CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Ethics refers to the principles of and standard of moral behavior that are accepted by society as right versus wrong. To make the right choice, or at least the best choice from among competing alternatives, individuals must think through the consequences of their actions. Ethics can be defined as a set of Principles of right conduct.it can also be defined as a theory or a system of moral values. Business ethics is the application of moral standards to business situations. Many firms have a set of policies on business conduct and legal compliance. The policies embrace ethics, internal controls, conflict of interest and a host of other areas, all of which are designed to promote good and ethical business practice. Employees are aquainted with these policies and are made to sign Undertakings to them maintain.
As a matter of policy, the company is ready to concede business opportunity in favour of its code of ethics Business ethics has been a growth area in the business world in recent times. Before the advent of business ethics, business transactions have largely been conducted on the principle of caveat emptor, meaning buyer beware.Much has changed in recent times. The law is the most important source of ensuring that consumers receive a fair deal from retailers and manufacturers. Some of these laws in Nigeria include the PRICE CONTROL Act of 1970 as amended by the price control Act 1977; Nigeria Standard Organisation of Nigeria ACT OF 1971; National Agency for Food and Drugs Adminstration and control Act of 1974; Weight and measures ACT OF 1974 ETC. These and other laws are essentially an imposition of moral consideration on Business.
Ethic theory refers to the various kinds of approaches to moral evaluation That constitute some of the most important types of ethical standard studied By moral philosophers. Each approach to moral evaluation employs distinct Moral concepts and each emphasizes aspects of moral behavior that are neglected or atleast not emphasized by others.The purpose of this unit is to explain the kinds of concepts and information that each employs, identify their strengths and weaknesses and explain how these approaches can be used to clarify the moral issues that confront people in business Four views of ethical behaviours can be distinguished; they are Utilitarian view;it is based on the motion that ethics should deliver the greatest number of people Individualism view; This view seeks to advance the long term self interest of individuals. Moral right view;This emphasizes respect for and protection of the fundamental right of people Justices view; Ethical Behaviour or decision should treat people impartially And fairly accordingly to guiding rules and standards.The research therefore Seek to evaluate ethics theory with a case study of uniliver Plc.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The issue of ethical standard is pivotal in every spheres of business and endeavours especially in this dispensation that the government is fighting A war against corruption. Ethical standards shall enhance fair dealings in business transaction, promote product quality,enhance safety ,customer loyalty and patronage etc. However the level of moral decline in business transaction and activities of organisations is a clear indication that ethical standards as fallen apart. Therefore the problem confronting this research is to provide an evaluation Of ethics theory with a case study of uniliver Plc.
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTION
1 What is the nature of ethics theory
2 What are the views about ethics theory
3 What is the implication of ethics theory in uniliver Plc
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH
1 To determine the nature of ethics theory
2 To determine the views about ethics theory
3 To determine the implication of ethics theory in uniliver PLC.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study shall provide an evaluation of ethics theory It shall seek to provide the implication of ethics theory in uniliver Plc. The study shall also serve as a source of information on issues concerning ethics
1.6 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS
1 Ho Ethical standard in uniliver PLC is low
Hi Ethical standard in uniliver PLC is high
2 Ho Business performance in uniliver PLC is low
Hi Business performance in uniliver Plc is high
3 Ho Impact of ethical standards on business performance in uniliver Plc is low
Hi Impact of ethical standards on business performance in uniliver Plc is high
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study focuses on the evaluation of ethics theory and the law with a case study of uniliver PLC.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
ETHICS THEORY DEFINED Ethic theory refers to the various kinds of approaches to moral evaluation That constitute some of the most important types of ethical standard studied By moral philosophers. Each approach to moral evaluation employs distinct Moral concepts and each emphasizes aspects of moral behavior that are neglected or at least not emphasized by others.
BUSINESS ETHICS DEFINED Ethics refers to the principles of and standard of moral behavior that are accepted by society as right versus wrong. To make the right choice, or at least the best choice from among competing alternatives, individuals must think through the consequences of their actions. Ethics can be defined as a set of Principles of right conduct.it can also be defined as a theory or a system of moral values.Business ethics is the the application of moral standards to business situations
MORALITY Morality is defined as the standard s that an individual or group has about what is right and wrong or good and evil.
BUSINESS Business is an any activities that involves the production ,buying ,selling and exchange of goods and services of a commercial and economic nature to satisfy customer needs and make profit.
CODE OF CONDUCT A code of conduct is a written statement setting forth the principles that guide an organisations decision Stake holder A stake holder is any group or individual who can affect it or is affected by it.
LEGITIMACY LEGITIMACY is defined as a generalized perception or assumption that the actions of an entity are desirable, proper or appropriate within some socially constructed system of norms, values, beliefs and definitions
REFERENCES
MANUEL G (2006) BUSINESS ETHICS GUIDELINES AND RESOURCES; MAY INTERNATIONAL COMPANY GEORGE S (2006) Business Ethics guidelines and resources.
JEFFREY .L (2008) The right thing, conscience, profit and personal responsibility in todays BUSINESS spiro Press. KUPOLUYI,ADEOLA A (1970);QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND CASES ON BUSINESS ETHICS AND GOVERNANCE
