Evaluation of organizational ethics in terms of businesses: The case of Virgin Atlantic Airways and British Airways

Abstract

The concept of ethics, which examines the values relating to good and evil and right and wrong, has always occurred and been discussed at any time of human life from past to present. Especially after the industrial revolution, which is deemed as the beginning of globalization and industrialization, ethics has started to be a benefit for businesses with the establishment of more professional businesses. In this sense, top-level businesses of today that act within the scope of organizational ethics adopt universal moral values. In this study, a case study is carried out within the framework of a different view, using the literature review method on the dirty tricks campaign of Virgin Atlantic Airways and British Airways in relation to the universal ethical values that support organizational ethics, processes in ethical decision making and the application of organizational ethics. As a result of the case study, it was concluded that it was true to bring organizational ethical principles and rules to the forefront and act ethically by Virgin Atlantic Airways. It is concluded that British Airways harms its organizational image and completely ignores organizational ethics by acting contrary to it and not applying organizational ethical values and principles. In this context, this study aimed to emphasize the ongoing importance of organizational ethics in every stage of business life cycle and to determine the ways of the benefits obtained in businesses in which organizational ethics are applied. This study also aimed to provide theoretical benefits to businesses on organizational ethics.