Course code : Fasb 1033

Name of course: Introduction to business ethics

Lecturer’s name : Nur Fadhlina Mohamad Zabidey
Class: Fa02-1A

Name: Student’s ID:

NABIL SYAQIL TAN 23FA02006
AHMAD SYAZWAN BIN MOHD 23FA02007
SHAUKY
AFIQ IMAN BIN ABDUL RAHMAN 23FA02004
MUHAMMAD AFIF IMAN BIN 23FA02010
ZULKIFLY
MUHAMMAD ASYRAF BIN NORIZAN 23FA02008
Contents: page
Introduction 1
Review and discussion :
Question 1 : some ethical issues that you have faced as a student in a 2
higher learning institution?
Question 2 : Provide your own examples to differentiate between ethics
and morality.

Question 3 : Several factors influence ethical values. Select any one of the 3
factors and justify its importance in shaping one’s ethical values.
Question 4 : Explain why ethics are important in life.

Question 5 : Are ethics applicable in the world of business? Provide 4

justifications for your stand.

Conclusion 5
 Introduction

The term ethics is derived from the Greek word, ethos, which means character, spirit, and attitude
of a group of people or culture. It also outlines the moral duty and obligations that any human
being should practice in their daily life.
In general, ethics is defined as a demand for one’s analytical thoughts and application of
reason to define specific rules, principles, or ethical theories that determine right or wrong in a
`given situation.
For the Western parts of the world map, westerners disregard religion as a vital role in
ethics and push forward the political ideology called secularism and universalism. Secularism can
be defined as the disaffiliation of religion from civil affairs and the state. Meanwhile, universalism
is the norms, values, behaviors, and institutions to are universal for all societies across time and
geography.
On the contrary, the eastern part of the world still sees religion as vital in shaping one’s
ethical values. To illustrate, Buddhists are advised to abstain from harming living beings, taking
things not freely given, sexual misconduct, false speech, and consuming intoxicating drinks and
drugs causing heedlessness. Another Eastern perspective, in Japanese culture, the honorific form
surname + San should always be used when interacting with anyone.
Meanwhile, in the Islamic world, ethics concerns individual physical development with the
priority of soul development, crucial to an individual's behavior and development. The major
Islamic ethical characteristics include bravery, consideration, experience, fairness, justice,
honesty, and the pursuit of knowledge. Islam accentuates these ethical values in its teachings to
help develop one’s behavior. The mechanization can be illustrated by the teachings of the Al-
Qur’an and the As-Sunnah which is filled with the teachings of ethics.
To understand more deeply and more thoroughly about what ethics is, we need to
understand the difference between ethics and morals. Morals are often Concerned with norms,
values, and beliefs embedded in social processes that define right or wrong for an individual or
community.

1
 Review and Discussion.

Question 1 :
some ethical issues that you have faced as a student in a higher learning institution?

Answer:
There are lots of ethical issues that we face. As an example, many students often arrive late to class
due to oversleeping, heavy traffic, or procrastination, resulting in submitting assignments past their
due date. Another unfortunate ethical issue, some students resort to offering bribes to college
officials, including lecturers and management officers, in exchange for favorable treatment such
as acceptance into the institution, good grades, and other services.

Question 2 :
Provide your own examples to differentiate between ethics and morality.

Answer:
In the world of business, ethics play a crucial role and have many benefits. Firstly, when
businesses conduct themselves with integrity, it builds trust among customers, employees, and
investors. This trust leads to a positive reputation and fosters long-term relationships. Secondly,
treating employees well and making them feel valued results in increased productivity and lower
turnover rates. Thirdly, following ethical rules ensures that businesses avoid legal trouble and
regulatory issues, saving them from paying fines or damaging their reputation. Fourthly, when
businesses treat customers fairly and provide quality products or services, it leads to satisfied
customers who are more likely to return. Finally, businesses that prioritize the environment,
society, and governance are more likely to be sustainable in the long run. Thus, it's clear that
ethics are essential in business as they build trust, keep employees happy, follow the rules, make
customers happy, and help businesses thrive over time.

2
Question 3
Several factors influence ethical values. Select any one of the factors and justify its importance in
shaping one’s ethical values.

Answer:
One of the most common factors that influence ethical values is culture. Culture plays a vital role
in shaping one’s ethical values because it provides a framework for understanding what is
considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior within a particular society. Cultural norms,
beliefs, and traditions influence how individuals perceive and evaluate moral dilemmas. For
example, in some cultures, honesty and respect for authority may be highly valued, while in
others, loyalty to family or community may take precedence. Understanding and respecting
different cultural perspectives helps promote empathy and tolerance in ethical decision-making.

Question 4
Explain why ethics are important in life.

Answer:
Ethics are important in life because they guide our actions and decisions, helping us distinguish
between right and wrong. They provide a moral compass, ensuring that we treat others with
fairness, honesty, and respect. Ethics help build trust in relationships, whether personal or
professional and contribute to creating a harmonious and just society. By living ethically, we can
make a positive impact on the world around us and uphold values that promote the well-being of
others.

3
Question 5
Are ethics applicable in the world of business? Provide justifications for your stand.

Answer:
Ethics are crucial in business as they build trust, maintain reputation, keep employees engaged,
and comply with legal requirements. Prioritizing customer satisfaction through ethical behavior
fosters loyalty and a positive impact on the environment and society contributing to long-term
sustainability. Ethics are vital for success and making a positive difference.

4
 Conclusion

Humans in each part of the world has their own ways, culture and religion that can shape a
human behaviour. If one’s behaviour is well shaped to adapt in a society, one will be accepted
and be an example to all.

In conclusion, ethics refers to the character, spirit, and attitudes of a particular group or
culture. It outlines the moral duties and obligations that individuals should practice in their daily
lives. While the western world tends to prioritize secularism and universalism, disregarding the
role of religion in ethics, the eastern world still values religion as a significant factor in shaping
ethical values. For instance, Buddhism promotes abstinence from harming living beings,
stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, lying, and consuming intoxicating substances. In
Japanese culture, it is customary to use honorifics when interacting with others. In the Islamic
world, ethics focus on individual physical and soul development, emphasizing qualities such as
bravery, fairness, justice, honesty, and the pursuit of knowledge. These ethical values are
highlighted in the teachings of the Al-Qur'an and As-Sunnah. It is important to differentiate
between ethics and morals, as morals are concerned with the societal norms, values, and beliefs
that determine right and wrong for individuals and communities. Understanding these
distinctions helps us gain a deeper comprehension of ethics and its significance in different
cultural contexts.