Introduction to Business law and Ethics (ETHICS)

The greek word the english term ethics comes from

Ethos

What are ethics?

Philosophies dealing with values relating to human conduct in respect to what is right or wrong within certain actions as well as the good and bad and the motives of such actions

Utilitarian ethics

The morally right action produces the greatest good for the largest number of people

Deontological Ethics

The morality of an action is determined by its motives or in accordance with some rule. Essentially if you have your heart in the right place, the outcome shall be good.

Virtue Ethics

Moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character

Moral

Refers to the customs, values and standards of practice of a group, age or theory that is intended to be timeless.

Absolutism

Moral truths that are indefinite, regardless of the situation

Particularism

Moral truths are determined by situations.

In plural, ethos means

Custom

Virtue

Ingrained dispositions to act by standards of excellence

What does Lawrence Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development hold?

Moral reasoning is the basis of ethical behavior

What did Kohlberg about the process of moral development?

Moral development is primarily concerned with justice

What are the six identifiable developmental stages of moral reasoning?

Avoiding punishment, self interest, good boy attitude, law and order morality, social contract, principle

What are the critiques of Kohlberg's theory?

Too much emphasis on justice and not enough on other moral values

What is the first level (first two stages) of Kohlberg's developmental theory?

Preconventional

What is the second level (middle stages) of Kohlberg's developmental theory?

Conventional

What is the third level (last two stages) of Kohlberg's developmental theory?

Post conventional

What stage of the Kohlberg theory do children tend to think in?

Preconventional/stage 1

What is the obedience and punishment orientation stage of Kohlberg's theory driven by?

Consequence. They wonder what they can do to avoid punishment. Adults may ask the risk of a situation.

What is the self interest orientation stage of Kohlberg's theory driven by?

What's in it for someone. Whatever someone believes to suit them best. Limited interest in the needs of others. Concerned entirely with theirself. You scratch my back, I scratch yours.

What is the good boy attitude based around in Kohlberg's theory?

The self enters society and fills social roles, looks towards relationships and fulfilling the golden rule. Their actions are influenced by the expectations of their peers. They see inherent value in doing this.

What is the law and order morality stage driven by in Kohlberg's theory?

Authority and social order, most members of a society remain at this level. Morality is dictated by an outside force. Finds importance in maintaining a functional society. Absolutist.

What is the social contract stage of morality in Kohlberg's theory?

The idea that laws are social contracts rather than a rigid rule- perspectives should be mutually respected. Believes in the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Governments are typically formed on this notion. Utilitarian.

What is the principle stage of morality in Kohlberg's theory?

Moral reasoning is based on abstract reasoning and that laws are only valid when they are grounded in justice. Belief that laws are able to be disobeyed for justice. "What would you do in their shoes?" Emphasis on empathy. Acts on what is right.

What is a code of ethics?

A declaration or public statement of professional standards of right and wrong conduct.

How are motives defined?

Something, reason or desire, that causes a person to act

Integrity

Fidelity to moral principles

What is the golden rule?

A rule of ethical conduct that is often phrased "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". This is the basis of the funeral service profession.

Aftercare

Those appropriate and helpful acts of counseling, personal and/or written contact that come after the funeral

Business ethics

Values related to human conduct as applied to business

Confidentiality

To hold certain information in trust and not disclose without proper authorization or authority.

Consequentialism

The morality of an action determined solely by its outcome or consequences

Culture

The rules, ideas and beliefs shared by members of society of and for living and dying which are learned directly or indirectly

Discrimination

The act of making a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit

Ethics (moral)

Conforming to accepted standards of conduct

Ethnicity

The cultural heritage or identity of a group based on factors such as language or country of origin

Funeral service ethics

Values related to human conduct as applied to the care of the deceased, family, funeral home operations and society

Harassment

To annoy continually or chronically

Honesty

Having a sense of honor; upright and fair dealing

Informed consent

A formal agreement provided after receiving complete and accurate information, including alternative choices and consequences, in an understandable form.

Law

Rules that govern society

Lifestyle

A particular way of living; the way a person or group of people live

Philosophy

The set of values, ideas and opinions of an individual or group

Preneed

Matters pertaining to preplanning and/or prefunding funeral services

Prudent investment

An approach followed for managing an investment portfolio in a legally acceptable manner

Religion

A culturally entrenched pattern of behavior made up of sacred beliefs, emotional feelings accompanying the beliefs and overt conduct presumably implementing the beliefs and feelings

Situational ethics

Moral principles that vary with circumstances

Social media

Forms of electronic communication through which users create online communications to share information, ideas, personal messages and other content

Socioeconomics

of, relating to, or involving a combination of social and economic factors

Values

Beliefs that are held in high esteem

How can professional solidarity in colleague relationships benefit everyone?

Promotes understanding and cooperation, develop professional image, gets you involved in professional associations and helps share information or ideas

What are some ethical obligations to professional associations?

Involvement, monetary support and professional solidarity

Religion is a culturally entrenched pattern of behavior made up of:

Sacred beliefs, emotional feelings accompanying the beliefs and overt conduct, presumably implementing the beliefs and feelings.

What are normative ethics?

Society determines what ought to be the case and how we should live. Based off of cultural norms.

What determines individual ethics?

Family relationships, welfare of the profession, honesty and integrity and service to the community

How might financial issues bring up an ethical concern in funeral directing?

Families may not be able to afford everything in a funeral and options for cheaper things need to be offered

How might custody of property bring up ethical concerns in funeral directing?

A funeral director needs to understand where the property of the family and deceased is (ex: wedding ring)

What are some ethical requirements in regards to a decedent?

Confidentiality (do not disclose the manners and circumstances of death), cleanliness and privacy in preparation, thoroughness of preparation of the deceased.

What are some ethical ways to operate in funeral service in regards to employer/employee relations?

Non-discriminatory hiring practices, proper personal conduct, training employees for duties (hire for attitude, train to task), continue education/advance training

True or false: A funeral director is responsible for unliscences and unethical activity in their funeral home

True, the funeral director is responsible

True or false: much of what makes the news concerning funeral service is negative and unethical conduct

True, the media creates an unfortunate perception of reality.

What is the primary goal of funeral service?

Promoting the family’s best interests

What is the secondary goal of funeral service?

Promoting the economic needs of business

What is public perception in funeral care based on?

Greetings at the door, lobby or parking lot, nonverbal messages like handshaking, stance, eye contact, touching/hugging, not smoking or chewing gum, remembering names, visual image (clean appearance)

What should you refrain from talking about outside of a funeral home?

Refrain from shop talk, do not discuss bosses, colleagues or family information