Saint Paul’s School of Ormoc Foundation, Inc.

Apitong St., Brgy. Punta, Ormoc City

(053) 255-4712 | getinfo@spsormoc.edu.ph

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT | S. Y. 2020-2021

LEARNING MODULE IN BUSINESS ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Second Semester |Prelim | Week 4

NAME: _________________________________________ GRADE & SECTION: ___________________

LESSON 4: PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS ETHICS
Learning Objective:
At the end of the week, it is expected that the learners must be able to:
• illustrate how these philosophies are reflected in business practices.
Introduction
This chapter offers a general overview of the main traditional philosophical/ethical foundations of business
ethics. First is consequentialism. Under this, we will discuss ethical egoism and utilitarianism. Ethical egoism
is commonly rejected by ethics scholars. Utilitarianism is generally more acceptable not only by scholars but
also by practitioners from different fields. Second is deontological ethics. It has many versions but on this
chapter we will concentrate on Immanuel Kant’s version of deontology. Third is moral rights, Business
conduct is also usually deemed to be morally agreeable or objectionable if it respects the inherent rights of
the person. Fourth is the ethics of care which is commonly seen as a reaction to reason-based approach in
ethical decision-making. Fifth is virtue rooted in the philosophical insights of the Greek ancient philosopher
Aristotle.

EXPLORE
ACTIVITY NO. 1: OPEN TO DISCUSSION
Direction: Write your answer in the space provided.

The Motorist’s Hotel?

A new motel was constructed just a block away from college where you were enrolled. No one was supposed
to object because a motel business is completely legal. The local government officials were even excited
because it means more taxes would come into their coffers. Some people in the neighborhood were also
happy because of other potential businesses that the popular motel would stimulate. However, you were
also hearing negative comments. People were saying that it would encourage pre-marital sex and maybe
teenage pregnancy. Now you wonder whether there is something wrong about a business such as putting up
a motel.

Process questions:

1. Do you agree that putting up a motel raises ethical concerns? Explain your answer.

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2. Can you cite possible reasons why the motel industry in the Philippines is an ethical issue?

3. If you have a large amount of money and you have the opportunity to invest in a motel business, will you
do it? Why or why not?

FIRM-UP
Activity No.2: READING FOR MEANING
Task: Open and read the reading material in your drive entitled “Philosophical Foundations of Business
Ethics”.

Reading Material:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hypeo0_g6ooJlCj2bcg7zqexH0AcfUIb/view?usp=sharing

Direction. Answer the following questions.

Among the philosophical theories, the one
• I like most is , because
• Most relevant is , because
• I like least is , because
• Least relevant is , because
• Commonly used in business is , because
.
• Commonly used by government officials is , because
.

Activity No.3: Rights & Privileges

Direction: Consider the following situations and determine whether they are RIGHTS or PRIVILEGES.

1. to have ten hours of absences in class.

2. to acquire a driver’s license at the age of 18.
3. to vote when one reaches the legal age.
4. to use the parking lot inside the school premises.
5. to enroll for a college education.
6. to eat inside the classroom.
7. to challenge the views of the teacher.
8. to check (by the student) a teacher’s class record.
9. to be free from surveillance of a CCTV camera inside the classroom.
10. to boycott classes as a form of objection to tuition increase.

Process question:
• Now, based on your classification of a right and a privilege, what makes one different from the other?
.

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 DEEPEN
Activity No.4: CASE FILES!
Direction: Read the dilemma and answer the following questions below.

THE SALESMAN’S DILEMMA

You are a saleswoman for some appliances. A customer approaches you and asks for some details about
your product. You want to close a sale because you have to meet a quota for the month. You are tempted
to keep secret some features of the product that may affect the buying decision of the customer.

Process questions:

1. How will a utilitarian analyze this situation?

.

2. How will the Kantian analyze the situation?

.

3. For you, is it morally acceptable not to reveal some features of the product relevant to the buying
decision of the customer? Why or why not?
.

TRANSFER
ACTIVITY NO. 5. ETHICAL DILEMMA

TASK: Create and present a sequence map to graphically represent the steps in resolving the dilemma
below. Remember the creative decision-making process as well as the Philosophical Foundations of
Business Ethics as your guide.

Rubric: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pmQyCxHLuvw84hfLr9l9-6xmHAFHLGKh/view?usp=sharing

Sample template:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tprhTTe3A4hbIzlWTIK36_BgpnFY3OgJ/view?usp=sharing

Guide:

Step 1. Analyze the consequences. To begin, look at the consequences of the actions you’re considering.
Assume you have a variety of options and consider the range of both positive and negative consequences
connected with each one.

Step 2. Analyze the actions. Now don’t think about the consequences. Instead, focus solely on the actions.
Ask whether or not the actions are in line with moral principles. Look for the option whose actions are least
problematic.

Step 3. Make a decision. Now it’s time to make a decision. Consider what you discovered in Steps 1 and 2
and make your decision.

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Scenario:

You are an employee at a clothing store that allows all of its employees a 50% off discount after they have
worked there for 6 months. As of last week, you have been employed there for 6 months and are eligible for
the employee discount. Your best friend began working at the same store 1 month after you; consequently,
your best friend will not be eligible for the employee discount for another 3 weeks. One afternoon, after your
manager has left for the day, your best friend asks to use your employee discount to purchase some clothes
for a party going on later that night. What do you do?

Process questions:

1. Based on your output, what is your Personal Decision-making Style?

.

2. Why is decision making and problem solving important in the workplace?

.

Great job! You have completed Lesson 4 successfully!

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