Business Ethics and Social Responsibility: A Case Study Analysis

This report analyzes a business ethics case study involving Joe and Tom, partners in a property development company. The study examines their differing ethical perspectives regarding a prime real estate site: Tom prioritizes luxury flats for profit, while Joe advocates for affordable housing to address social inequality. The report evaluates their viewpoints, explores stakeholder theory, and assesses the role of business in addressing social issues and corporate social responsibility. It considers the ethical implications of their decisions, including their duty to help those without homes, and the importance of balancing ethics of care and justice. The analysis extends to the potential impact of Tom's profit-maximizing approach on society and the common good, emphasizing the significance of ethical business practices and their contribution to long-term sustainability and brand image.

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
Critically evaluate the perception of the both Joe and tom ethically. ........................................1
What does business have in addressing social inequality...........................................................2
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Business ethics is termed out as form of applied ethics, professional ethics that aids to
examine the ethical issues that can arise within the business environment (Singh, 2018). It is
defined as rules, principles and standards that helps to differentiate between morale right and
wrong.
The present study is based on the case study as Responsible management and leadership
in global company in which Joe and Tom went into partnership several years ago and build
successful company.
Furthermore, study will focus on critical evaluation about the perspective of both Joe and
Tom ethically and to consider whether there might be middle ground that each other could
accept.
MAIN BODY
Critically evaluate the perception of the both Joe and tom ethically.
Joe and Top case study-
The present case study is based on Joe and Tom who went into partnership several years
ago and they have built up successful property development and construction company. Also,
they are having the prime site in the centre of the city. So, Tom wants to construct the luxury flats
with view to make profit. On the other hand, Joe wants to set aside the part of area for building
affordable accommodation for the single people especially those who have been homeless for the
some time.
The main aim of joy is to offer finance option for those on low incomes and also must
ensure that we do not exploit any of the workforce by paying just the minimum wages. However,
Tom is not happy with this approach and claim that they do not afford such soft hearted
approach. Thus, he said “ we will not get ant return for our hard work and this business in jungle.
Identification of primary and secondary stakeholders yo help to identify those with an
interest in this dilemma.
Stakeholder theory termed out as organisation management and business ethics that
mainly accounts for multiple things that impacted by business entities like employees, suppliers,
creditors and local communities etc. Thus, this is defined as the theory of business ethics and
organizational management that report for multiple body that wedged by enterprises and
personnel like employees, suppliers, local communities, creditors, and others (Jain, Leka and
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Zwetsloot, 2018). Therefore, this is one of the effective term as this addresses morals and values
in managing an organization, such as those related to corporate social responsibility, market
economy, and social contract theory. Additionally, stakeholder is anyone who has wide interest
within the project, business or organisation. Furthermore, stakeholder can influence each things
within the enterprise and this is inclusive of senior management, project leaders, customers, users
and members. Therefore, the firm stakeholders are interested that influencing the parties of the
enterprise. In addition to it, primary and secondary stakeholders as well as their interest and
influence is essential term that has effective management. Henceforth, the normative approach of
the stakeholder theory pay attention towards the relationship of managers, stakeholders that
based on the morale and normative commitments (Ali, 2019). This can be termed out as the
crucial technique to have the identification of the stakeholder and their helps to analyse the
needs.
On the other hand, primary stakeholders has direct interest within the entity. In addition to
it, secondary stakeholder leads to provide oversight for the enterprise and the government plays
the second role that rely on the success of the enterprise to keep the agencies afloat. In addition
to it, primary stakeholders needs to have the ability that directly influence the decision making
process within the enterprise. The customer, government, public all are the crucial stakeholder to
the enterprise the impact of anyone affects the working condition of the business in vast manner
(Mohamed, Abdullah and Ahmad, 2018).
What does business have in addressing social inequality.
The situation of the social equality occurs when the resources are given in the society that
are distributed unevenly, that typically through norms of allocation that has specific patterns
along of socially defined the categories of individuals. In addition to it, social inequality is
mainly characterized by the existence of the unequal opportunities and rewards that has different
social positions within the group or society. Thus, income status of the people affects the
working of the society in the huge context. It is not the responsibility of the business in
addressing social inequality. Injustice with the people impacts the working of the society in the
huge context. In addition to this, social inequality is termed out as the condition that has unequal
access to the benefits if belonging to any society ( Kuenzi, Mayer and Greenbaum, 2019). Thus,
social inequality is the term that characterised with help of unequal opportunities and this
rewards for the different social positions and status within the group or society. It is inclusive of
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the structure and recurrent patterns of unequal distribution of the goods, opportunities, wealth,
rewards and punishments.
In order to enhance the brand image of the enterprise, the business must invest the capital
in corporate social responsibility. By contributing some amount of profits for the social welfare
aids to enhance the brand image and add success to enterprise. Henceforth, the entity needs to
use corporate social responsibilities that firm employ in their corporate governance that are
ethical, societally and this can be beneficial to its communities ( Lee, Muhamat and Kawangit,
2019). By contributing some part of the profits to corporate social responsibility the entity can
enable to build stronger brand image, recognition and reputation.
In addition to it, CSR adds value that establishing and maintaining good and effective
corporate reputation. This can be one of the best way to remain key and talented employees.
Thus, employees must stay longer and committed to the firm knowing that they are working for
the business that is practising CSR. Thus, main aim is to donate money to non profit and bring
social welfare to implement the environment friendly policies within the workplace. Therefore,
social inequality can be defined as a social issue that encompasses the three dimension such are
as structure conditions, ideological supports and social reforms etc. It is the term that helps to
facilitate the better working condition with help of promoting social welfares. Thus, practices of
the CSR can bring effective framework of working for the business as well society as a whole.
Do Joe and Tom have duty to help those without homes.
No, they do not have duty to assist the person without homes as being the business man.
With help of assisting the individual with low income can contribute towards to brand image of
the enterprise. If the business practices are undertaking in the ethical manner then it can be
grateful to accomplish the desired productivity and profitability. They are not bound to help those
individuals and this can be one of the effective thing that can help to put some contribution in the
society.
Thus, the approach of Joe was very effective as this can helps to enhance the brand
recognition and this could also help to other businesses that has been developed by them. Yes,
this can be true to stated that both of them are not legally bound to help the individuals who are
without homes. This can be grateful things as this helps to enhance the brand image of the
enterprise.
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Is there is balancing act to done between ethics of care and ethic of justice?
Ethics of the business termed out as standards of behaviour that aids to promote human
welfare and this is often called the good. It is very crucial to create the ethics within the business
function through seeking together that assist to human welfare. Therefore, Business ethics can be
defined as the independent of an organizational culture. Thus, the Profit in business is the only
glue that can be helpful in terms to hold relationships together. The acceptability of behaviour in
enterprise can be determined by not only an organization but also with the stakeholders
(Anderson, Peterson and Toops, 2018). Hence, the ethical practices helps to business to enhance
long term sustainability within the market. It can be one of the effective way to render the
business practices in safe and adequate manner. Thus, the set principles of morality needs to be
followed to have increment in the brand image of the enterprise.
In addition to it, business ethics can be defined as thing that can be operate at the
organisation level and this also helps to know about the way those enterprise can direct, guide
and incant people to act effectively. This is the responsibility of the firm to define its values that
shows up the cooperation of the individuals ( van Niekerk and Getz, 2019). Hence, the Joe and
Tom needs to conduct the balancing act with help of approach as ethics of care and ethic of
justice as-
Business ethic of care- The ethics of care is one of the effective approach that relates with the
ideas concerning both the nature of morality and normative ethical theory. It is termed out as
context bound approach towards morality and decision making ( Rose, Flak and Sæbø, 2018). It
can be one of the effective things as this helps to enhance the brand image of the enterprise.
Business care ethics offers the novel approach within the business relations and this idealism and
upstandingness may lead towards to bring appropriateness as a business ethic. In addition to this,
it can be stated that The emergence of care ethics as a distinct moral theory is attributable to the
work that bring balancing condition within the work that helps to bring expansion in way of
business doing their performance.
Ethics of justice- Ethical framework is effective in order to conduct the business practices in fair
and adequate manner. It is theory that helps to carry out the fair practices so that business
condition can remain in positive manner. This is term that put their major focus in terms to
deliver the equal services to people, for welfare of society in the justified manner.
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In this, this can be stated that the Tom and Joe both were right at their places but the Joe
was thinking for long term success planning for the company. By allowing accommodation
service to individuals who are without homes by offering the financial options for those on low
incomes can be grateful way to maintain business ethics of care and justice(Choudhury, 2018). It
aids to enhance the brand recognition and this can also be great way to start a new business.
Therefore, it can be stated that business must maintain the balancing act within the ethic of care
and ethic of justice. By maintaining ethical practices in the effective manner assist to undertake
the business condition in well and attractive mode. This can be one of the effective way to
undertake the business conditions in better mode.
Tom is intent to maximise profit. What might this mean for society in general and common
good if each entity took this approach.
Tom is looking forward to build the luxury flats on the proper that has acquired at the
prime site in the centre of the city. His approach was good as he is aiming towards to earning
long amount of the profitability and this can also be one of the effective way to enhance the
profitability within the enterprise. He is planning to adopt the approach that can assist him to
develop more profitable conditions and this can also assist in enhancing the brand image to
enterprise. Thus, the planning of Tom can be in the favour of the company and revenue that can
be generate from it. Therefore, this cannot cannot be in the favour of the society as a whole. This
can not be effective for the welfare of the society.
In addition to this, each business enterprise mainly take this approach so that they can
able to generate maximum amount of the profitability. This can be defined as one of the general
approach that taken by the business person.
Business ethics with point of view of utilitarian perspective.
The term business ethics termed out as the framework that aids to carry out the business
with help of adhering by accepting the standards of the right behaviour. It is defined as one of the
effective term as this allow to enhance the brand recognition (Fischer, 2019). Thus, greater of the
good number of the business can be count with the use of utilitarianism approach.
Thus, Utilitarian is termed out as ethical approach that determine the right from wrong by
putting consideration over the outcomes. It is relatively straightforward technique that is mainly
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deciding the morally right course of action for the any particular situation. Additionally, the
effects of the actions that are relevant are the good and bad result that they produce. One of the
key point in this article concern is that this has distinction between the actions of the individuals
and type of actions. It is the theory that can be used for the variety of the purpose. This is
technique that can be effective in the both manner as if moral reasoning and for any type of
rational decision making.
In addition to this, it can be stated that application of this theory in the different context
can be used for the deliberation about the interest of the different person and groups. Henceforth,
this can be stated that utilitarianism is one of the effective approach as this leads to have reason
based approach to determine the right and wrong situation within the business enterprise. It is
term that obvious has limitation ( Rose, Flak and Sæbø, 2018). Thus, Tome and Joe must use this
approach as this helps to under preview at the time of determining the correctness of any actions.
Henceforth, these are defined in the following manner as-
 The action are considered right only if the outcomes of the decision aids to maximise
what is classifies as being good over the things what would considered bad.
 Happiness can be one of the good outcome that can be possible in this structure.
 If the action do not maximise the happiness in the same manner then it could be the
incorrect choice to make even that things was considered to be moral choice.
With the help of it, the personal harm can be reduce at the time of undertaking any
decision. This approach also has the fastest and fairest way to make the decision on the
nationwide manner and this also balance the differ interest of individual through the majority of
the vote. If any decision in the organisation is taken with the view of utilitarian then every
decision can able to give the positive respond in manner of fulfilling the obligation of morale
duty. This is one of the effective term that seeks to create the highest good ( Rose, Flak and
Sæbø, 2018). This is extremely accessible to the diverse group of people who are functioning
within the pluralistic society. In addition to it, the one of the major beneficial aspect of this
approach is to clarifies the ethical though along with the common standard of happiness and well
being.
Golden rule of the business ethics.
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The phenomenon of the globalisation of market that has been accomplished by the calls
for globalisation of the ethical norms. In this given situation the perspective of both business
partners are different to run their business activities. One of thinking of social welfare by
contribution some part of profit as corporate social and other was looking forward to make
luxury apartment to generate sum amount of the profitability. Henceforth, the one of the
principles that often called at this kind of situation is as Golden Rule. It is based on the statement
as Do onto others as you would have others do unto you. It is crucial to show up that the business
and employees relate with it are following the golden rule and this can aids to enhance reputation
of the business.
In the given situation, the business must starts and ends with the treating the customer in
right manner and do the things in the benefit of the society as a whole. Thus, implementation of
the golden rule is crucial in the area where there is general principles of ethics and this can also
be ideal for the business setting where the hectic schedule, stress and job pressure make ethical
dilemmas difficult to sort out.
In what extent Joe being the virtuous person.
In the given context, Tom and Joe were the partner who has build successful construction
company. They are having the prime site in the centre of the city. So, Tom wants to construct the
luxury flats with view to make profit. On the other hand, Joe wants to set aside the part of area
for building affordable accommodation for the single people especially those who have been
homeless for the some time. The main aim of joy is to offer finance option for those on low
incomes and also must ensure that we do not exploit any of the workforce by paying just the
minimum wages.
In this context, Joe is becoming morally ethical personal who is also taking steps towards
to welfare of the society. He is creative person and has mind of innovator. This approach can be
beneficial for his to maintain the long term productivity and profitability within the enterprise. It
is the approach that can be helpful in terms to enhancing the brand recognition. In this extent, Joe
was adopting the soft skill approach that can be developed indirectly with help of the experience.
This is one of the most professional skill that aids to undertake the business activities in more
appropriate manner. It is effective as this allows to cope up with the stress management,
teamwork, leadership and this approach also has the ability to influence the people. With help of
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contributing some part of the money as full filling the corporate social responsibilities can be
attractive to enhance the brand recognition and maintain the rate of sustainability of business. It
can be true to stated that Joe was doing virtues act and this can be beneficial for the business as
well as society.
On the other hand, Tom was looking forward to make the luxury apartment and this thing
can be beneficial for the business but for the particular period of time. Thus, hard skill can be
beneficial in generating profit but sometimes it can also have impact on the brand image of the
entity. Profitability can be generated but being ethically responsibilities adds value to business
and this can be more profitable for the future course of action (Anderson, Peterson and Toops,
2018).
What is the conclusion if the building project was taking place in any lesser developed
countries.
Hereby, I conclude that if the building project was taking in any lesser developed country
than there was no point to construct the luxury apartments as the most of the people cannot able
to afford it. If it happens, then the future value of the apartment and brand image of the firm both
can affected.
In this situation I would prefer to make accommodation for the individual without homes
and will offer finance to the individuals who are on low wage. This could be one of the effective
way to generate the high amount of the profitability and productivity and also assist in promoting
welfare to the society.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be aforementioned that business ethical practices plays the
crucial role in undertaking business activities effectively and efficiently. It has those practices
that can helps to promote human welfare and good. It is the study of proper business policies
and practices in relation to controversial issues such are as insider trading, bribery,
discrimination that helps to undertake effective working conditions.
The report has covered the activities on the case study of Joe and Tom in relation to
building project. Furthermore, the present study has covered the critical evaluation about the
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perspective of both Joe and Tom ethically and to consider whether there might be middle ground
that each other could accept.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Singh, A.K., 2018. Ethical Business Practices and Improving Business Performance. GST
Simplified Tax System: Challenges and Remedies. 1(1). pp.202-206.
Jain, A., Leka, S. and Zwetsloot, G.I., 2018. Responsible and Ethical Business Practices and
Their Synergies with Health, Safety and Well-Being. In Managing Health, Safety and Well-
Being (pp. 99-138). Springer, Dordrecht.
Ali, A.S., 2019. Zamir Iqbal and Abbas Mirakhor. Ethical Dimensions of Islamic Finance:
Theory and Practice. TÜRKİYE İSLAM İKTİSADI DERGİSİ. 6(1). pp.113-118.
Kuenzi, M., Mayer, D.M. and Greenbaum, R.L., 2019. Creating an ethical organizational
environment: The relationship between ethical leadership, ethical organizational climate,
and unethical behavior. Personnel Psychology.
Mohamed, N., Abdullah, A. and Ahmad, S., 2018. Exploring Attributes of Ethical Leadership and
Ethical Guidelines in Malaysian Public Sector. International Journal of Engineering &
Technology. 7(4.38). pp.847-851.
Lee, U.H.M.S., Muhamat, R. and Kawangit, Z.Y., 2019. Relationship between Ethical
Leadership through Leader’s Practices of Decision Making, Two-Way Communication,
Reinforcement and Ethical Climate. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC
RESEARCH IN BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES. 9(5).
Anderson, S., Peterson, M.A. and Toops, S.W., 2018. International studies: An interdisciplinary
approach to global issues. Routledge.
Kaiser, K. and Kirton, J.J., 2019. Shaping a new international financial system: Challenges of
governance in a globalizing world. Routledge.
van Niekerk, M. and Getz, D., 2019. Applying Stakeholder Theory to the Management
Functions.
Rose, J., Flak, L.S. and Sæbø, Ø., 2018. Stakeholder theory for the E-government context:
Framing a value-oriented normative core. Government Information Quarterly. 35(3).
pp.362-374.
Choudhury, M.A., 2018. Endogenous Ethics in Evolutionary Learning Model Contra
Utilitarianism: Endogenous Ethics. In Ethics and Decision-Making for Sustainable
Business Practices (pp. 55-72). IGI Global.
Fischer, B., 2019. The Ethics of Eating Animals: Usually Bad, Sometimes Wrong, Often
Permissible. Routledge.
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