Business Ethics Analysis: Ethical Theories and Decision Making

This document presents an analysis of business ethics through the application of various ethical theories to two distinct scenarios. The author explores the relevance of utilitarianism, virtue ethics, deontology, and hedonism in ethical decision-making processes within a business context. The first scenario involves a heart surgeon, Doctor Justine, facing a conflict between his career and his wife's educational opportunity. The second case study focuses on Desmond, a CEO, who must choose between his job and supporting his wife's illness. For each scenario, the author defines and justifies the chosen ethical theories, then applies them to propose solutions, considering the well-being and utility of all stakeholders involved. The analysis emphasizes the moral character, duties, and consequences of actions, providing insights into ethical dilemmas and decision-making in business.

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BUSINESS ETHICS
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Author Note

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Answer one
A. Ethical theories relevant to the given scenario
By analyzing the facts of the case that has been provided through the given case study it can be
stated that the ethical theories that can be applied to assess the ethical decision making process
are:
 Utilitarianism
 Virtue Ethics
 Theory of deontological ethics
 Hedonism
B. Definition and justification for choosing the ethical theories
Utilitarianism- The theory of Utilitarianism states that the only those actions are to be
considered to be ethical which the maximum utility for the most number of people (Barrow,
2015). In accordance with this theory it can be stated that Utility of the actions of individuals can
be described as the wellbeing of the sentient entities (de Lazari-Radek & Singer, 2017. This
ethical theory has been chosen in this given scenario as there are many stakeholders involved and
ethical decision making process must consider the well being and the utility of such
shareholders. It can be stated that Doctor Justine must consider the interest of his wife Sheryl,
their unborn child in addition to his future prospect at the medical center
Virtue Ethics- The ethical theory of virtue ethics states that the actions of individuals must be
virtuous in nature. It is one of the three major approaches in the class of normative ethics (Van
Hooft, 2014). The theory of virtue ethics can be defined as one which emphasizes on the moral

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character and the virtues of the individuals who are involved in the ethical decision making
process as opposed to their duties or consequences of their actions. Thus it can be stated that the
theory of virtue ethics is inherently different from the theories of Deontology and
consequetialism.

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It can be mentioned that this ethical theory has been chosen to analyze the facts of the given
scenario as it will assess the virtues of the stakeholders. The virtues and moral character of
Doctor Justine is in question here.
Deontological ethics- Deontology or deontological ethics can be defined as a class of normative
ethics which emphasizes on the morality of the actions. Deontology focuses on the duties or
obligations of the individuals which are governed by the rules (Bowen & Prescott, 2015).. In
this given scenario the deontological theories are relevant as such theories will guide the
stakeholders in carrying out their duties.
Hedonism- Hedonism can be defined as an ethical school of thought which focuses on
maximization of pleasure by minimization of pain. The proponents of this theory argue that
happiness and pleasure are the primary aim of the purpose human life (Hoppe, 2017).. This
theory has been chosen as it can be applied to assess what will create the maximum happiness
and pleasure for the family in the given scenario
C. Providing Solutions by the application of ethical theory
In this given scenario the appropriate decision that can be taken by Doctor Justin is to support the
decision of his wife and move to Melbourne with her. Doctor Justin is a a renowned heart
surgeon and is known all over the world. Therefore it is possible for him to continue his practice
in Melbourne. However Sheryl has a one time opportunity to do her PHD from Melbourne. This
decision of Doctor Justin to move to Melbourne can be analyzed to create the maximum utility
for the most all the stakeholders involved in this case. Therefore this decision of Doctor Justin
can be considered to be ethically the most appropriate one judging by the principle of
Utilitarianism. Further this decision can be judged by the application of the ethical theory of

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Virtue ethics. If Doctor Justin moves to Melbourne with her wife and support her decision during
her pregnancy, he will exhibit good moral character and his decision can be considered to be
virtuous. This decision can also be supported by the application of the deontological ethics as it
is evident in the given scenario that Doctor Justin has a moral duty or obligation towards his wife
and such duty is more important than assessing the consequences of his actions in resolving his
ethical dilemma.
Answer 2
A. Ethical theories that are relevant to this scenario are:
 Utilitarianism
 Virtue Ethics
 Deontology
 Hedonism
B. Definition and justification of Ethical theories
Utilitarianism- Utilitarianism states that the only those actions are to be considered to be ethical
which the maximum utility for the most number of people (de Lazari-Radek & Singer, 2017). In
accordance with this theory it can be stated that Utility of the actions of individuals can be
described as the wellbeing of the sentient entities. (Barrow, 2015). This ethical theory can be
applied as a number of stakeholders are involved in this scenario, Therefore it is important to
focus on the utility and the well being of all the stakeholders. In this case the relevant
stakeholders are Desmond, his wife and the board of directors of the company of which
Desmond is a CEO.

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Virtue Ethics- The ethical theory of virtue ethics states that the actions of individuals must be
virtuous in nature. The theory of virtue ethics can be defined as one which emphasizes on the
moral character and the virtues of the individuals who are involved in the ethical decision
making process as opposed to their duties or consequences of their actions (Van Hooft, 2014).
Therefore it can be stated that this theory is relevant in this case scenario as it will highlight the
virtues and moral character of Desmond. The virtues and moral character of Desmond is in
question here as it will help him choose between his job and his family.
Deontological ethics
Deontology ethics can be defined as the approach which emphasizes on the obligations and
duties of individuals and assesses whether the actions of individuals are correct and good by
examining the motive of the individual behind performing the act. According to Emanuel Kant
one of the important proponents of deontological ethics, it can be said that an act can be
considered to be wrong or unethical even if such act produces good consequences (Bowen &
Prescott, 2015). Deontological ethics can be applied in this given scenario as it will assess the
duty and obligation of Desmond towards his family and the company.
Hedonism- Hedonism can be defined as an ethical school of thought which focuses on
maximization of pleasure by minimization of pain (Seligman & Royzman, 2003). Followers and
Believers of Hedonism argue that the aim and purpose of human life are pleasure and happiness.
This theory is also relevant in this scenario as it can be applied to assess what will create the
maximum happiness for Desmond in relation to the ethical dilemma faced by him
C. Solution of the ethical problem by the application of ethical theory

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In relation to the ethical dilemma being faced by Desmond, it can be stated that Desmond must
consider the well being and the utility of the majority of the stakeholders involved in this
scenario. The ethical theory of Utilitarianism states that individuals are required to assess what
will create the greatest benefit for the most number of stakeholders. Such utility is to calculated
as a net result of the pleasure that results from the actions of an individual minus the effort of
anyone while performing the action. Thus in this case it is evident that if Desmond gives up his
job it will create the greatest utility for Cindy, their children as well as Desmond. This act will
give the entire family an emotional satisfaction and ensure their wellbeing which is greater
compared to the personal interest of Desmond. Thus if the utility and wellbeing of Cindy and the
children of Desmond are to be considered, Desmond should move to the U.S with Cindy so that
he can support her during her illness. This decision can also be analyzed by the application of
Virtue ethics and deontology. It can be stated that supporting Cindy, the wife of Desmond is his
ethical and duty as it will demonstrate his good virtues and also his good moral character.
Further in accordance with the principles of deontology it can be stated that in this case Desmond
has a moral duty to his wife during her illness and such duty is greater importance than the any
other consequence of his actions.

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Reference List:
Bowen, S. A., & Prescott, P. (2015). Kant’s contribution to the ethics of communication. Ethical
Space: The International Journal of Communication Ethics, 12, 38-44.
de Lazari-Radek, K., & Singer, P. (2017). Utilitarianism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford
University Press.
Barrow, R. (2015). Utilitarianism: A contemporary statement. Routledge.
Van Hooft, S. (2014). Understanding virtue ethics. Routledge.
Carr, D. (2016). Virtue, character and emotion in people professions: towards a virtue ethics of
interpersonal professional conduct. In Towards Professional Wisdom (pp. 113-126). Routledge.
Seligman, M. E., & Royzman, E. (2003). Happiness: The three traditional theories. Authentic
Happiness Newsletter, (July).
Hoppe, G. (2017). Genetic Determinants of Human Nature and their Consistency with Human
Sumner, L. W. "Feldman’s hedonism." The Good, The Right, Life and Death. Routledge, 2017.
83-100.

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