Business Ethics
The moral principles that guide the way a business behaves. Molly Bloom discusses her slide away from her ethical standards, culminating in her decision to rake the game, which she cites as a major mistake.
First Mentioned
11/27/2025, 7:28:12 AM
Last Updated
11/27/2025, 8:07:14 AM
Research Retrieved
11/27/2025, 8:07:13 AM
Summary
Business ethics, also known as corporate ethics, is a branch of applied ethics that examines the moral principles and ethical dilemmas encountered in a business context. It applies to all facets of business conduct, guiding the actions of both individuals and entire organizations, with its principles originating from individuals, corporate statements, or legal frameworks. The field gained significant traction in the 1980s and 1990s, operating on contemporary organizational standards, principles, values, and norms that dictate behavior within a business. Business ethics can be approached from a normative perspective, focusing on what standards should be, or a descriptive perspective, aiming to understand actual business behavior. The complexity arises from the intersection of profit-driven motives with non-economic considerations. Historically, Adam Smith noted the tendency for those in the same trade to conspire for mutual benefit, highlighting the need for ethical guidelines. While governments use laws and regulations to steer business conduct, ethics implicitly governs areas beyond governmental reach, promoting trust, integrity, and sustainability. Managers are responsible for maintaining an ethical standing, which is recognized as one of the most challenging issues facing organizations today. The importance of principles like trust and integrity is exemplified in real-world scenarios, such as Molly Bloom's reflections on her high-stakes poker enterprise.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Type
Applied ethics, Professional ethics
Scope
All aspects of business conduct, individuals, entire organizations
Purpose
Guide behavior, Build trust, Enhance reputation, Foster customer loyalty, Employee engagement, Long-term success, Sustainability, Avoid legal and financial risks
Dimensions
Normative business ethics, Descriptive business ethics
Also Known As
Corporate ethics
Core Challenge
Managing ethical behavior is one of the most pervasive and complex problems facing business organizations today
Origin of Principles
Individuals, Organizational statements, Legal system
Key Principles/Values
Honesty, Fairness, Responsibility, Respect for the rights of others, Integrity, Transparency, Social responsibility
Relationship with Law
Goes beyond mere compliance with laws and regulations, implicitly regulates areas beyond governmental control
Associated Academic Center
Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics
Location of Academic Center
West Palm Avenue, Orange, Orange County, California, United States of America
Timeline
- Adam Smith observed the tendency for people of the same trade to conspire against the public or to raise prices, highlighting early ethical concerns in business. (Source: wikipedia)
1776-XX-XX
- Interest in business ethics began to accelerate dramatically within major corporations and academia. (Source: wikipedia)
1980-XX-XX
- An article in the Journal of Business Ethics stated that 'Managing ethical behavior is one of the most pervasive and complex problems facing business organizations today.' (Source: wikipedia)
1990-XX-XX
- Interest in business ethics continued to accelerate dramatically within major corporations and academia. (Source: wikipedia)
1990-XX-XX
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaBusiness ethics
Business ethics (also known as corporate ethics) is a form of applied ethics or professional ethics, that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business environment. It applies to all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of individuals and entire organizations. These ethics originate from individuals, organizational statements or the legal system. These norms, values, ethical, and unethical practices are the principles that guide a business. Business ethics refers to contemporary organizational standards, principles, sets of values and norms that govern the actions and behavior of an individual in the business organization. Business ethics have two dimensions, normative business ethics or descriptive business ethics. As a corporate practice and a career specialization, the field is primarily normative. Academics attempting to understand business behavior employ descriptive methods. The range and quantity of business ethical issues reflect the interaction of profit-maximizing behavior with non-economic concerns. Interest in business ethics accelerated dramatically during the 1980s and 1990s, both within major corporations and within academia. For example, most major corporations today promote their commitment to non-economic values under headings such as ethics codes and social responsibility charters. Adam Smith said in 1776, "People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices." Governments use laws and regulations to point business behavior in what they perceive to be beneficial directions. Ethics implicitly regulates areas and details of behavior that lie beyond governmental control. The emergence of large corporations with limited relationships and sensitivity to the communities in which they operate accelerated the development of formal ethics regimes. Maintaining an ethical status is the responsibility of the manager of the business. According to a 1990 article in the Journal of Business Ethics, "Managing ethical behavior is one of the most pervasive and complex problems facing business organizations today."
Web Search Results
- Why Business Ethics Are Important for Your Organization
Business ethics are moral standards that govern how your organization and the people in it conduct business and interact with others inside and outside of the company. Establishing clear ethical standards shapes your organization's culture, transmits your values, and gives employees guidance on how to behave to avoid impropriety.1 Being transparent about your business ethics builds trust with your customers, partners, and stakeholders and protects your reputation.
- Business Ethics Examples and Explanation for Prospective Leaders
Business ethics are the moral principles and standards that guide behavior in the business world. They encompass the values, responsibilities, and choices that shape how individuals and organizations conduct themselves in commercial activities. [...] Business ethics are about doing what is right, fair, and just in business operations and decision-making. They go beyond mere compliance with laws and regulations, focusing on moral judgments and behaviors that may not be legally mandated but are considered ethically appropriate. [...] Business ethics apply to various aspects of business, including corporate governance, employee relations, customer interactions, environmental practices, and social responsibility. They aim to balance the pursuit of profit with ethical considerations, recognizing that long-term success often depends on maintaining trust, integrity, and a positive reputation.
- The Importance of Business Ethics: Building Trust and Sustainability
Business ethics refer to the principles and values that guide the behaviour of individuals and organizations in the business world. These principles include honesty, fairness, responsibility, and respect for the rights of others. Ethics play a critical role in the success and sustainability of any business. Business ethics are essential in building trust with stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and the community. When a business operates with integrity and transparency, it [...] Business ethics is an essential aspect of modern business management, as it promotes good corporate governance, builds trust, and supports sustainability. This paper explores the importance of business ethics in building trust and sustainability in organizations. It discusses the various benefits of having a strong ethical culture, including improved reputation, customer loyalty, employee engagement, and increased profits. Additionally, the paper highlights the role of corporate social [...] Business ethics are also critical for long-term sustainability and success. A business that prioritizes ethical behaviour is more likely to attract and retain customers, employees, and investors who share those values. In addition, ethical practices can help a company avoid legal and financial risks, such as lawsuits or fines for non-compliance with regulations. By adhering to ethical standards, a company can build a solid foundation for long-term success. Business ethics also include social
- Business Ethics: Key Principles and Their Importance in Today's ...
Business ethics are foundational principles that guide the behavior and decision-making of companies and individuals, promoting trust and fairness in business operations. Ethical business practices not only comply with legal standards but also enhance a company's reputation, fostering customer trust, brand growth, and long-term success. [...] Business ethics involves the moral principles guiding companies and individuals in the business world. These principles go beyond legal obligations, establishing a code of conduct that promotes trust and integrity at every level of a business. By understanding and implementing effective business ethics, companies can enhance their reputation, foster customer loyalty, and achieve long-term success. ### Key Takeaways [...] Business ethics play a crucial role in shaping the conduct of employees, fostering trust between companies and their customers, and ensuring accountability towards society and the environment. By embedding a comprehensive code of ethics, companies can navigate legal and moral complexities, bolstering brand reputation and financial performance. Ethical business practices not only establish trust and loyalty among stakeholders but also pave the way for long-term profitability and sustainable
- The Importance of Ethics in Business
## What Are Business Ethics? Business ethics refer to the moral principles and values that govern the actions, decisions, and conduct of an organization and its stakeholders. These principles can include honesty, integrity, transparency, and social responsibility, among others. The scope of business ethics goes beyond just legality; it’s about doing the ‘right’ thing, even when laws allow for more lenient conduct. ## Why Are Ethics Important in Business? ### Trust and Reputation [...] ## Conclusion Ethics are integral to the long-term success and sustainability of any business. They build trust, foster employee satisfaction, and can even offer a competitive advantage. As business environments become more complex, the importance of ethics only magnifies. Therefore, fostering an ethical culture is not just the ‘right’ thing to do; it’s smart business. [...] In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies are often primarily focused on profitability and growth. While these objectives are essential, it is increasingly important for organizations to pay attention to ethics. Ethics shape the decision-making processes in various aspects of business, from management to operations and customer relations. In this blog post, we will delve into why ethics is not just a buzzword but a critical factor for sustained success in business.
Location Data
Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, West Palm Avenue, Orange, Orange County, California, 89286, United States of America
Coordinates: 33.7923026, -117.8578011
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