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On February 16, Father Roa delivered a lecture that served as my introduction to the intriguing realm of Business Ethics. The discourse covered a range of topics, including common myths held by businessmen regarding business ethics, the intricate relationship between ethics and business, the role of moral reasoning in business, the theory of profit motive, and a comprehensive definition of business ethics. This lecture deepened my understanding of the subject, "Business Ethics and Social Responsibility," shedding light on crucial aspects that form the foundation of ethical business practices.
Father Roa's lecture started by unraveling the myths that surround business ethics, myths that often hinder a clear understanding of its significance.
Some of these misconceptions include the belief that ethics is a personal matter and not open to public debate, the notion that ethics and business are incompatible, the relativism of ethics in business, the misconception that good business implies good ethics, and the metaphorical idea that business is akin to war.
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Father Roa adeptly dismantled these myths, emphasizing that ethics plays a central role in the business landscape and is inseparable from its operations.
The relationship between ethics and business is profound, rooted in the idea that ethics is an inherent, unwritten law embedded in the hearts of individuals. As an integral part of human society, business activities must undergo examination through a moral lens. Father Roa underscored that what may be legally permissible in business may not necessarily align with moral principles. In the contemporary business landscape, there is a prevailing trend to train managers to maximize profits and quantify business operations.
Here, moral reasoning becomes paramount as ethical issues impacting the organization necessitate resolution by managers, who should always evaluate actions based on ethical principles.
A significant aspect covered in the lecture was the theory of profit motive, which operates within the framework of freedom and the structure of business itself. The profit motive, assumed as an ethical issue in business, exhibits both positive and negative dimensions. On the positive side, it serves as a motivator for meaningful action, promotes ingenuity and cleverness in business management, enhances productivity, and generates potential capital for business growth.
However, the darker side of the profit motive includes fostering unhealthy competition, a narrow focus on monetary gains, and the promotion of self-interest. Father Roa highlighted the ethical considerations associated with the profit motive, emphasizing that while earning profits is a valid business activity, making excessive profits veers into morally questionable territory. The teachings of the Catholic Church, as presented in the lecture, do not categorically condemn profit as part of business activity. Rather, the emphasis is on discerning the ethical implications of profit accumulation.
In conclusion, Father Roa's lecture crystallized the concept of business ethics as the study of right and wrong human behavior and conduct in the business realm. It delves into the perceptions of individuals regarding morality, moral norms, rules, and institutions in the business context. A good moral standard, as emphasized, is objective, not subjective, and invokes feelings of guilt and remorse when violated. Business ethics, therefore, emerges as a crucial field that goes beyond legalities, urging practitioners to navigate the complex interplay of morality and business conduct for a more ethical and responsible business environment.
Exploring Business Ethics: A Reflection on Father Roa's Lecture. (2016, Sep 20). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/businessmans-myth-about-business-ethics-essay
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