Examining Different Models Of Business Ethics

Examining Different Models of Business Ethics

Please note that these are in no specific order in terms of preference, but are merely research based observations.

1. Caveman ethics (the ethical practises of a caveman oriented business)

Caveman ethics might include the following: In this model, the caveman drags his wife, perhaps his only employee, around with her hair in order to have his immediate needs met. His mode of communication is based upon grunts and groans. Over time, perhaps he learns a higher level of communication by learning to speak words or by drawing pictures on the walls of the cave. He might even learn to associate with others in time. In terms of ethics, there is no kind of respect, cleanliness, work ethics, etc. other than what is required for his base survival.

2. Barbarian ethics (the ethical practises of a barbarian oriented business)

Barbarian ethics might include the following: The barbarian bases his business on a principle of anything goes, as long as it is negative and destructive rather than positive and constructive. He really does not follow any rules of any kind other than to forcibly take anything that he wishes to take from whoever, whenever. There is no sense of right or wrong much less any kind of moral or ethical values determining what happens in his business. Barbarians and barbarian behaviour will always be a threat to people and to other businesses.

3. Bar room ethics (the ethical practises of a bar room oriented business)

Bar room ethics might include the following: Front and center in this business model, is the assumed right of the bartender to control the behaviour of his patrons and their mood in the bar room. He gives alcohol freely, for a price, of course, often in excess, as he profits from the realilty that his patrons will give anything for their 'fix', which is in this case, alcohol. Wild and inebriated behaviour often results in the bartender using his bouncer to toss out the offender, after he has taken all the money or whatever that he can possibly take from his patron. Since there is addiction, loss of memory and lack of morals, generally associated with alcohol, it does not really concern him. His primary concern is accumulation of wealth.

4. Bordello-brothel ethics (the ethical practises of a bordello-brothel oriented business)

Bordello-brothel business ethics might include the following: This is a sex oriented business where a dominant male working with a sub-dominant female, uses sex and human sexual needs and demands, as his way to make a profit. There are no limitations or restrictions, other than what society or the dominant male imposes. Thus he often uses his supposed authority to abuse both those who work under him and those who are his patrons in order to achieve his goal. Often there is a certain degree of acquired elegance that is used as a bait to entice the patrons. The employees are sometimes offered a certain degree of protection but that can be evoked at any time by the dominant male. He preys upon the weak and their inability to control their sexual desires or tendencies.

5. War ethics (the ethical practises of war oriented business)

War oriented business ethics might include the following: When war is the focus of business ethics, the primary purpose of the business is to promote war. There is no profit perceived in peace, but only in continuing warfare, as the warrior can advance his profit considerably by pilfering the land and those he conquers. He can virtually take whatever he wants or demands. There are really no rules in terms of who has to suffer and who does not, as long as he does not suffer. Any kind of violence may be employed. It becomes a matter of the survival of the strongest contender.

6. Early civilizational ethics (the ethical practises of early civilization oriented business)

Early civilizational business ethics might include the following: Early efforts at civilizational business ethics appear to attempt to bring some sort of an order to the chaos of early society. This is manifest in almost every kind of civilization in history. Some efforts have succeeded and some have not managed to do so. Battling both the elements and the other less ethical business practises of the era were not easy. While civilization of people always appears as an ideal, it is still not easily put into practise that easily and what happens does affect businesses.

7. Male oriented ethics (the ethical practises of a male oriented business)

Male oriented business ethics might include the following: Businesses that are distinctly male oriented businesses have taken a primary role throughout the course of history. Men are always dominant in this kind of a business and the stronger the man, the more powerful he becomes in terms of business. There is no room for the female or the weak man; they are forced to be subservient to the strong man, so to speak. Many male oriented businesses are successful, simply because strong men band together and base their ethical decisions on male oriented values, good or otherwise, at least until a stronger strong man takes over.

8. Female oriented ethics (the ethical practises of a female oriented business)

Female oriented business ethics might include the following: Historically female oriented businesses are not without ethical issues of major concern. Over the years, dominant women in their own businesses, have become almost as powerful, if not more powerful than dominant men, at least some times. The female dominant business promotes the female, but not necessarily the weaker female. She may or may not be allowed to be part of the female oriented business. Nor does this kind of a business promote the strong man, or any man at all, as a man may be perceived a threat. The dominant woman can be just as ruthless in business as a dominant man, but with more feminine characteristics generally, she tends to become more protective of the female and gentler in business.

9. Heterosexual oriented ethics (the ethical practises of a heterosexual oriented business)

Heterosexual oriented business ethics might include the following: This kind of an orientation leads to more of an equality of the male and female, both in terms of being business leaders and being employees. Other issues, including training and skills tend to become more important than the gender issue. Equal opportunity also becomes an area of concern with both genders simultaneously trying to succeed. There can be a continual struggle for the top of the ladder, so to speak, which can create a constant challenge and thus a degree of friction develops in the business also. Friction might cause weariness but it can also cause growth. A growth in businesses with this orientation has become an ongoing trend over the past 40 years.

10. Homosexual oriented ethics (the ethical practises of a homosexually oriented business)

Homosexual oriented business ethics might include the following: These kinds of businesses appear to be on the increase as well in our era, simply because there is more and more openness and acceptance of gender related problems and issues, as well as a growing number of opportunities for homosexuals all the time. Gender confusion can reign supreme, with excess pressure put on anyone who is not homosexual in his or her orientation. The focus has to be shifted from gender to success in order for this kind of business to succeed to any degree. Homosexuality tends to a cause for abuse in our era because of homophobia, ie. the fear of homosexuals and homosexual practises.