Ethics and Social Responsibility
Introduction
To gain further understanding into ethical and social responsibility one should begin by comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Through further insight of these similarities and differences one can begin to comprehend the importance ethics and social responsibility plays in personal and business success. The analysis below describes the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. The analysis also includes a personal experience explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. The conclusion explains how this information on ethics and social responsibility provides a road to success or failure, depending on the implementation of the knowledge one gains from the data and the decisions one makes. Utilitarianism Theory
Working in teams is a very big part of today’s work environment. People work in teams at work as well as in the home. Teamwork is also a big part of the learning environment at University of Phoenix as well as other higher learning institutions. A good team player develops skills that can lead to successful completion of projects and helps with decision-making. Putting the best interest of the team before one’s personal interests is utilitarianism (Boylan, 2009). According to Boylan, “utilitarianism is a theory that suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group than any other alternative” (2009). According to Trevino & Nelson, a utilitarian approaches ethical dilemmas by finding alternate solutions in addition to possible advantages and disadvantages to everyone involved (2007). Virtue Theory
The virtue theory is mainly about one’s character. Also known as virtue ethic, the virtue theory regard one’s character as well as one’s motivations and
References: Boylan, M. (2009). Basic ethics: Basic ethics in action (2nd ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Trevino, L.K. & Nelson, K.A. (2007). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.