Ethics and Ethical Behavior

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the four philosophical viewpoints that underpin an understanding of what constitutes ethical behaviour. It then covers the methods that an organisation can use to promote and maintain high ethical standards within a business environment.
Ethics can be seen as a set of principles that govern what is considered 'right' and 'wrong' in regards to ones conduct (Schermerhorn et al, 2004.) Therefore ethical behaviour is that which is considered 'right' in a moral sense. There are four philosophical viewpoints that underpin an interpretation of ethics and ethical behaviour.
The utilitarian view was formulated in 1781 by Jeremy Bentham, and later elaborated on by the philosopher John Stuart Mill (Wikipedia, 2005.)…