Professionalism and Ethics – Grade 10 Business Studies (Chapter 6)

20 Question-and-Answer flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 6: Professionalism and Ethics, including BCEA, work-life balance, ethics, professional image, SMART goals, self-knowledge, self-confidence and adaptability.

What does BCEA stand for and what is its main purpose?

BCEA stands for the Basic Conditions of Employment Act; it sets minimum working conditions (hours, leave, etc.) to protect, especially vulnerable, employees from exploitation.

Which three types of leave are prescribed by the BCEA?

Annual leave, sick leave and family-responsibility leave.

Give two practical ways businesses help employees achieve a balanced work-life.

Examples include allowing flexible working hours or remote work and offering support during personal crises (e.g., burst geyser, sick child, drug-related family issue).

In business terms, how is ethics broadly defined?

Ethics is the distinction between right and wrong behaviour, including adherence to relevant laws.

Why should a manager align decisions with the business’s vision, mission and values?

To ensure decisions are perceived as ethical and have a positive impact on all stakeholders.

Which Act must marketing managers consider when deciding how and where to advertise?

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

List four principles managers should keep in mind to ensure ethical decisions.

Be guided by pre-existing rules, allow input from others, act fairly/consistently, and choose options that benefit the majority without self-interest.

Define a professional image in the workplace.

The overall impression created by how one completes work, interacts with people, makes decisions, maintains policies, dresses and manages a social-media footprint.

How does a strong professional image benefit a manager?

It increases respect and credibility among stakeholders.

Name three resources managers can use to improve their professional image.

Websites, books, courses (or life coaches / image consultants).

What does the SMART acronym stand for in goal-setting?

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based.

Why are personal goals important for professional development?

They direct learning and daily actions and act as motivational tools to maintain high performance.

Define self-knowledge.

Understanding oneself and the personal motivations that drive behaviour.

Define self-confidence.

The level of trust one places in one’s own ability to perform a task, accepting oneself ‘warts and all.’

Define adaptability.

A person’s ability to remain flexible in different situations or tasks and accept change.

How does self-knowledge influence self-confidence?

Knowing one’s strengths and motivations builds a stronger, more realistic self-confidence.

Why is adaptability viewed as important in self-management?

Adaptable people accept change, take calculated risks and therefore increase their chances of success.

Give two elements that form part of a professional image.

(Any two) The manner in which work is completed; ways of interaction with people; conduct; decision-making; honesty in policies; dress; social-media footprint.

Name two collective goods typically provided by government.

Public hospitals and schools (also infrastructure).

What is the relevance of the CPA to marketing decisions?

It sets legal requirements marketers must follow when advertising products or services to protect consumers.