Business Ethics: A Contemporary Introduction

This book provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of ethical issues in business, covering topics such as the market, work, and the firm in society. It begins with foundational discussions and uses real-world examples to illustrate key concepts. It also includes a critical evaluation of capitalism and socialism and encourages students to develop their own views.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book provides a thorough and engaging exploration of ethical issues in business, featuring numerous examples to illustrate its points. It begins by discussing foundational concepts such as the objectivity of ethics, the content of ethical theories, and the contrasting perspectives of capitalism and socialism. This makes it an ideal resource for students embarking on their ethical studies. The book then delves into three broad areas: the market, work, and the firm in society.

In the first section, the focus is on the market, where topics such as what can be sold (the boundaries of markets) and how it can be sold (ethics in marketing) are examined. Real-world examples are used to highlight the significance of these issues and bring them to life. The book also provides a critical evaluation of capitalism and socialism, examining private property, the market system, and the welfare state. It encourages students to consider the limitations of markets and to question what should and should not be for sale.

The second section explores work-related ethical issues, including health and safety, meaningful work, compensation, hiring and firing, privacy, and whistleblowing. Again, real-world examples are used to illustrate these topics and their importance. The book also provides a comprehensive examination of corporate social responsibility, corporate political activity, and the ethical challenges associated with international business. Students are encouraged to develop and defend their own views on these topics, with arguments for opposing positions given fair consideration.

In addition to its comprehensive coverage of ethical issues, the book features several key features that enhance its usefulness. Each topic is introduced with a real-world example, which is referenced regularly throughout the subsequent argument. This helps to reinforce the relevance of the material and makes it easier for students to connect with the issues. A critical evaluation of capitalism and socialism is also provided, with a focus on private property, the market system, and the welfare state. This provides students with a balanced perspective on the different economic systems and encourages them to consider the ethical implications of each.

Furthermore, the book explores the limits of markets and encourages students to question what should and should not be for sale. It examines the phenomena of corporate political activity and ethical consumerism, providing insights into the role of businesses in society and the ethical choices that consumers can make. Initial chapter overviews and study questions are included at the beginning of each chapter, while suggested additional readings are provided at the end of each chapter to further enhance the learning experience.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of ethical issues in business, featuring numerous examples, a critical evaluation of capitalism and socialism, and a focus on real-world applications. It is an ideal resource for students embarking on their ethical studies and provides a solid foundation for understanding the complex and multifaceted nature of business ethics.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 152 x 226 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138498129