Business ethics social responsibility of business.

History of the development of social responsibility

The socialization of business is an objective regularity of a transformational society. It is directly related to current trends the development of scientific and technical progress and the growth of requirements for the process and results of production, as well as with systemic transformations of property relations, with the liberalization of economic relations, the processes of forming a system social protection, with social organs functions government controlled. Great hopes are pinned on the social role of business today.

Remark 1

In the 70s. 20th century Social responsibility corporations have already begun to be seen as a company's contribution to society based on its production activities, social investment, philanthropy and taking into account the priorities of the state social policy.

Business social responsibility programs

As scientists point out, large companies become a new center of power, from which society expects such a performance of social functions that could be compared with the amount of its resources. Among the most frequently cited benefits of implementing corporate social responsibility (BSR) programs for the image of the enterprise are:

1. Improving the efficiency of production processes due to the need to find, for example, hidden levers; the invention of ways to reduce emissions into the atmosphere or adapt production to technological, sanitary, environmental standards;
2. Increasing the motivation and productivity of employees, since all employees of the company are simultaneously citizens, consumers, parents and residents of a particular city, care for society, for society, is translated into care for employees.
3. Psychological factors of motivation, concern for employees revolve around the formation of a stable socio-psychological climate in the organization, contributes to labor efficiency;
4. Increasing the business and public reputation of the company reduces the risks of possible loss of markets, improves access to new markets due to the better reputation of companies.

Remark 2

Improvement corporate governance helps to improve access to capital, increase revenues and increase the productivity of the company. Investments in environmentally friendly technologies in the future return due to income growth.

The concept of "business ethics"

Recently, the so-called "ethical investment" has become widespread in the world. It provides that the choice of partners for cooperation is largely determined by ethical motives. For example:

• the investor does not associate his activities with companies that are characterized by unfair business practices that cause damage to society by offering low-quality or socially harmful products;
• negatively affect the environment, act in undesirable territories;
• engage in activities that are morally dubious, if, for example, they cooperate with dictatorial governments, conduct experiments on animals, oppose trade unions that exploit the imperfection of the legislation of countries, developing countries.

On the other hand, they can fundamentally choose as partners companies that solve social problems and directly or indirectly benefit society, develop ethical business strategies.

Introduction

The theme of my test: "Social responsibility and business ethics: formation, development, practical application."

Business ethics as an applied field of knowledge was formed in the United States and Western Europe in the 1970s of the XX century. However moral aspects businesses attracted researchers as early as the 1960s. The scientific community and the business world have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to increase the "ethical awareness" of professional businessmen in their business operations, as well as the "responsibility of corporations to society." Particular attention was paid to the increasing cases of corruption, both among the government bureaucracy and among the responsible persons of various corporations. A certain role in the development of business ethics as a scientific discipline was played by the famous "Watergate", which involved the most prominent representatives of President R. Nixon's administration. By the early 1980s, most business schools in the United States, as well as some universities, included business ethics in their learning programs. Currently, the business ethics course is included in educational plans some universities in Russia.

There are two main points of view on the correlation of universal ethical principles and business ethics: 1) the rules of ordinary morality do not apply to business or apply to a lesser extent .; 2) business ethics is based on universal universal ethical standards (be honest, do no harm, keep your word, etc.), which are specified taking into account the specific social role business in society. Theoretically, the second point of view is considered more correct.

The issues of the relationship between ethics and economics have recently begun to be actively discussed in our country.

The purpose of the control work is to consider issues of social responsibility and business ethics.

Tasks: 1) social responsibility formation, development,

practical use.

2) business ethics formation, development, practical

application.

Question number 1. Social responsibility and business ethics: formation, development, practical application

The role of business in society

Social policy is one of the most important areas of state regulation of the economy. It is an organic part of the internal policy of the state, aimed at ensuring the well-being and comprehensive development of its citizens and society as a whole. The significance of social policy is determined by its influence on the processes of labor force reproduction, increasing labor productivity, educational and qualification level labor resources, on the level of scientific and technological development of the productive forces, on the cultural and spiritual life of society. Social policy aimed at improving working and living conditions, the development of physical culture and sports, reduces the incidence and thus has a tangible impact on reducing economic losses in production. As a result of the development of such systems in the social sphere as public catering, preschool education, frees part of the population from the sphere household increased employment in social production. Science and scientific support, which determine the prospects for the country's economic development, are also part of the social sphere and their development and efficiency are regulated within the framework of social policy. The social sphere not only regulates the processes of employment of the population, but is also directly a place of application of labor and provides jobs for millions of people in the country.

The main objectives of social policy are:

1. Harmonization of social relations, harmonization of the interests and needs of certain groups of the population with the long-term interests of society, stabilization of the socio-political system.

2. Creation of conditions for ensuring the material well-being of citizens, the formation of economic incentives for participation in social production, ensuring equality of social opportunities to achieve a normal standard of living.

3. Providing social protection for all citizens and their basic state-guaranteed socio-economic rights, including support for low-income and vulnerable groups of the population.

4. Ensuring rational employment in society.

5. reducing the level of criminalization in society.

6. Development of sectors of the social complex, such as education, healthcare, science, culture, housing and communal services, etc.

7. Ensuring the country's environmental safety.

The social responsibility of business is the conduct of business in accordance with the norms and laws adopted in the country where it is located. It's job creation. This is charity and the creation of various funds to help various social strata of society. This is to ensure the protection of the environment of its production, and much more supporting social status in the country.

Business assumes the functions of the state and this is called social responsibility. This is primarily due to the lack of an appropriate state policy in the field of corporate social responsibility. The state itself cannot determine the model of relations with business.

There are two points of view on how organizations should behave in relation to their social environment in order to be considered socially responsible. According to one of them, an organization is socially responsible when it maximizes profits without violating laws and government regulations. From these positions, the organization should pursue only economic goals. According to another point of view, an organization, in addition to economic responsibility, must consider the human and social impact of its business activities on employees, consumers and local communities in which it operates, as well as make some positive contribution to solving social problems in general.

The concept of social responsibility is that the organization performs the economic function of producing products and services necessary for a society with a free market economy, while providing work for citizens and maximizing profits and rewards for shareholders. According to this view, organizations have a responsibility to the society in which they operate, beyond and beyond providing efficiency, employment, profits, and not breaking the law. Organizations should therefore direct some of their resources and efforts through social channels. Social responsibility, unlike legal, implies a certain level of voluntary response to social problems on the part of the organization.

The debate about the role of business in society has given rise to arguments for and against social responsibility.

Arguments for social responsibility

Business-friendly long-term prospects. Social activities of enterprises that improve the life of the local community or eliminate the need for government regulation may be in the self-interest of enterprises due to the benefits provided by participation in society. In a society that is more prosperous from a social point of view, conditions are more favorable for business activities. In addition, even if the short-term costs of social action are high, they can drive profits in the long run, as consumers, suppliers, and the local community develop a more attractive image of the enterprise.

Changing needs and expectations of the general public. Business-related social expectations have changed radically since the 1960s. In order to narrow the gap between new expectations and the real response of enterprises, their involvement in solving social problems becomes both expected and necessary.

Availability of resources to help resolve social problems. Since business has significant human and financial resources, it should transfer some of them to social needs.

A moral obligation to behave socially responsibly. An enterprise is a member of society, so moral standards should also govern its behavior. The enterprise, like individual members of society, must act in a socially responsible manner and contribute to strengthening the moral foundations of society. Moreover, since laws cannot cover every occasion, businesses must act responsibly in order to maintain a society based on order and the rule of law.

Arguments against social responsibility

Violation of the profit maximization principle. The direction of part of the resources for social needs reduces the impact of the principle of profit maximization. The enterprise behaves in the most socially responsible manner, focusing only on economic interests and leaving social problems to state institutions and services, charitable institutions and educational organizations.

Social Inclusion Expenses. Funds allocated for social needs are costs for the enterprise. Ultimately, these costs are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. In addition, firms that compete in international markets with firms in other countries that do not incur social costs are at a competitive disadvantage. As a result, their sale on international markets is reduced, which leads to a deterioration in the US balance of payments in foreign trade.

Insufficient level of reporting to the general public. Because managers are not elected, they are not accountable to the general public. The market system controls the economic performance of enterprises well and poorly controls their social involvement. As long as society does not develop a procedure for direct accountability of enterprises to it, the latter will not participate in social actions for which they do not consider themselves responsible.

Lack of ability to solve social problems. The personnel of any enterprise is best prepared for activities in the fields of economy, market and technology. He is deprived of the experience that allows him to make significant contributions to solving problems of a social nature. The improvement of society should be facilitated by specialists working in the relevant state institutions and charitable organizations.

Social responsibility in practice

According to studies on the attitude of executives to corporate social responsibility, there is a clear shift towards its increase. The executives interviewed believe that the pressure to increase corporate social responsibility is real, significant and will continue. Other studies have shown that senior management of firms began to participate in the work of local communities as volunteers.

The biggest stumbling block to developing social responsibility programs is cited by executives as the demands of front-line workers and managers to increase earnings per share on a quarterly basis. The desire to quickly increase profits and incomes makes managers refuse to transfer part of their resources to programs that are driven by social responsibility. Organizations are taking numerous steps in the area of ​​voluntary participation in society.

business ethics

Business ethics as an applied field of knowledge was formed in the United States and Western Europe in the 1970s of the XX century. However, the moral aspects of business attracted researchers already in the 60s. The scientific community and the business world have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to increase the "ethical awareness" of professional businessmen in their business operations, as well as the "responsibility of corporations to society." Particular attention was paid to the increasing cases of corruption both among the government bureaucracy and among responsible persons various corporations. A certain role in the development of business ethics as a scientific discipline was played by the famous "Watergate", which involved the most prominent representatives of President R. Nixon's administration. By the early 1980s, most business schools in the US, as well as some universities, included business ethics in their curricula. Currently, the course of business ethics is also included in the curricula of some Russian universities.

In business ethics, there are three main approaches to the moral problems of business, based on three ethical areas: utilitarianism, deontic ethics (ethics of duty) and "ethics of justice". Presented in the works of American scientists M. Valasquez, J. Rawls, L. Nash, they can be reduced to the following.

The direct connection between ethics and life practice can be clearly seen in the sphere of the so-called professional ethics, which is a system of moral requirements for professional activity person. One of the types of professional ethics is business ethics. It arose relatively late on the basis of general labor morality. In turn, the main place in the ethics of business relations is occupied by the ethics of business (entrepreneurship). It includes management ethics (managerial ethics), ethics business communication, ethics of conduct, etc.

Business is an initiative economic activity carried out both at the expense of own and borrowed funds at your own risk and under your own responsibility, the purpose of which is the formation and development of your own business for profit and solving the social problems of the entrepreneur, labor collective, society as a whole.

Business ethics - business ethics based on honesty, openness, loyalty to the given word, the ability to function effectively in the market in accordance with applicable law, established rules and traditions.

Business ethics issues are as old as entrepreneurship. However, they have become especially acute in our time, when the market has changed a lot, from fierce to fierce competition. Now all over the world the issues of ethics of business relations are widely studied, serve as the subject of scientific discussions and forums, are studied in many higher and secondary educational institutions providing training for the labor market.

The Importance of Ethics in Business

Experts believe that the concept of "business ethics" has entered into mass use relatively recently - as a result of the process of globalization of the economy, an increase in the number of firms and an increase in their level of responsibility to society. However, the basic principles of ethics that can now be applied to business were formulated thousands of years ago. Even the ancient Roman philosopher Cicero limited himself to the statement that big profits are made by big deceit. However, today this axiom sounds more and more controversial. The civilized economy that has emerged in developed countries requires a civilized approach to doing business from entrepreneurs. In fact, the goal of their activities remained the same, but there was a weighty caveat: big profits, but not by any means.

Ethics in the modern sense becomes a kind of additional resource of the enterprise. For example, in such an issue as personnel management, in the conditions of global competition, the mere use of economic and financial incentives is no longer enough. To keep the company at the level of modern information and communication technologies, the company needs to learn how to influence the staff with the help of cultural and moral values. More and more important role these values ​​also play in relationships with partners, clients, intermediaries, and finally with society itself.

Attempts to link moral and ethical criteria and business practices in the field international business are constantly being undertaken. Despite the shortcomings of today's ethical prescriptions for business representatives, every year more and more organizations are trying, sometimes of their own free will, and sometimes as a result of outside pressure, to create their own own rules business.

Principles of international business - the world ethical standard, according to which it is possible to build and evaluate behavior in the field of international business.

Honesty, decency and reliability are the most valued principles around the world and in Russia business ethics because following these principles forms the basis of effective business relationships - mutual trust.

Mutual trust is the most important moral and psychological factor of business, which ensures the predictability of business relations, confidence in the obligation of a business partner and the stability of a joint business.

Corporate Social Responsibility

The topic of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of the most discussed topics in the business world today. This is due to the fact that the role of business in the development of society has noticeably increased, and the requirements for openness in the business sphere have increased. Many companies have clearly realized that it is impossible to successfully run a business operating in an isolated space. Therefore, the integration of the principle of corporate social responsibility into a business development strategy becomes feature leading domestic companies.

The modern world lives in conditions of acute social problems, and in this regard, the social responsibility of business is especially significant - enterprises and organizations associated with the development, manufacture and supply of products and services, trade, finance, since they have the main financial and material resources enabling work to be done to solve the social problems facing the world. Understanding by business leaders of their key importance and leading role in such work led to the birth of the concept of "corporate social responsibility" at the end of the 20th century, which became an essential part of the concept of sustainable development not only of business, but of humanity as a whole.

In world practice, there is a well-established understanding of what corporate social responsibility is. Organizations that operate in this area define this concept in different ways.

Business for Social Responsibility: Corporate Social Responsibility means achieving commercial success in ways that value ethical principles and respect people, communities and the environment.

"International Business Leaders Forum": corporate social responsibility is understood as promoting responsible business practices that benefit business and society and promote social, economic and environmentally sustainable development by maximizing the positive impact of business on society and minimizing the negative.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development: defines corporate social responsibility as a business commitment to contribute to sustainable economic development, labor relations with employees, their families, the local community and society as a whole to improve their quality of life.

The social responsibility of business has a multilevel character.

The basic level involves the fulfillment of the following obligations: timely payment of taxes, payment wages, if possible - the provision of new jobs (expansion of the workforce).

The second level involves providing workers with adequate conditions not only for work, but also for life: improving the skills of workers, preventive treatment, housing construction, development social sphere. This type of responsibility is conditionally called "corporate responsibility".

The third, highest level of responsibility, according to the participants in the dialogue, involves charitable activities.

Internal corporate social responsibility includes:

• 1. Labor safety.
• 2. Stability of wages.
• 3. Maintenance of socially significant wages.
• 4. Additional medical and social insurance for employees.
• 5. Development human resources through training programs and training and advanced training programs.
• 6. Assistance to workers in critical situations.

The external social responsibility of business includes:

• 1. Sponsorship and corporate charity.
• 2. Promoting environmental protection.
• 3. Interaction with the local community and local authorities.
• 4. Willingness to participate in crisis situations.
• 5. Responsibility to consumers of goods and services (production of quality goods).

Business social responsibility motives:

• 1. The development of our own staff allows not only to avoid staff turnover, but also to attract the best specialists in the market.
• 2. The growth of labor productivity in the company.
• 3. Improving the company's image, reputation growth.
• 4. Advertising a product or service.
• 5. Coverage of the company's activities in the media.
• 6. Stability and sustainability of the company's development in the long term.
• 7. The possibility of attracting investment capital for socially responsible companies is higher than for other companies.
• 8. Preservation of social stability in society as a whole.
• 9. Tax incentives.

Areas of social programs:

Fair Business Practices is an area of ​​the company's social programs that aims to promote the acceptance and dissemination of fair business practices among the company's suppliers, business partners and customers.

Environmental protection and resource conservation is a direction of the company's social programs, which are carried out at the initiative of the company in order to reduce the harmful impact on the environment (programs for the economical consumption of natural resources, reuse and waste disposal, prevention of environmental pollution, organization of environmentally friendly production process, organization of environmentally friendly transportation).

The development of the local society is a direction of the company's social programs, which is carried out on a voluntary basis and is designed to contribute to the development of the local society (social programs and actions to support socially vulnerable segments of the population, support for childhood and youth, support for the preservation and development of housing and communal services and objects of cultural and historical significance, sponsorship of local cultural, educational and sports organizations and events, support for socially significant research and campaigns, participation in charity events).

Personnel development is a direction of the company's social programs, which is carried out as part of the personnel development strategy, in order to attract and retain talented employees (training and Professional Development, the use of motivational remuneration schemes, the provision of a social package to employees, the creation of conditions for recreation and leisure, the maintenance of internal communications in the organization, the participation of employees in managerial decision-making).

Socially responsible restructuring is a direction of the company's social programs, which is designed to ensure that restructuring is carried out in a socially responsible manner, in the interests of the company's personnel.

Socially responsible investing is investing that is not only about generating financial returns, but also about social goals, usually by investing in ethical companies.

Modern trends in business development have long confirmed the need for a social orientation. Entrepreneurs strive not only to make a profit, but also to provide all possible assistance to society in solving social problems. But there is an important component in this direction, which not everyone takes into account. Any socially oriented event should bring benefits, tangible or intangible, but necessarily beneficial in the future. There are several strategies that allow to achieve this effect, entrepreneurs should know and apply them in practice.

What is the social responsibility of business

The social orientation of doing business involves the implementation of certain measures aimed at the benefit of society, carried out at the expense of the organization. With their help, socially significant programs are implemented to improve the lives of certain segments of the population or for employees of their company. The results of such companies contribute to the growth, improvement of the image, development, increase in the profit of the contractor, that is, the enterprise.

The social action plan has its own distinctive features. It is constantly reviewed and changed in accordance with modern trends in the development of society. Such a plan is adopted by the individual enterprise independently and voluntarily. It may also be coordinated with other project stakeholders. As a result of socially oriented activities, the following goals are achieved:

• improving the reputation of the company at the level designated target audience and the entire locality;
• improving the company's image;
• increase in the volume of manufactured and sold products;
• improving the quality of services or goods of the enterprise;
• development and strengthening of the corporate brand;
• the emergence and strengthening of new partnerships, ties with representatives of business, government, civil associations and organizations.

It should be understood that the social responsibility of business is not the same as charity. Also, social responsibility cannot be associated with the following concepts:

• PR and self-promotion;
• political activity and promotion of the individual;
• state projects and programs;
• economically oriented state programs.

How social responsibility is assessed

This concept has a clear evaluation structure, it is carried out at several levels.

The first level means compliance with the laws of the Russian Federation, according to which business performs certain social functions. For example, the registration of employees according to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation and the full payment of taxes means the removal of tension in society, guarantees of stability. Also, work at this level means compliance with the laws of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, and maintaining economic activity in the legal field.

The second level of social responsibility of business involves conducting activities that make the work of the enterprise attractive for investors and consumers. This is the creation of such a product or service that contributes to the growth of the well-being of citizens, strengthening their health, etc. And the attractiveness of a business for investors means an increase in the image of the whole country.

And the third level of responsibility involves the planning and implementation of such activities that are aimed at relieving social tension, strengthening the image of the enterprise, but at the same time - the lack of profit in monetary terms.

The entrepreneur himself decides at what level he works, but it should be noted that the implementation of the highest level is impossible if the previous one is missing. For example, participation in serious events at the regional level is impossible if your employees receive “black” wages and work illegally, without paying full taxes.

Corporate responsibility models

Corporate responsibility can be implemented in four forms. All of them are aimed at the well-being of the company, therefore they are worthy of attention.

Manipulative model- involves the processing of public opinion to achieve the goals of the company.

information model- Achievement of the company's goals by constantly informing about the company's intentions in a variety of ways.

Mutual Understanding Model- explanation of the line of behavior of the enterprise and understanding of the line of behavior of employees.

Model of social partnership– study and analysis of the entire social environment and public sentiment in general.

Each country has its own preferences for corporate partnerships and responsibilities. In Russia, these concepts are still at the stage of formation. Analysts say that positive results and achievements are already visible. It traces the features of the European model (when the state takes an active part in shaping the company's strategy) and the British one (with participation in the policy of the enterprise of the voluntary initiative of employees).

Forms of social responsibility

Social responsibility can be hidden and open.

open strategy involves the behavior of the organization when the enterprise takes responsibility for solving issues of concern to society. This form of social responsibility is chosen independently, behavior and all measures are formed voluntarily.

Hidden the form affects all institutions of the state - official and unofficial. All activities and plans are coordinated with these institutions. The norms, rules of conduct, values ​​and even the mission of the company are formed in full accordance with the interests and objectives of the state, achieving its personal results, such a company works primarily for the goals and objectives of the whole society and the institution of the state. Moreover, the goals are not only social, but also political and economic.

Basic principles of social responsibility marketing strategies

In order for the principles of social responsibility to be unconditionally visible and accepted by society and business partners, certain rules should be followed. The first is to always keep all your promises, to do what you say. Such an attitude, without further ado, demonstrates respect for consumers, partners, impeccable ethics in business circles.

The second principle is honesty in advertising. Never promise in videos and texts what you cannot implement in your products or services. Honesty and lack of exaggeration in this regard, consumers will definitely appreciate and begin to respect your company.

The third principle is to demonstrate ethical standards in your products or services. For example, the inscription on the product is very important that it is produced without causing harm. environment. It is also important to honestly indicate the composition, and it is very good if it does not contain harmful substances both for the human body and for nature. Or, for example, many indicate the term for the disposal and decomposition of packaging, methods for its harmless decomposition into components that are safe for nature.

Efficiency of socially responsible business

The chain of business growth that is socially responsible is quite simple. Track the effect of activities that have social orientation, not difficult. Positive effects can be seen after some time, an instant effect should not be expected. The first stage in the implementation of such a strategy is the full monitoring of the situation in society, the preparation of the so-called social profile. Based on the identification of problems and critical points, an action plan is formed. In the course of its implementation, business tasks are expanding, production is developing. Which ultimately leads to an increase in consumer respect for the enterprise, an increase in sales, and an increase in profits.

Confirmation of the growth of loyalty to socially responsible enterprises according to studies of various organizations:

• citizens prefer to buy products of companies that have proven their social responsibility, in the US this figure is 83%;
• young professionals prefer to work in companies with high proportion social responsibility, especially in those that are attentive to environmental issues;
• three-quarters of working citizens are convinced that if an enterprise deals with issues of social responsibility, then it is certainly interested in their personal development;
• The Institute of Business Ethics provided figures that show that companies with a high degree of social responsibility have success rates - 18% higher than those of ordinary companies.

What is the social responsibility of business

Internal responsibility:

• creation of conditions for labor safety;
• stable wage payments, the level of which is considered acceptable and above the average in the industry;
• medical care for employees and additional measures to maintain their health;
• training and professional development of employees;
• providing material assistance to employees who find themselves in difficult living conditions.

External social responsibility:

• providing sponsorship in promotions and programs;
• participation in measures for the revival of natural resources and environmental protection;
• close contact and cooperation with the local community and authorities;
• participation in crisis situations of the city;
• responsibility to consumers in terms of the quality of a product or service.

Social responsibility quite often takes the form of volunteering. It is expressed in the form of visits to specialized institutions and assistance to them, these are orphanages, nursing homes, hospices, animal shelters.

Interesting forms of responsibility to society are the appointment and payment of special scholarships and bonuses to talented citizens, pensions to deserving people, participation in the formation of funds to support certain areas of society's life (sick children, talented performers, etc.).

Remuneration of socially oriented enterprises by the state is also an expected, but not a mandatory factor in this activity. Sometimes such enterprises are exempted from certain types of local taxes, sometimes they are given priority in competitions and tenders. But such measures are not guaranteed to anyone, they are not an end in themselves for businessmen.

Elena Shchugoreva is a business consultant, trainer in oratory and speech technique, head of the Orator Master online school. She can be contacted at e-mail [email protected] or through a Facebook group

In a literal translation from Greek, ethics is a complex of habits, customs, morals relating to morality, expressing moral convictions. Ethics was designed to teach a person right life out of his own nature.

In relation to business, ethics can be considered as a set of personal beliefs of an individual about the correctness of his actions, decision-making, i.e. ethics has its own specifics for each individual entrepreneur. Compliance with ethical standards in business practices justifies the rule: "Good ethics means good business."

The ethics of the individual is opposed to ethical behavior consistent with generally accepted social norms. But there are often cases when the actions of individuals do not correspond to generally accepted social norms, public morality and unethical behavior of individuals becomes the cause of social conflicts. The subordination of the selfish morality of business representatives to public interests is an important condition for public consensus.

The ethics of behavior of an individual is formed from the first steps of his life in the family, school, with participation in cultural life, religious worship, social events. The result is the development of certain values ​​that will guide each individual in the future (altruism, selfishness, family values, friendship, etc.). Of course, the social and business life of an individual will make certain adjustments to the ethics of his behavior and moral principles.

Another component ethical behavior is to follow the laws developed by society that determine the ethical standards of behavior. These are the laws of regulation labor relations, corporate laws, laws of behavior of people in public places, laws against fraud, theft, etc.

Thus, the ethics of individual behavior is based on the following:

• - each individual is guided by his own beliefs about the ethical or unethical behavior of his behavior (give or keep the money found);
• - members of the same cultural group may share similar, but not necessarily identical, beliefs about the morality of their behavior (whether employees should be manipulated regarding working conditions - additional rewards etc.);
• - an individual can deviate from his belief system if this is caused by unusual situations (ruin, famine, euthanasia, terrorism, etc.);
• - culture has a direct impact on the value system of representatives of a particular cultural group. Thus, the opportunistic behavior of individual members of the scientific team is unethical and has harmful consequences for its activities. Conversely, behavior that contributes to the prosperity of the group is considered ethical;
• - representatives different cultures evaluate unethical and ethical behavior differently. For example, an American businessman reports extortion at customs to the police, while in Latin American countries this is considered normal.

For a manager of any level, it is extremely necessary to understand the basics of business ethics, since he is constantly forced to make certain decisions in relation to the owners of the company,

Section I 75

consumers, lenders, suppliers. American researchers formulated the principles of justice, the principles of law, the principle of utilitarianism (practicism).

One should not, however, idealize Western business ethics. It is no coincidence that Albert A. Carr, who worked as a special adviser to President Truman, likened the business ethic to playing poker. The game encourages not to trust a partner, and cunning deception and the desire to hide one's true strength and intentions are the basis of the game. This concept does not, of course, reflect all the complexity and inconsistency of business ethics, but it has every reason to exist.

Research on business ethics shows that when negotiating, Americans want to make as much money as possible, as quickly as possible, through means such as hard work, speed of action, opportunism and power (primarily money). They show toughness in negotiations, apply brute pressure, but this is only part of the game. At the same time, they refer to negotiations as a process of solving the problem through mutual concessions, taking into account the balance of power. They are consistent when they say "deal" and rarely change their minds.

Romance-speaking and Asian businessmen, unlike the Americans, are reserved in negotiations, making profit is not always the most important thing for them (for the Japanese, for example, it is more important to get new markets), they are in no hurry to reach an agreement, preferring to discuss the details of the deal first. To the question "hands?" answer "maybe".

Businessmen from Northern Europe successfully cooperate with the Americans. Their reputation as honest managers appeals to open and direct Americans who are greatly annoyed by the cunning demeanor of Romanesque and Oriental businessmen.