Unit 8 Business Ethics and Integrities
Getting Things Ready1
Things to Do2
Things to Write3
Section 1 Getting Things Ready
1
• understand business ethics and integrities
• talk about social responsibilities of a company
• make comments on a business case
In this unit, you will learn how to:
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3
Section 2 Things to Do
Things to Do
Activity Two
Listen and Write Read and Think
Activity One
Related Information
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Section 2 Things to Do
Etiquette
Etiquette, or good manners, is an important part of our day to day lives. Whether we realise it or not we are always subconsciously adhering to rules of etiquette. Much of the time these are unwritten; for example giving up your seat to a lady or elderly person, queuing for a bus in an orderly fashion according to who arrived first or simply saying "please" or "thank you". All are examples of etiquette; complex unwritten rules that reflect a culture's values.
Related Information:
Section 2 Things to Do
Etiquette accomplishes many tasks. However, the one noteworthy function that etiquette does perform is that it shows respect and deference to another. By doing so it maintains good interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, it could be argued, etiquette is about making sure that when people mix together there are rules of interaction in place that ensure their communication, transaction or whatever it may be goes smoothly.
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disciplinary disciplinary
integrityintegrity
undertakeundertake
exemplify exemplify
adoptadopt
prohibitprohibit
compliancecompliance
avoidanceavoidance
voluntary voluntary
Section Two Things to Do
Activity One Listen and Write
provisionprovision
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Section Two Things to Do
Question 3 Do you think money is everything? Why or why not?
Question 2What do codes of conduct for doing business around the world cover?
Question 1 What is business ethics?
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Read and Think
Principles of Business Ethics
Business ethics examines ethical principles and moral problems that can arise in a business environment. In the increasingly conscience-focused marketplaces, the demand for more ethical business processes and actions is increasing.
Recognizing the positive role of business principles, the Administration encourages all businesses to adopt and implement voluntary codes of conduct for doing business around the world that cover at least the following areas:
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1. Provision of both safe and healthy workplaces; 2. Fair employment practices, including avoidance of child and forced labor and avoidance of discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, or religious beliefs; 3. Responsible environmental protection and environmental practices; 4. Compliance with local laws promoting good business practices, including laws prohibiting illegal payments and ensuring fair competition; 5. Maintenance of a corporate culture that respects free expression consistent with legitimate business concerns, that encourages good corporate citizenship and
Read and Think
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Read and Think
makes a positive contribution to the communities in which the company operates; and where ethical conduct is recognized, valued, and exemplified by all employees.
Adoption of codes of conduct reflecting these principles is voluntary. Corporations are encouraged to develop their own codes of conduct appropriate to their particular circumstances. Many companies already apply statements or codes that include these principles. Companies should find appropriate means to inform their shareholders and the public of actions undertaken in connection with these principles. A company may not act in violation of host country law according to the principles.
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Read and Think
The business principles and codes of ethics require that any reports and complaints under these codes should be dealt with according to the principles of fairness, honesty and integrity.
Non-compliance with the procedures set out above may be reported to the Administration. The corporations will not revenge or undertake action against any employee for filing a report or complaint under these codes or for assisting. Any corporation who violates the principles or codes of ethics should be subjected to immediate disciplinary action. (323 words) translationtranslation
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Read and Think
Task 1 Test your problem-solving ability.Find out the origin of the word “ethic”.
The word "ethic" has been derived from the Greek word "ethos" which means conduct, customs or character. So, "ethic", according to the Greeks, would mean a code of conduct, the manner of customs and the characterization of a person's morals. It would also mean in a positive way the accepting of responsibilities.
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Read and Think
Task 2 Tell whether the following statements are true or false. Write T for True and F for False.
1. The demand for more ethical business processes and actions is decreasing in the increasingly conscience-focused marketplaces.
2. Fair employment practices include avoidance of child and forced labor and allowance of discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, or religious beliefs.
3. A good corporate culture makes a positive contribution to the communities in which the company operates.
F
F
T
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Read and Think
4. Corporations are voluntary to adopt codes of conduct reflecting these principles.
5. According to the principles of fairness, honesty and integrity, the business principles and codes of ethics require that any reports and complaints under these codes should not be coped with.
6. If corporations violate the principles or codes of ethics, they should be subjected to immediate disciplinary actions.
T
F
T
Read and Think
1. What is business ethics? Business ethics examines ethical principles and moral
problems that can arise in a business environment.2. What does the Administration encourage all businesses to do? To adopt and implement voluntary codes of conduct for doing
business around the world. 3. What does the local law include in order to promote good busi
ness practices? It includes laws prohibiting illegal payments and ensuring fair
competition.
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Task 3 Give brief answers to the following questions.
Read and Think
4. What are the corporations encouraged to do according to their particular circumstances?
Corporations are encouraged to develop their own codes of conduct appropriate to their particular circumstances.
5. What will corporations not do if any employee files a report or complaint under these codes?
The corporations will not revenge or undertake action against him/her.
6. Why are principles of business ethics important? Open.
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Read and Think
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Task 4 Match A with B
1- c 2-f 3-e 4-a 5-d 6-i 7-j 8-g 9-h 10-b
Read and Think
Task 5 Fill in the blanks with the right words or phrases. Change the form where necessary.
1. I __________ that I can make him change his mind even though I have to make an effort to persuade him.
2. His behavior is not_________________ his words; he always eats his words.
3. We must seize all opportunities and ____________ actions to accelerate development and reform.
undertake consistent with exemplify make contributions to prohibit be subjected to
voluntary in violation of ensure compliance with
ensure
consistent with
undertake
Read and Think
4. Many societies _________ marriages between blood relatives. 5. All business processes and actions _____________ the local law.6. We should be in ______________ the rules and regulations of the
hospital.7. She does ______________ social work to help the old with some h
ousework in the community. 8. All businesses should ____________________ the creation of an e
thical business environment.9. The company has acted _______________ its agreement and cause
d dissatisfaction of the public.10. The corporation __________ its business ethics and integrities wi
th honest actions.
prohibit
are subjected to compliance with
voluntary
make contributions to
in violation of
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exemplifies
Section 3 Things to Write
Things to Write
Activity Two: Applied Writing
Case Study Write an essay
Activity One: Task-based Writing
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Section 3 Things to Write
Activity One: Task-based Writing
Case S
tud
yC
ase Stu
dy
Task 1 Study the following tips for writing.
Task 2 Study the following language for writing.
Task 3 Study the following model for witing.
Task 4 Write an essay to comment on the case.
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Section 3 Things to Write
A comment on a case, based on analyses from the standpoints of the commonly accepted standards or regulations and law, points out clearly what is right or wrong, who is to blame and what should be done in a concise and logical way.
Task 1 Study the following tips for writing.
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Section 3 Things to Write
Task 2 Study the following language for writing.
Words and phrases:
based on 基于on the hand 一方面on the other hand 另一方面furthermore 更有甚者in addition 再者
consequently adv. 因此assume responsibility 承担责任dereliction of duty 玩忽职守misprision n. 渎职
Section 3 Things to Write
Sentence patterns:
… should be responsible for …
… should also assume responsibility for
… should be charged with
… is to blame for the failure/
… take measures to ensure such incidents will never occur again.
Section 3 Things to Write
Task 3 Study the following model for witing.
The Question of Corporate Responsibility Last year, an oil tanker (油轮 ) of the Big Dirty Oil Company ran around in the area, spilling (泄露 ) millions of gallons of crude (原油 ) into the waters and onto the beaches of British Columbia. The damage to the beaches and wildlife and consequently to the tourist industry, the ecology (生态 ) and the quality of life of the local residents is incalculable (无法计算 ), but in any case will require many millions of dollars for the clean-up. The ship struck a small atoll (珊瑚道 ), well-marked on the navigational (航海的 ) maps, but it was a dark night and the boat was well off course (航线 ). On further investigation, it was
Section 3 Things to Write
discovered that the Captain (船长 ) had been drinking heavily. Leaving the navigation of the ship to his first mate (大副 ), he left his cabin (船舱 ) to sleep. His first mate had never taken charge of the ship before, and it is now clear that he misread the maps, misjudged the waters, maintained a speed that was inappropriate and the accident occurred. Subsequent (后来的 ) inquiries (调查 ) showed that the Captain had been arrested on two drunk driving convictions (罪行 ) within months of the accident. The tanker itself with a double-hull (船壳 ) was long due for repair and, it was suggested, would not have cracked (破裂 ) up if the hull had been trebly (三重地 ) reinforced, as some current tankers were. The Chief Executive Officer of Big Dirty Oil declared the accident a "tragedy" and offered two million dollars to aid in
Section 3 Things to Write
the clean up. Environmental groups began a consumer campaign against Big Dirty Oil, urging customers to cut up and send in their Big Dirty Oil credit cards in protest (抗议 ). In a meeting to the shareholders, the CEO proudly announced the largest quarterly (季度的 ) profit in the history of the Big Dirty Oil Company. He dismissed the protests and assured the shareholders that his responsibility was, and would always be, to assure the highest profits possible in the depression (萧条 ) of today's market.Comments on the case:Firstly, the Big Dirty Oil Company should be responsible for the crude spilling. Of course, the company assumed responsibility by offering two million dollars to aid in the clean
Section 3 Things to Write
up, but that’s far from enough. They should be responsible for the damage to the beaches and wildlife and consequently to the tourist industry, the ecology and the quality of life of the local residents. On the other hand, the CEO just assured the shareholders that his obligation was, and would always be, to assure the highest profits. Actually, a corporation's purpose is not only to maximize returns to its shareholders but also the community and society at large. The Captain should also be charged with dereliction of duty (玩忽职守 ) and suspended or discharged for his misprision (渎职 ) in the end.
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Section 3 Things to Write
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Section 3 Things to Write
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Translate the following passage into English.
Seven Principles of Admirable Business Ethics There are 7 principles of admirable business ethics, 1) _______ (即 ): be trustful; 2) __________________(保持思想开明 ); meet obligations; have clear documents; become community involved; maintain accounting control; be respectful. 3) _______________________________________ (意识到商业道德的意义 ) as a tool for achieving your desired
namely
keep an open mind
Recognizing the significance of business ethics
Section 3 Things to Write
outcome is only the beginning. A small business that instills a deep-seated theme of business ethics 4) ___________________________________ (在策略和政策中 ) will be evident among customers. Its overall influence will lead to a profitable, successful company. By recognizing the value of practicing admirable business ethics, and 5) ________________________________, your success will not be far off.
within its strategies and policies
following each of the 7 principles
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Read and Think
Principles of Business Ethics Business ethics examines ethical principles and moral problems that can arise in a business environment. In the increasingly conscience-focused marketplaces, the demand for more ethical business processes and actions is increasing. Recognizing the positive role of business principles, the Administration encourages all businesses to adopt and implement voluntary codes of conduct for doing business around the world that cover at least the following areas:
back
Read and Think
Principles of Business Ethics Business ethics examines ethical principles and moral problems that can arise in a business environment. In the increasingly conscience-focused marketplaces, the demand for more ethical business processes and actions is increasing. Recognizing the positive role of business principles, the Administration encourages all businesses to adopt and implement voluntary codes of conduct for doing business around the world that cover at least the following areas:
back
Read and Think
1. Provision of both safe and healthy workplaces; 2. Fair employment practices, including avoidance of child and forced labor and avoidance of discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, or religious beliefs; 3. Responsible environmental protection and environmental practices; 4. Compliance with local laws promoting good business practices, including laws prohibiting illegal payments and ensuring fair competition; 5. Maintenance of a corporate culture that respects free expression consistent with legitimate business concerns, that encourages good corporate citizenship and
back
Read and Think
that encourages good corporate citizenship and makes a
positive contribution to the communities in which the
company operates; and where ethical conduct is recognized,
valued, and exemplified by all employees.
Adoption of codes of conduct reflecting these principles is voluntary. Corporations are encouraged to develop their own codes of conduct appropriate to their particular circumstances. Many companies already apply statements or codes that include these principles. Companies should find appropriate means to inform their shareholders and the public of actions undertaken in connection with these principles. A company may not act in violation of host country law according to the principles.
back
Read and Think
makes a positive contribution to the communities in which the company operates; and where ethical conduct is recognized, valued, and exemplified by all employees.
Adoption of codes of conduct reflecting these principles is voluntary. Corporations are encouraged to develop their own codes of conduct appropriate to their particular circumstances. Many companies already apply statements or codes that include these principles. Companies should find appropriate means to inform their shareholders and the public of actions undertaken in connection with these principles. A company may not act in violation of host country law according to the principles.
back
Read and Think
The business principles and codes of ethics require that any reports and complaints under these codes should be dealt with according to the principles of fairness, honesty and integrity.
Non-compliance with the procedures set out above may be reported to the Administration. The corporations will not revenge or undertake action against any employee for filing a report or complaint under these codes or for assisting. Any corporation who violates the principles or codes of ethics should be subjected to immediate disciplinary action.
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