Ethical Approaches Critique Paper Essay Example
Ethical Approaches Critique Paper Essay Example

Ethical Approaches Critique Paper Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (1021 words)
  • Published: February 13, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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This paper summarizes each of ethical approaches, especially the Grand Principles, Nash’s Covenantal Business Ethic, Damon’s Four Dimensions of Business Morality, and Hill’s (2008) Christian Ethic for Business. Also, this paper critiques each of them through analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of approaches. Finally, the most favor approach is provided at the end. The Grand Principles which are called the prescriptive approach are provided by some philosophers such as Kant and Aristotle. The Grand Principles include Consequentialist Theories, Deontological Theories, and Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics.

Firstly, Consequentialist Theories emphasize that the consequences of an action. If the consequences are good, the action is good while if the consequences are bad, the action is bad. A popular form of consequentialism is utilitarianism which means that the proper course of action is the on

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e that maximizes overall "happiness". The other form of consequentialism is negative utilitarianism which means when actions are right in proportion to their tendency to minimize harm. Secondly, Deontological Theories does not focus on the results of an action, but focus on duties, obligations and principles.

For example, the Golden rule, the second great commandment, and the categorical imperative. Thirdly, Aristotle’s virtue theory which is one of prescriptive approaches focus on the integrity of the moral actor. One of strengths of prescriptive approach is that the theories are illustrated by philosophers. It is clear to see the words or sentences. For example, the words were recorded in Bible: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. This sentence is simple and clear to show the key idea that how people treat their neighbors.

In addition, in his article, Aristotle shows that “Do back

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to other people what they do to you”. Aristotle shows that ideas that how important to treat friends fairly. But the weaknesses is that the Grand Principles always persuade people to treat other well but describe people how to treat themselves well. In addition, from a law perspective, the Grand Principles are not strict. Thus, it is not practical if people don’t understand the real meaning. For example, according to this sentence,“Love your neighbor as yourself”, if a neighbor broke someone’s house, could this person call polices to catch the chief?

Nash’s covenantal business ethic is to emphasize that cooperation between people bases on the profit motive and other-oriented values. It has three essential aspects: “First, it sees value-creation in its many forms as the primary objective. Secondly, it sees profit and other social returns as a result of other goals rather than the overriding objective. Thirdly, it approaches business problems more in terms of relationships than tangible products” (p. 20). There are two strengths of Nash’s covenantal business. One is that this theory increases the cooperation between people.

The other one is that this theory can increase a manager’s sense of self-worth. The weakness is that the profits probably have negative effects on businesses. More specifically, managers probably struggle to make right decisions because there is a conflict between profits and ethics. I believe that Nash’s covenantal business is common nowadays. Although a covenantal ethic can stimulate the business to succeed through creating values, a manager is hard to keep morality under competitive environment. People are selfish so that they can’t consider for a long-term although they know it is good for

long term to follow the contracts with faith.

I am not willing to put the profit in the core value even if I can create trust quickly. Damon’s theory about four dimensions of business morality is an ethical approach to reach the achievement. The four dimensions of business morality are generative, empathic, restrictive, and philanthropic. Damon shows a person’s development of moral identity through the pyramid of business moralities. In addition, the author explains that although each dimension plays an important role in itself, some are more fundamental than others in the sense.

Also, business success builds on the foundation of morality. One of advantages of Damon’s approach is that this theory is practical. The logical of the theory is clear. For example, based on the figure of the pyramid, moral identity which provides a sense to make moral choices is important when people consider four dimensions. People are encouraged to do the right things. Further, the author also provides many cases to support his idea is realistic and explain how to use this theory in their life.

I like the concept of Damon’s approach, especially moral identify. People need to identify the moral. Then, find out which dimensions they are so that they can step by step to get the fruits in their business through keeping morality. In his article, Hill introduces the concepts of holiness, justice, and love which are emphasized in Bible while the similar values which could be built in companies are integrity, fairness, and compassion. In addition, Hill leads us to consider those topics about dual morality, law and agency.

He strongly believe that GOD’s characters

which are holiness, justice, and love should replace those of dual morality, law, and agency which he defines false exits. Further, the author knows it is difficult to follow Christian ethics in business and avoids misunderstanding how to use those characters from God. Thus, Hill applies many cases and discusses applications to help us to get good results in decision-making processes. For instance, Hill not only defines key words but also gives word choices which help to understand what he said. With understanding those concepts, people can make correct decisions.

Specifically, the author discusses about the relationship between employer and employees. In conclusion, my favorite approach is Hill’s theory because the concept is simple but it is practical. Nowadays people who are lost in the chase of money and power do not follow rules of justice and fairness. That is one of the roots of the mess. Although “living up to the holy-just-loving standard is easier said than done” (p. 254), I assume it is worth it to try. The basic rationale is that we need to pursue the traits of God which will lead our business to be sustainable development.

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