Question 1

Ethical dilemmas in business
A) force us to make poor choices.
B) always end up bringing out the best in us.
C) often force us to choose between equally unsatisfactory alternatives.
D) define us as being moral absolutists or moral situationalists.

Accepted Answer

Ethical dilemmas in business often present us with situations where we have to choose between two equally unsatisfactory alternatives. For example, if a company is facing financial troubles, they may have to choose between laying off employees or compromising on the quality of their products. In such situations, there is no clear right or wrong answer, and the decision ultimately comes down to choosing the lesser of two evils. Therefore, it is important to approach ethical dilemmas in a thoughtful and systematic manner, weighing the potential consequences of each choice and trying to minimize harm as much as possible.

Question 2

GloboTech recently used intentional accounting irregularities to make the company look more profitable than it actually was. GloboTech ________.
A) provided its stockholders profit through a tax loophole.
B) acted in an acceptable business manner.
C) engaged in illegal behavior.
D) executed its responsibility to its owners.

Accepted Answer

Intentional accounting irregularities are considered fraudulent behavior and are illegal. GloboTech engaged in unethical and potentially criminal activity.

Question 3

The first step when facing an ethical dilemma is to ask
A) "Is it legal?"
B) "Is it balanced?"
C) "How will it make me feel about myself?"
D) "Is it ethical?"

Accepted Answer

The answer of The first step when facing an ethical...

Question 4

Ethical behavior will result in which of the following?
A) Mistrust between employees and managers.
B) Agreements that create benefits for only the shareholders.
C) Negative publicity from the news media.
D) Improved self-esteem making us feel good about our decision.

Accepted Answer

Ethical behavior boosts one's self-esteem and makes individuals feel good about their decision. It also contributes to building trust between employees and managers, creates agreements that benefit all stakeholders, and helps to maintain a positive image in the media.

Question 5

When police set up sobriety checkpoints, they aim to lessen drunk driving and save lives. While not required, the makers of apps that help users navigate around the checkpoints have complied with the public request of several legislators and have obediently stopped operating. After studying about ethics and social responsibility, which of the following statements applies to this situation?
A) Laws represent the minimum guidelines that companies must follow, whereas a company's ethical stance may venture beyond the minimum level of compliance.
B) App developers that keep operating are showing corporate social responsibility because they demonstrate concern for their investors, which is exactly where their focus should be.
C) App developers no longer operating are acting philanthropically toward government.
D) App developers that keep operating are showing their distrust for big government, and their avoidance of contributing toward philanthropic causes.

Accepted Answer

Option A correctly states that laws provide a minimum standard of behavior, while ethical behavior exceeds the minimum level of compliance. In this scenario, the app developers have gone beyond what is legally required of them by stopping their operation at the request of legislators. This demonstrates their ethical stance and social responsibility towards society. Option B and D are incorrect because they advocate for ignoring ethical considerations and having a negative attitude towards government and philanthropy, respectively. Option C is incorrect because it suggests that the app developers are acting philanthropically when, in fact, they are complying with the law.

Question 6

Tobacco companies initially refused to voluntarily place health warnings on their packages. In response, the federal government passed laws requiring health warnings on all cigarette packages. With respect to ethical behavior, this sequence of events is
A) the intended approach.
B) the desired approach.
C) not the desired approach.
D) not really a concern.

Accepted Answer

The fact that tobacco companies initially refused to place health warnings on their packages suggests that they were not concerned with promoting ethical behavior. The government intervention and passing of laws requiring health warnings indicate that this was not the desired approach for promoting ethical behavior, but rather a necessary action taken to protect public health.

Question 7

Which of the following questions can help us avoid a decision that would injure our self-esteem?
A) Is it legal?
B) Is it balanced?
C) How will it make me feel about myself?
D) How can I avoid taking the blame?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following questions can help...

Question 8

Considering the potential impact on others prior to making a decision is consistent with ________ behavior.
A) legal
B) anti-social
C) ethical
D) self-motivated

Accepted Answer

Considering the potential impact on others prior to making a decision is consistent with ethical behavior. Being ethical involves making decisions that are morally right and fair, and taking into consideration how our actions may affect others, even if they do not directly affect us.

Question 9

Business relationships often present ethical dilemmas that are
A) not easily resolved.
B) easily resolved by following the relevant laws.
C) best resolved by creating a win-lose situation.
D) irrelevant and therefore require no action.

Accepted Answer

Business relationships can involve complex dynamics and competing interests, which can lead to ethical dilemmas that are not easily resolved. These dilemmas often require careful consideration of ethical principles, values, and potential consequences for all parties involved. Simply following relevant laws may not be sufficient to address all ethical issues in business relationships. Creating a win-lose situation is not ideal, as it can harm relationships and long-term business success. Moreover, ignoring ethical dilemmas is not ethical and can lead to legal and reputational risks.

Question 10

An ethical dilemma refers to a situation where you must
A) treat someone unfairly.
B) choose between equally unsatisfactory alternatives.
C) choose between a correct and an incorrect option.
D) balance the concerns of profit and legality.

Accepted Answer

Choosing between equally unsatisfactory alternatives is the best choice as it acknowledges that there is no clear-cut solution and requires a thoughtful consideration of the consequences of each option. It also allows for ethical principles and values to guide the decision-making process. Option A involves treating someone unfairly, which is not ethical, while option C involves choosing between right and wrong which does not capture the complexity of ethical dilemmas. Option D focuses on profit and legality, which may not necessarily align with ethical principles.

Question 11

Many individuals today believe that ethical behavior is determined by what is best for them at the time. This is an example of
A) situational ethics.
B) moral absolutes.
C) the Golden Rule.
D) new age realism.

Accepted Answer

Situational ethics is the belief that ethical decisions are based on the specific situation at hand and what is best for the individual or group involved, rather than following a set of moral absolutes or universal rules. This mindset suggests that there is no single, objective standard of right or wrong, but instead, ethical behavior is determined by the circumstances.

Question 12

Employees at GloboTech, a start-up software company, noticed that the owner overlooked certain questionable actions of high billing associates. Other employees, who worked hard but only brought in an average number of new clients each month, were highly scrutinized. After you read this chapter about the ethical behavior of many Americans, which of the following statements applies here?
A) This story indicates that moral absolutes are very prevalent today in business settings.
B) The owner will continue to operate this way until someone blows the whistle.
C) We cannot expect people in the U.S. to all follow similar ethical patterns because there are too many cultures to deal with. Businesses are no different.
D) As is often the case today, some leaders will look at each situation individually when making value judgments.

Accepted Answer

The scenario described in the question suggests that the owner is making value judgments based on individual situations rather than following a strict moral code. This aligns with option D, which suggests that some leaders may make value judgments in the same way, and indicates that moral relativism is prevalent in business settings. Options A, B, and C are not supported by the information provided in the question.

Question 13

Many Americans define ethical behavior according to the situation in which they find themselves. This way of thinking suggests that there may be situations where ________ to cheat, steal, or lie.
A) it is absolutely wrong
B) it might be okay
C) business people are expected
D) capitalism forces people

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that some Americans define ethical behavior based on the situation, implying that there may be situations where cheating, stealing, or lying could be acceptable. This aligns with the option B, which states that it might be okay, depending on the circumstances. Option A, stating that it is absolutely wrong, would contradict this way of thinking. Option C and D, suggesting that business people are expected or that capitalism forces people, do not directly address the idea of situational ethics.

Question 14

Which of the following questions will help individuals and organizations when deciding if their decisions are ethical?
A) Can I do this without getting caught?
B) Is it balanced?
C) Has it been done before?
D) Is there a desirable alternative?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following questions will help...

Question 15

A U.S. senator has just told you that for a generous contribution to her reelection fund, she would ignore your company's apparent violation of several antipollution laws. Which of the following "ethics check questions" would you consider first?
A) Is it legal?
B) Is it fair and balanced?
C) How will it make me feel about myself?
D) Is it a generous amount?

Accepted Answer

The first consideration should always be whether the action is legal or not. Ignoring violations of antipollution laws is illegal and can result in severe consequences for both the company and the senator. Therefore this must be the primary consideration.

Question 16

Ethical behavior covers a ________ range of conduct than legal behavior.
A) broader
B) more limited
C) smaller
D) less demanding

Accepted Answer

Ethical behavior goes beyond legal requirements and encompasses a wider range of principles and values. Therefore, it is broader than legal behavior.

Question 17

Laws represent the standards of ________ behavior.
A) ethical
B) legal
C) moral
D) socially responsible

Accepted Answer

Laws represent the standards of legal behavior, which are enforced by the government and can result in penalties or consequences if violated. While ethical, moral and socially responsible behavior may overlap with certain laws, they are not necessarily the same as legal behavior.

Question 18

When discussing moral and ethical issues, it is helpful to remember that ethical behavior begins with
A) schools.
B) religious institutions.
C) law enforcement officers.
D) each of us.

Accepted Answer

Ethical behavior is ultimately the responsibility of each individual person. Although institutions like schools and religious organizations can play a role in shaping individuals' moral values, it is up to each person to act in a way that upholds ethical principles. Similarly, law enforcement officers can help to enforce laws and regulations that promote ethical behavior, but they cannot dictate the personal decision-making of individuals. Ultimately, it is up to each person to make choices that are in line with ethical values, both in their personal lives and in their interactions with others.

Question 19

When Kira graduated with a degree in computer science, she started her software company. On her first day of operations, she posted a sign that read, "This company will always operate within the legal limits of the law." Posted where all employees could clearly see it each day, this demonstrated
A) her commitment to high ethical standards of behavior.
B) her commitment to respect the law.
C) her expectation that all employees follow the laws that apply to the business.
D) her aversion to cheating, stealing, and dishonesty.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When Kira graduated with a degree in...

Question 20

Purposefully understating your firm's income to avoid paying higher taxes is an example of
A) an accepted business practice.
B) tax accountants doing their job.
C) illegal behavior.
D) a firm's responsibility to its owners.

Accepted Answer

Purposely understating income to avoid paying taxes is considered tax evasion and is illegal. It is not an accepted business practice or the responsibility of the firm to engage in illegal behavior. Tax accountants have a responsibility to accurately report the firm's income and may face legal consequences if they are complicit in tax evasion.

Quiz 4: Demanding Ethical and Socially Responsible Behavior

Ethical dilemmas in business

GloboTech recently used intentional accounting irregularities to make the company look more profitable than it actually was. GloboTech ________.

The first step when facing an ethical dilemma is to ask

Ethical behavior will result in which of the following?

Tobacco companies initially refused to voluntarily place health warnings on their packages. In response, the federal government passed laws requiring health warnings on all cigarette packages. With respect to ethical behavior, this sequence of events is

Which of the following questions can help us avoid a decision that would injure our self-esteem?

Considering the potential impact on others prior to making a decision is consistent with ________ behavior.

Business relationships often present ethical dilemmas that are

An ethical dilemma refers to a situation where you must

Many individuals today believe that ethical behavior is determined by what is best for them at the time. This is an example of

Many Americans define ethical behavior according to the situation in which they find themselves. This way of thinking suggests that there may be situations where ________ to cheat, steal, or lie.

Which of the following questions will help individuals and organizations when deciding if their decisions are ethical?

A U.S. senator has just told you that for a generous contribution to her reelection fund, she would ignore your company's apparent violation of several antipollution laws. Which of the following "ethics check questions" would you consider first?

Ethical behavior covers a ________ range of conduct than legal behavior.

Laws represent the standards of ________ behavior.

When discussing moral and ethical issues, it is helpful to remember that ethical behavior begins with

When Kira graduated with a degree in computer science, she started her software company. On her first day of operations, she posted a sign that read, "This company will always operate within the legal limits of the law." Posted where all employees could clearly see it each day, this demonstrated

Purposefully understating your firm's income to avoid paying higher taxes is an example of