Introducing Business Ethics

Abstract

This chapter presents a basic introduction to the concept of business ethics and its importance both at an academic level and in terms of practical management in different types of organizations. It starts by describing the relationship between business ethics and the law, then distinguishes between ethics, morality, and ethical theory. The chapter then introduces two of the main themes of the book: globalization and sustainability. It argues that business ethics has been recontextualized by the forces of globalization, necessitating a distinctly global view of ethical problems and practices in business. Ultimately, the chapter explains how the ‘triple bottom line’ of sustainability is a key goal for business ethics. It also elaborates on different international perspectives on business ethics, including European, Asian, and North American perspectives.