Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of Business Ethics, Lawmaking, Carroll's CSR Pyramid, Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies, and Case Examples from lecture notes.

Ethics

The study of morals and moral choices of human beings.

Business Ethics

The study of right and wrong human behavior and moral principles that define the conduct of businesspersons and their agents.

Morality

Principles and norms derived from personal, social, cultural, or religious views concerning how a person should and should not behave.

Law

Rules resulting from legal systems voted or decreed by government officials, supported by the enforcement power of the state.

Ethics and Law Continuum

A visual framework showing how public opinion on business ethics flows into legislative consideration or business discretion, resulting in laws, disregarded proposals, or discarded ideas.

Deontology

The ethical philosophy asserting that individuals must meet their obligations and duties when analyzing an ethical dilemma because upholding duty is ethically correct.

Legal Rights

Entitlements including freedom of religion, speech, assembly, protection from improper searches/arrests, access to counsel, right to privacy, and equal treatment without regard to race, color, creed, gender, or ability.

Ethical Advocate

An individual knowledgeable about business ethics who is employed by a company to act as the organization's conscience.

Ethical Codes

Formal documents (codes of ethics) that specify forbidden unethical practices such as kickbacks, payoffs, gift acceptance, and falsification of records.

Whistleblowing

The act of an employee reporting perceived organizational unethical practices to external entities such as the press, government agencies, or public interest groups.

Social Responsibility

The concern of a business for the welfare of society, ensuring operations improve the quality of life without harming the community or its stakeholders.

Social Obligation

The extent of social responsibility limited to complying strictly with legal and ethical standards to uphold social welfare.

Social Responsiveness

Going beyond prescribed standards to implement proactive actions that address pressing social needs and adapt to changing social conditions.

Triple Bottom Line

A concept formulated by Elkington (1997) requiring companies to harmonize efforts to be economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible (People, Planet, Profit).

Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility

A four-level framework developed by Archie Carroll (1991) illustrating economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic responsibilities of business.

Economic Responsibility (CSR)

The foundational layer of Carroll's CSR pyramid requiring businesses to be profitable and produce reasonably priced goods to support all other responsibilities.

Legal Responsibility (CSR)

The layer of Carroll's CSR pyramid requiring organizations to comply with all local and international laws governing operations.

Ethical Responsibility (CSR)

The obligation to establish norms, standards, and practices reflecting fairness and justice beyond legal minimums.

Philanthropic Responsibility (CSR)

Discretionary responsibilities at the apex of Carroll's CSR pyramid, involving voluntary charitable contributions, corporate programs, and community support.

Reaction Strategy

A CSR strategy where a company ignores potential problems until discovered by the public, then denies responsibility before taking minimal corrective actions.

Defense Strategy

A CSR strategy where a firm uses legal maneuvering or supportive interest groups to minimize or avoid additional obligations.

Accommodation Strategy

A CSR strategy where a business accepts economic, legal, and ethical responsibilities due to pressure from interest groups or impending legislation.

Proactive Strategy

A CSR strategy where a company voluntarily exceeds legal and ethical requirements through active community, environmental, and cultural support.

Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993

A law regulating quality-of-life issues by providing balance between work and family responsibilities for employees.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1968

Federal legislation protecting workers aged 40 or older from age-based employment discrimination.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The government agency responsible for monitoring and enforcing workplace safety standards.

Parisara Premi Award

An environment preservation award granted by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board to Cadbury's Bangalore factory for two consecutive years.

Gurikha Project

A Cadbury India community initiative offering healthcare, nursery education, fresh drinking water, vet services, and fruit trees in Gurikha village.

Sarvam Program

A Cadbury CSR initiative in Pondicherry dedicated to the redevelopment of two tsunami-affected coastal villages across education, health, and farming.

Vatsalya Foundation

An NGO partner of Cadbury India that supports underprivileged street children in Mumbai with living, studying, and skill-building environments.