Ethical Theories
Part A Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics
1. Compare and contrast the ethical theories of Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics. Address fifteen (15) issues in your discussion.
2. In your opinion, which ethical theory has more merit for business decisions? Defend your choice by stating two (2) reasons for your opinion.
Part B Principle-based, virtue, and morality theories have all impacted ethical decision making in the past decade. Respond to each of the following questions referring to these theories.
1. Compare and contrast each of the three (3) theories.
2. What influences do you see each of these three (3) theories having on business ethics?
3. Which one (1) of these theories do you think will be most important in the next five years? Defend your answer with at least one (1) reason and one (1) example.
ANSWER
Ethical Theories
Part A Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics
The Kantian and utilitarianism theories are moral theories that have been used to define what is right and wrong. The Kantian theory is a deontological theory that tries to state that the wrongness and rightness of actions do not depend on the consequences but whether an action fulfills its duty (Arnold, Beauchamp and Bowie, 2019). The utilitarianism theory argues that the right action is one that leads to the most intrinsic good. Utilitarianism states that the most ethical choice is one offering the greatest good and to the greatest number. The Kantian theory focuses on satisfying the unconditional imperative while utilitarianism theory considers all the parties involved as well as the consequence of the actions to the larger group.
Kantianism theory pays attention to examining what is rational regarding the situation while utilitarianism emphasis on what is good. Kant argues that we should look at the intentions and maxims of a particular action, while utilitarianism argues that an individual’s action should provide the utmost happiness for the people. The Kantian theory believes that universal law and maxims have offered guidance to the people on how they should act in a specific situation (Bowie, 2017). This means that what an individual feels is appropriate at a situation is morally allowable. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, sees that the acts of an individual can only be considered to be morally right if they yield maximum benefit and happiness under that circumstance.
Utilitarianism theory relies on desires and reason to recognize what is relevant to self, but Kantianism theory only relies on reason but fails to consider desires. This is because Kant believes that humans partially act through instinct and have to conform to their will; thus, they should not act to offer maximum happiness for others. While utilitarianism, on the contrary, believes human beings are rational and should be concerned with increasing happiness.
Merits for Business Decisions
Kantian Theory has more merits for business decisions as compared to utilitarianism theory. Considerably, utilitarianism theory argues that the result should have a maximum benefit for the larger number. On the other hand, Kantian theory emphasis on facts to decide on what is good or bad (Beauchamp and Bowie, 2013). Ideally, in business, an individual cannot define what is morally wrong or right. But everyone can determine what is rational and how a rational person is likely to act in a particular situation. For instance, the results should not guide the management while making business decisions since the decisions may fail to have a direct impact on the targeted results. If the management focuses on maximizing the happiness of others, the business may fail to function effectively.
Kant’s theory is preferred over utilitarianism theory in business since the management can rely on the Kantian theory to justify wrong conduct. For instance, a business can argue on low wages rather than laying off employees during tough economic times. The business can argue that reduced business performance and harsh economic situations have pushed the business to lower the wages. Rather than laying off some of the employees, they have decided to reduce the wages due to reduced sales. But according to utilitarianism theory, low wages cannot be justified as rational.
Part B Principle-based, virtue, and morality theories
Principle-based is an approach to ethics that pays attention to general principles or a system of ethical principles and concepts that are applied across all circumstances. The principles have generally been accepted, thus supporting the guides in the system. Virtue based theory is based on character and virtue, which enables one to act and pursue the ideas they have developed, such as fairness, compassion, honesty, self-control, integrity, and courage (Gülcan, 2018). On the other hand, moral theory determines whether one is wrong or right through the evaluation of specific moral issues. Therefore, what is wrong or right is determined by everyday thinking and doing, as well as moral subjectivism. Moral subjectivism is determined by what a person happens to feel or think is wrong or right.
Influences on Business Ethics
Principle-based, virtue, and moral theories have influenced ethical decision making in businesses. The ethical theories have acted as the guiding principle in business ethics. The principle-based theory has offered an approach to business ethics based on general principles to enhance ethical practices. The virtue theory has influenced the moral reasoning and virtues which have enabled ethical behaviors in business. Morality has shaped the ethical behaviors of individuals within the business since people can adhere to their duties and obligations, thus offering ethical decisions. Therefore, Principle-based, virtue and moral theories have had a massive impact on general ethical conduct in business.
Virtue-Based Theory
Virtue based theory will be relevant in pursuing morally accepted actions in the next five years. Ideally, virtues based theory focuses on generally accepted virtues of character and perfecting these virtues, which makes an individual genuinely ethical (Bell, Dyck, and Neubert, 2017). Virtue based connects to the existence of a community that nurtures these characters and virtues. Virtue ethics theory shows that in the moral life, an individual cannot merely focus on the guidelines and rules set but should have the ability to exercise sound moral judgment. Virtue emphasizes the motivations and characters of an individual for action, thus exercising sound judgment. For instance, a manager can sort to achieve some harmony and balance in a chaotic environment by providing a moral example guided by conceptions of application of certain character traits. Virtue ethics theory will continue to aspire to the goals and objectives of people through exercising sound moral judgment.
References
Arnold, D. G., Beauchamp, T. L., & Bowie, N. E. (2019). Ethical theory and business. Cambridge University Press.
Beauchamp, T. & Bowie, N. (2013). Ethical theory and business. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Bell, G. G., Dyck, B., & Neubert, M. J. (2017). Ethical Leadership, Virtue Theory, And Generic Strategies. Radical Thoughts on Ethical Leadership, 113.
Bowie, N. E. (2017). Business ethics: A Kantian perspective. Cambridge University Press.
Gülcan, N. Y. (2018, May). Application of Aristotelian Virtue Ethics to Business Ethics. In Proceedings of the XXIII World Congress of Philosophy (Vol. 5, pp. 47-50).
