Free Corporate Ethics Evolution Essay Sample

Ethics refers to the accepted code of conduct or behavior that defines a society at a given time. Ethics is mainly based on the rightness or the wrongness of an action by looking at either the action itself or the implications of the result.

Ethics and morality dates back to the days of philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle. These philosophers argued that the rightness of an action should not be looked at from one perspective, for example -Rules, but by the implication of the action and the interpretation by the outside party and the society in general.

The boundaries of moral behaviors are defined by the expectation of respective era. This is due to the fact that ethics is mainly based on the actions and their implications. Actions can only be understood to be either wrong or right by looking at the culture from which we get a basis for interpretation of a given society and the implications of the action. Since culture is subject to change and vary from place to place, ethical consideration must be pegged on the respective era. For example, while Gays are recognized and appreciated by various European nations most of the African nations do not appreciate this sociological trend. However, some the recognition of this trend is likely to come up with time like it has happened in South Africa.

Since the early 1990s ethics has taken a centre stage in defining the change that the corporate world is going through. This can be characterized by the rise in Trade Unionism, The clamor for human rights by rights groups and the social responsibility. While conglomerates are profit oriented, today they are forced to engage in social responsibility which is not directly profit driven (Grenz, 2000).  

Businesses have to comply with various ethical rules that dictate their operation. The various acts of parliament like the Biomedical Research Act of 1974 dictate that research  with humans have to be concurrent to the Helsinki Declaration that only Laboratory and animal experiments  should be used in such. This is due to the fact that world ethics dictates that it is unethical to use humans in such experiments.

Businesses are changing in way of operation with regards to ethics. This is due to various push factors. In order to form a good image of the company and retain its employees, companies are considering their profit making in relation to staff remuneration. It can be said to be ethically incorrect for a business raking in Million of dollars yet the remuneration is low. Such a situation can lead to demoralization of staff, not because their pay isn't consume rate to existing standards but because of the relativity in the performance of the business.

The contemporary ethical landscape is also significantly influenced by advancements in technology. With the rise of artificial intelligence, businesses are grappling with ethical considerations related to automation, data privacy, and the potential impact on employment. The ethical dimensions of utilizing AI in decision-making processes and the implications for job displacement are becoming crucial areas of discourse. Moreover, the concept of corporate sustainability has emerged as a key ethical consideration. Businesses are increasingly evaluated not only on their financial performance but also on their commitment to environmental stewardship and social well-being. Sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon footprints and promoting social inclusivity, are gaining prominence in the ethical discourse surrounding corporate behavior.

In the realm of global interconnectedness, multinational corporations face the challenge of navigating diverse cultural norms and ethical standards. The recognition that what may be considered ethically acceptable in one cultural context may be viewed differently in another underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity in ethical decision-making. The role of stakeholders in influencing corporate ethics is another facet that has gained prominence. Beyond regulatory bodies and internal policies, the expectations and demands of various stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors, play a pivotal role in shaping a company's ethical stance. The era of increased transparency and instant communication amplifies the impact of stakeholder opinions on a company's reputation and success.

In conclusion, the evolving ethical landscape in the corporate world extends beyond the previously discussed factors. The integration of artificial intelligence, the emphasis on corporate sustainability, the challenges of navigating diverse cultural contexts, and the influence of stakeholders are all contributing to a richer and more complex ethical narrative within the business sphere. As businesses grapple with these multifaceted ethical considerations, the path forward involves not only adherence to existing standards but also proactive engagement with emerging ethical challenges and opportunities.