Business Ethics: A Contemporary Introduction

This book provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of ethical issues in business, covering topics such as the market, work, and the firm in society. It begins with foundational discussions and uses real-world examples to illustrate key concepts. It also includes a critical evaluation of capitalism and socialism and encourages students to develop their own views.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book provides a thorough and engaging exploration of ethical issues in business, featuring numerous examples to illustrate its points. It begins by discussing foundational concepts such as the objectivity of ethics, the content of ethical theories, and the contrasting perspectives of capitalism and socialism. This makes it an ideal resource for students embarking on their ethical studies. The book then delves into three broad areas: the market, work, and the firm in society.

In the first section, the focus is on the market, where topics such as what can be sold (the boundaries of markets) and how it can be sold (ethics in marketing) are examined. Real-world examples are used to highlight the significance of these issues and bring them to life. The book also provides a critical evaluation of capitalism and socialism, examining private property, the market system, and the welfare state. It encourages students to consider the limitations of markets and to question what should and should not be for sale.

The second section explores work-related ethical issues, including health and safety, meaningful work, compensation, hiring and firing, privacy, and whistleblowing. Again, real-world examples are used to illustrate these topics and their importance. The book also provides a comprehensive examination of corporate social responsibility, corporate political activity, and the ethical challenges associated with international business. Students are encouraged to develop and defend their own views on these complex issues, with arguments for opposing positions given fair consideration.

Throughout the book, key features are emphasized to enhance the learning experience. Each topic is introduced with a real-world example, which is referenced regularly in the subsequent argument. A critical evaluation of capitalism and socialism is provided, with a focus on private property, the market system, and the welfare state. The limits of markets are explored, encouraging students to question what should and should not be for sale. The phenomena of corporate political activity and ethical consumerism are also examined, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of these important topics.

In addition, initial chapter overviews and study questions are included at the beginning of each chapter, along with suggested additional readings. These resources further enhance the book's value as a comprehensive and engaging guide to ethical issues in business. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply interested in understanding the ethical dimensions of business, this book is an invaluable resource.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138498136