TAKE HOME EXERCISE

1. Differentiate between ethics and business ethics. How can personal ethics affect business ethics?

Ethics refers to an individual's or group's moral principles and values that guide their actions and
decisions. These principles can vary widely between individuals, even when they agree on the core
concepts of ethical behavior. Business ethics, on the other hand, specifically addresses moral conduct,
behavior, and judgment within a business context. It involves making ethically sound decisions related to
business activities like manufacturing, sales, and service provision. Personal ethics significantly impact
business ethics because individuals bring their own moral compass to the workplace. If a person's personal
ethics prioritize honesty and fairness, for example, they are more likely to uphold those values in their
business dealings, thus influencing the overall ethical climate of the organization. Conversely, if an
individual's personal ethics are lax, they might engage in unethical behavior at work, potentially leading to a
decline in the company's ethical standards.

2. Identify the characteristics and values associated with ethical behavior. How can you, as a future
professional, develop them now?

Ethical behavior is characterized by several key values, including integrity, honesty,

trustworthiness, loyalty, fairness, caring, respect, responsibility, pursuit of excellence, and accountability.
Integrity, for instance, involves adhering to moral principles even when it's difficult, while honesty means
being truthful in all dealings. As a future professional, I can cultivate these values by actively practicing
them in my daily life. This includes being honest in my academic work, treating others with respect, taking
responsibility for my actions, and striving for excellence in my studies. Seeking out mentors who embody
these values and engaging in ethical discussions can also help me develop a strong ethical foundation.
Furthermore, participating in community service can foster a sense of social responsibility and caring for
others

3. State and define the specific principles of professional conduct according to E.O. No. 220. State some
examples from people you know, famous or not, whom you believe have adhered to, or not, to these
principles.

Executive Order No. 220 outlines specific principles of professional conduct, including service to
others, integrity and objectivity, professional competence, solidarity and teamwork, social and1 civic
responsibility, global competitiveness, and equality of all professions.2 Service to others emphasizes
prioritizing the needs of those being served, while integrity and objectivity demand honesty and impartiality
in professional dealings. Professional competence requires continuous learning and skill development.
Solidarity and teamwork promote collaboration among professionals. Social and civic responsibility
highlights the duty to contribute to the well-being of society. Global competitiveness encourages
professionals to meet international standards. Finally, equality of all professions ensures fair treatment and
opportunities for all professionals. For example, a doctor who volunteers their time to provide free medical
care to underserved communities demonstrates service to others. Conversely, a politician who accepts
bribes violates integrity and objectivity. A teacher who dedicates extra time to help struggling students
exemplifies service to others and professional competence. A local businessman who actively participates
in community projects and supports local charities demonstrates social and civic responsibility. On the other
hand, a company owner who evades taxes and exploits workers fails to uphold social and civic
responsibility, integrity, and potentially several other principles. A famous example of someone
demonstrating integrity and service to others is Mahatma Gandhi, who dedicated his life to nonviolent
resistance and social reform. A counter-example might be a celebrity who endorses a product they don't
actually use, thereby violating integrity and potentially misleading the public. These examples, both
personal and public, illustrate how individuals can either uphold or disregard the principles of professional
conduct in their actions and choices.
 4. What are the main and special purposes of business ethics? How can they help businesses thrive
today?

The main purpose of business ethics is to guide businesses in distinguishing between right and
wrong practices. It provides a framework for ethical decision-making in the complex world of commerce.
The special purposes of business ethics include preventing the use of double standards, discouraging
unethical practices disguised as "common practice," and establishing an ideal standard for business
conduct. By adhering to ethical principles, businesses can build trust with customers, employees, and
stakeholders, leading to stronger relationships and enhanced reputation. Ethical behavior can also improve
employee morale and productivity, reduce the risk of legal issues, and attract investors who value ethical
practices. In today's world, where consumers are increasingly conscious of ethical considerations,
businesses with strong ethical foundations are more likely to thrive and achieve long-term success.

5. How can you help address the challenges of ethics in today's world?

Addressing the challenges of ethics in today's world requires a multi-faceted approach. At an

individual level, I can promote ethical behavior by being a role model, speaking up against unethical
actions, and engaging in constructive dialogue about ethical dilemmas. In my future professional life, I can
contribute to creating ethical work environments by advocating for ethical policies and practices, fostering a
culture of transparency and accountability, and supporting ethical leadership. Furthermore, I can participate
in initiatives that promote ethical awareness and education in my community and beyond. Staying informed
about current ethical issues and engaging in critical thinking about them is also crucial.

6. Comment on the ethical issues surrounding our (Philippine) government and businesses today.

The Philippines faces numerous ethical challenges in both government and business. In
government, issues like corruption, abuse of power, and lack of transparency remain prevalent. For
instance, reports of government officials misusing public funds erode public trust and hinder development.
In the business sector, issues such as labor exploitation, environmental damage, and misleading
advertising pose significant ethical concerns. For example, companies that prioritize profit over worker
safety or environmental protection demonstrate a lack of ethical responsibility. Addressing these
challenges requires strong leadership, effective enforcement of ethical codes and regulations, and a
collective commitment to ethical behavior from all members of society. Promoting ethical education and
awareness, strengthening institutions, and fostering a culture of accountability are crucial steps towards
creating a more ethical society.

SOURCES:

Santa Clara University - www.scu.edu

BoardEffect - www.boardeffect.com
Institute of Business Ethics - www.ibe.org.uk
CoachHub - www.coachhub.com
Murdough Center of Engineering Porfessionalism - www.depts.ttu.edu
Infonetica - www.infonetica.net
Vorecool (How do ethical business practices contribute to long-term success and profitability?) - www.imd.org