Career

Business Ethics

Anilyn M. Costa
Arlene P. Marquina
April Sheen O. Monzon
Introduction
The term ethics has been derived from the Greek word ‘ethos’
which implies character, ideas and standards of behavior
practiced within a society. Personal ethics define right and wrong
behaviors for an individual. In the business sense, ethics describe
what constitutes good or bad in human conduct in organizational
context. We can also say that business ethics are concerned with
making life, not just living.

By definition, business ethics are moral ideas that guide the way a
business act. It is the application of ethical reasoning to certain
business situations and activities, so that any moral issue emerging
in business can be resolved or clarified.
According to Garrett,
“Business ethics studies the special obligation which
a man and citizen accept when he becomes a part of
the world of commerce.” As a matter of fact,
business ethics deals with morality in the business
environment. That is why it is that “business ethics
refers to the system of moral principles and of
conduct applied to business.”
What is work
Work ethic is a combination of several moral principles based on the idea
ethic
that hard work is fundamentally valuable and worth pursuing. If you have
a strong work ethic, you likely possess other traits such as dependability,
respectfulness, productivity and collaboration, among others. For
example, if you find work important and worthy of your best efforts, you
will do things like show up for work on time and complete tasks by their
due date. There are many ways you can demonstrate a strong work ethic,
but mostly this is done by paying attention to small things throughout the
day like being punctual or communicating well.
Why is work ethic
important
Having and demonstrating a strong work ethic is important because it can
help you quickly achieve career goals. When you possess these skills, you
will likely perform quality work, have strong relationships with colleagues
and work towards achieving important tasks that add value to your
organization. These accomplishments will lead to favorable reviews at
work along with strong references and recommendations. Showing that
you are a reliable employee will also lead to more responsibilities and
opportunities—for example, work ethic is necessary for leadership roles.
All of these factors can lead to better chances at a raise or promotion and
accomplishing major long and short-term career goals. Displaying a strong
work ethic can result in you being seen as a highly valuable team member,
which can lead to beneficial advances in your career like a raise,
promotion or management position.
What are business ethics
Business ethics are a set of principles that determine what is right, wrong and
appropriate in the workplace. A company’s business ethics influence conduct for
every employee, including interpersonal relationships within the company as
well as business relationships with external customers. The purpose of business
ethics is to ensure a consistent moral attitude within the company, from
executive-level management to new hires. It makes sure everyone is respected
and treated with fairness and honesty.

These are five fundamentals most businesses value:

❖ Trustworthiness
❖ Honesty
❖ Integrity
❖ Loyalty
❖ Respect
Principles of Company
business ethics
security items
Presentations are communication
tools that can be used as

Trustworthiness
demonstrations, lectures, speeches,
reports, and more. It is mostly
presented before an audience. It
serves a variety of purposes, making
presentations powerful tools for

-Trust is being dependable to clients, supervisors and other employees.

convincing and teaching.

This means performing a task you were assigned to or agreed to complete,

practicing discretion on company information and being punctual to
meetings and other work events.
Principles of Company
business ethics
security items
Honesty Presentations are communication
tools that can be used as
demonstrations, lectures, speeches,
reports, and more. It is mostly

-This principle includes telling the truth, being transparent,

presented before an audience. It
serves a variety of purposes, making
presentations powerful tools for
convincing and teaching.

and taking ownership of your words, work and actions. If you

are part of a team project, you make sure all your team
members receive credit for their work. Should you make a
mistake, own up to it as soon as possible and do what you can
to make things right.
Principles of Company
business ethics
security items
Integrity Presentations are communication
tools that can be used as
demonstrations, lectures, speeches,

-Both trustworthiness and honesty factor into

reports, and more. It is mostly
presented before an audience. It
serves a variety of purposes, making
presentations powerful tools for

integrity. If you are a person of integrity, you always

convincing and teaching.

try to do the right thing in any given situation, even

when it is not advantageous to you. You put the good
of your team and the company as a whole above
your own desires.
Principles of Company
business ethics
security items
Presentations are communication

Loyalty tools that can be used as

demonstrations, lectures, speeches,
reports, and more. It is mostly
presented before an audience. It

-This principle involves promoting a positive image of

serves a variety of purposes, making
presentations powerful tools for
convincing and teaching.

your employer and organization, especially to clients,

coworkers, family and friends outside the company and
on social media.
Principles of business
ethics
Respect
Company
security items
Presentations are communication
tools that can be used as

-Your conduct should reflect both respect for yourself and

demonstrations, lectures, speeches,
reports, and more. It is mostly
presented before an audience. It

your coworkers. Respect for yourself is reflected in the way you

serves a variety of purposes, making
presentations powerful tools for
convincing and teaching.

present yourself and communicate. You show respect for team

members’ individual opinions, even if they differ from yours.
You think before you speak, allowing time to gather your
thoughts so you can make your case in a way that maintains
reverence for others.
Importance of business ethics in the
workplace
⮚Improved employee retention: Strong business ethics often encourage managers
to show appreciation for an employee’s hard work. 
⮚Stronger collaboration: Team members who practice business ethics have respect
for one another and work well together.
⮚More effective leadership: When a manager follows business ethics, they’re more
likely to treat employees well. As a result, teams are more inclined to follow their
leadership.
⮚ Increased professional value: When you have a positive attitude toward your
work and those you work with, you can increase the quality of your work. It also
increases your value to your team and the company as a whole.
Work ethic skills
❖Accountability ❖Organization
❖Discipline ❖Quality work
❖Honesty ❖Responsibility
❖Humility ❖Teamwork
❖Integrity ❖Time management
Work ethic skills
❖Accountability
Having accountability means you are able to manage your own work well
without much oversight. If you are accountable, you will be seen as a reliable team
member who is responsible and contributes well to a task or project.

❖Discipline
Having discipline means you are able to focus and complete tasks no
matter the circumstances. Managing your time well is a key component of
practicing discipline.
Work ethic skills
❖Honesty
Being truthful at work is valuable because it can help tasks to be completed more quickly
and in a quality way. Practice honesty when giving feedback, sharing project ideas and when
you have made a mistake. Owning and improving upon mistakes at work shows that you are
willing to take risks and learn from them.

❖Humility
Being humble means having a healthy perspective of your own importance in the
workplace. This does not mean that you should have a negative or low view of your work or
skills. Instead, it means that you prioritize listening to others, share your own ideas when it
will be valuable and are honest about both your wins and your areas of improvement.
Work ethic skills
❖Integrity
Integrity is defined as always doing the right thing no matter who is watching.
Practicing integrity results in gaining the trust of those around you.

❖Organization
Being well organized can help you get tasks done on time, communicate clearly
with others and set proper expectations about your work. You might keep several
workspaces organized such as your desk, computer, calendar and notes.
Work ethic skills
❖Quality work
While it is crucial to turn your work in on time, it is also important that the work is done
well and meets all requirements. If you consistently complete work that needs revisions and
leads to more time and effort, you may not be considered as having a strong work ethic.

❖Responsibility
Being responsible at work is a general quality that results in your work being
done well, on time and practicing good communication skills with those around
you. Responsible people know what is expected of them and deliver on those
expectations.
Work ethic skills
❖ Teamwork 
Working well with others is a key component of work ethic. This
involves having respect for those around you, practicing
proper communication skills and having empathy so you
understand how to interact best with each individual you work
with. This will allow you to easily work alongside a team towards a
common goal.
❖ Time management 
Managing your time well can help you meet deadlines, set
appointments or meetings and communicate proper expectations
about your schedule. It is also important to be punctual at work
both when you arrive and when you have meetings.
 How to maintain business ethics
The primary means by which a company communicates its ethical principles is through a
“code of conduct” document, which establishes the ethical standards of the company and its
employees. You’re likely to be given a copy of this document upon employment and can
review it when determining the best way to maintain business ethics in your workplace.

There are many ways you can have an ethical work environment, including:
❑ Report conflicts of interest
❑ Take care of company property
❑ Use discretion with sensitive information
❑ Practice integrity
❑ Keep a high attendance
❑ Respect coworkers and other office personnel
❑ Follow dress code
❑ Discuss issues with management
❑ Seek further ethics training
How to maintain business
ethics
Report conflicts of interest

Many organizations have a policy regarding receiving gifts from clients or

other external parties. Some may even have rules about part-time work,

freelance opportunities and other side jobs. In all cases, these rules are

meant to ensure employees operate within the limitations of conflicts of

interest, which can impact an employee’s integrity.

How to maintain business
ethics
Take care of company property
You’re likely to use tools, technology, equipment and
supplies provided by your employer. These items are
typically reserved for work use only. Follow any rules
related to the use and maintenance of these items to
ensure you are using company property respectfully.
 How to maintain business ethics
Use discretion with sensitive information
Some workplaces and roles may interact with sensitive data
or materials, which requires employees to practice discretion
through careful organization, the use of passwords and other
security measures. Consult your code of conduct to understand
the stipulations of discussing and handling sensitive
information in the workplace.
How to maintain business
ethics
  Practice integrity
Hold your work to a high standard of fairness, honesty and
quality. You should be transparent in how well you’re doing
and areas you may be able to improve. Own up to your
mistakes, and work to correct them as soon as possible. Keep
your team and supervisors informed of mistakes and progress
to ensure everyone is updated.
 How to maintain business ethics
Keep a high attendance
Your workplace may have an attendance and tardiness policy to hold
employees accountable to going to work and being on time. Showing up for
work when you are expected demonstrates respect for your colleagues as well
as your employer. 
You may request time off per your company’s policy. If you are unexpectedly
prevented from being at work by illness, accident, or some other cause, let
your manager or supervisor know as soon as possible. Your manager or
supervisor can then make sure your work is handled by someone else in your
absence. If you will be late, give your manager advance notice, if possible.
 How to maintain business ethics
Respect coworkers and other office personnel
You can communicate respect for your colleagues by treating
them professionally and as you would like to be treated.
Workplaces typically abide by anti-harassment laws
established by the federal government. Review these behavior
limitations or discuss the policies with your employer or
human resources department should you have questions.
 How to maintain business ethics

Follow dress code

The way you dress can impact the work atmosphere and the
way people relate to you. Make sure your clothing choice is in
accordance with the company’s dress code to ensure
professionalism with coworkers and external parties as well as
safety and comfort while on the job.
.
 How to maintain business ethics
 Discuss issues with management
There may be times when you face an ethical dilemma at work, and
this particular type of issue may not be covered adequately in the
employee handbook or your training. For situations like this, you
can consider discussing the issue with your supervisor, the human
resources department or, if the company has one, an ethics officer.
Working with someone familiar with the company’s ethical
standards can help you resolve these situations appropriately.
How to maintain business ethics
 Seek further ethics training
Should you need more guidance on ethical behavior at work, your
company may offer further training via seminars or online courses.
These can help reinforce the points made in the company’s
handbook. If you are required to take ethics training annually, be
sure to do so. Over time, these points will become familiar and will
shape your business conduct.