Certainly, here are some characteristics of business ethics

along with real-time examples:

1. **Integrity:** Acting honestly and truthfully in all

business dealings.

- *Real-Time Example:* **The Boeing 737 MAX Crisis

(2019 - Ongoing)** - Boeing faced severe criticism for a lack
of integrity in addressing safety concerns related to its 737
MAX aircraft. It initially downplayed issues and lacked
transparency in its response.

2. **Transparency:** Being open and honest in business

practices and communications.

- *Real-Time Example:* **Tesla's CEO Elon Musk's Tweets

(Ongoing)** - Elon Musk's tweets, especially about Tesla's
stock, have faced scrutiny for transparency and market
influence. The SEC has had to intervene to ensure disclosure
and ethical conduct.

3. **Accountability:** Taking responsibility for one's actions

and their consequences.
 - *Real-Time Example:* **Wells Fargo Unauthorized
Accounts Scandal (2016)** - Wells Fargo created millions of
unauthorized customer accounts, and the lack of
accountability led to legal consequences and damage to the
bank's reputation.

4. **Fairness and Equity:** Treating all stakeholders,

including employees and customers, fairly and without
discrimination.

- *Real-Time Example:* **Gender Pay Gap Disclosures

(Ongoing)** - Many companies have faced scrutiny for
unequal pay between male and female employees,
highlighting issues of fairness and equity.

5. **Social Responsibility:** Considering the impact of

business decisions on society and the environment.

- *Real-Time Example:* **Amazon's Climate Pledge

(2019)** - Amazon pledged to be carbon-neutral by 2040,
demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and
environmental sustainability.

6. **Ethical Leadership:** Leaders setting an ethical tone for

the organization and making decisions based on moral
values.
 - *Real-Time Example:* **Johnson & Johnson's Handling
of the Tylenol Poisoning Crisis (1982)** - The company's
immediate recall of products and responsible
communication during the crisis exemplified ethical
leadership.

7. **Respect for Stakeholders:** Treating employees,

customers, suppliers, and the community with respect and
dignity.

- *Real-Time Example:* **Starbucks' Employee Benefits

(Ongoing)** - Starbucks provides benefits such as
healthcare and stock options to part-time employees,
demonstrating respect for its workforce.

8. **Compliance with Laws and Regulations:** Abiding by

legal requirements in business operations.

- *Real-Time Example:* **Google's Antitrust Lawsuits

(Ongoing)** - Google has faced several antitrust lawsuits,
raising concerns about its compliance with competition
laws.
9. **Ethical Decision-Making:** Evaluating decisions based
on ethical principles and values.

- *Real-Time Example:* **Facebook's Content Moderation

Challenges (Ongoing)** - Facebook faces ethical dilemmas
in moderating content, balancing free speech with the need
to prevent harmful content.

10. **Corporate Governance:** Implementing effective

structures and processes to ensure ethical behavior
throughout the organization.

- *Real-Time Example:* **Corporate Governance Changes

in the Wake of Scandals (Ongoing)** - Several companies,
like Uber and Theranos, have implemented corporate
governance changes after scandals to prevent unethical
conduct.

These characteristics of business ethics are essential for

building trust, maintaining a positive reputation, and
achieving long-term success in the business world. Real-
time examples highlight how businesses can either uphold
or compromise these ethical principles in their operations.