOPMENT TEAM OF THE LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

WRITER: ELEANOR R. GALICIA, Teacher II

MANAGEMENT TEAM/REVIEWER: SARAH CHRISTINE P. GODOY, EPS 1
STEPHANIE JOY D. FABRICANTE, Teacher II
RESIEL P. HOBAYAN, Teacher I
ALVIN P. VALENZUELA, Teacher I
EDITOR: JEANE C. GAVICA, Master Teacher II
LAY-OUT ARTIST: JHOLAN P. BLANCE, Teacher I

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