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What affects a person’s inclination to make either ethical or unethical decisions is

not entirely clear. Three general sets of factors influence the ethics of decision-

making. First, an individual’s values, attitudes, experiences, and knowledge
influence decision-making. Second, the absence of an employer’s official code of

ethics may indirectly encourage unethical decisions. Third, the behaviors and
values of others, such as coworkers, supervisors, and company officials, affect the

ethics of a person.

8. Ethics and Etiquette. There is some difference between business ethics and

etiquette. Etiquette means rules for formal relations or polite social behavior
among people in a society or a profession.

If you are a manager you should stick to the following rules in your everyday
activities.

 Don’t order, ask and be polite.

 Remember that people work with you, not for you. They like to be treated as
associated, not slaves.

 Keep your promises, both important and less important promises.
 Criticize, if you must, only in private – and do it objectively. Never criticize

anyone in public or in anger.

 You should say “Good morning” when you come in and “Please” and “Thank
you” at every opportunity.

III. Answer the questions:

1. What is ethics?
2. Give the definition of business ethics.
3. What are two important ethical concerns?
4. What does unethical behaviour in relationships with customers and coworkers include?
5. Do you think it is ethical to give bribes, gifts and payments that might unfairly influence
other persons business decisions?
6. What can you say about false and misleading advertising?
7. What do investors want in their relationships with management?
8. What do employees want in their relationships with manageent?
9. When is it easier for management to respond in an ethical manner – when business is
good and profit is high or when profit is declining?
10. Why is effective prosecution of “illegal payoffs” difficult in international trade?
11. State three general sets of factors that influence the ethics of decision making.
12. State the difference between ethics and etiquette.