Business Ethics and Human Resources

Abstract

Business ethics has not always been understood in business circles. Indeed, it is sometimes perceived as being contrary to the spirit of business. This paper attempts to define business ethics and show its importance in the business setting, specifically in regards to human capital. Because business ethics is applied ethics, the paper does not deal with any philosophical study of ethics. Rather, it explores the factors that contribute to the development of an ethical (or unethical) environment within the organization and how to manage those factors in order to ensure that the organization becomes an example of integrity.