The core of this text comprises chapters on all the key issues of business in Canada today. Each chapter includes a hypothetical case study and an introduction highlighting key ethical points; two academic essays; and a real-life case study. Questions for discussion accompany the essays and case studies. The author has also included a general introduction to ethical issues and an overview of ethical theory; a section on institutionalizing ethics (discussing ethics officers/programs/codes etc.); and appendices providing excerpts from important classic contributions to ethical theory and from relevant Canadian law.

Comments:

"Ethical Issues in Business is a comprehensive package of articles, cases, and background discussion that provides an outstanding introduction to the subject for Canadian students. The text breathes fresh air into the study of business ethics; Tittle's breezy, user-friendly style puts the lie to the impression that a business ethics text has to be boring." - Paul Viminitz, University of Lethbridge

Peg Tittle is a Professor of Philosophy at Nipissing University in Ontario.

Table of Contents: [Back to Top]

Thanks

About the Author

Note to Reader

Section I - Introduction to Ethics in Business

Making Ethical Decisions
The Role of Ethics in Business
A Few Words about Terminology
How to Think about Ethics
How to Discuss Ethics
Closing Comments
References and Further Reading

Section II - Introduction to Ethical Theory

Introductory Note
Egoism
Utilitarianism
Kantian Ethics
Virtue Ethics
Feminist Ethics
Naturalistic Theories
Intuitionism
Rights Theories
Justice Theories
Religionism
Relativism
Closing Note
References and Further Reading

Section III - Ethical Issues in Business

Chapter 2 – Advertising
What to Do? - AdNet
Introduction
The Inconclusive Ethical Case Against Manipulative Advertising - Michael J. Phillips
The AIDS Crisis: Unethical Marketing Leads to Negligent Homicide - Franklin B. Krohn and Laura M. Milner
Case Study - Youth News Network (YNN)

Chapter 3 - Product Safety
What to Do? - Back to Basics
Introduction
On the Ethics of the Use of Animals in Science - Dale Jamieson and Tom Regan
Nuclear Power—Some Ethical and Social Dimensions - Richard and Val Routly
Case Study - DINP in PVC Teethers

Chapter 4 - Employee Rights
What to Do? - Caregivers’ Overload
Introduction
Ethical Outsourcing in UK Financial Services: Employee Rights - Mike J. Henderson
The Discourse of Control - Stephen Maguire
Case Study - The Westray Mine Disaster

Chapter 5 - Discrimination
What to Do? - Woodworking at the Education Centre
Introduction
Affirmative Action and Employment Equity in Canada - Susan Dimock and Christopher Tucker
Is Mandatory Retirement Unfair Age Discrimination? - Gary A. Wedeking
Case Study - Safeway’s Jewelry Policy

Chapter 6 - Management/Union Matters
What to Do? - The Grievance
Introduction
Public Employees’ Right to Strike - Mary Gibson
Ethics in Negotiation: Oil and Water or Good Lubrication? - H. Joseph Reitz, James A. Wall Jr., and Mary Sue Love
Case Study - The McDonald’s Union

Chapter 7 - Profit
What to Do? - No Limits, Ltd.
Introduction
Economic Efficiency and the Quality of Life - Rockney Jacobsen
Are Profits Deserved? - Grant A. Brown
Case Study - Tembec: Losses to Profits

Chapter 8 - Canadian Issues
What to Do? - Canadian Natural Resources, Inc.
Introduction
Sustainability and Historical Injustice: Lessons from the Moose River Basin - Wesley Cragg and Mark Schwartz
Business Ethics and National Identity in Quebec: Distinctiveness and Directions - Jean Pasquero
Case Study - Hockey: A Disappearing Canadian Cultural Icon

Chapter 9 - International Business
What to Do? - The Processing Fee
Introduction
Ethics and Multinational Corporation vis-à-vis Developing Nations - James R. Simpson
Business Ethics and the International Trade in Hazardous Wastes - Jang B. Singh and V.C. Lakhan
Case Study - Microcredit: The Case of Calmeadow

Chapter 10 - Business and the Environment
What to Do? - Surprise Toxins
Introduction
Corporate Responsibility - Wayne Stewart and Peter Dickey
If a Tree Falls... - John Palmer, Eugene Tan, and Kent A. Peacock
Case Study - Ballard Power Systems: Zero Emission Vehicles

Chapter 11 - The Medical Business
What to Do? - The Fetal Tissue Transplant Business
Introduction
Ethics, Pricing and the Pharmaceutical Industry - Richard A. Spinello
The Morality of Human Gene Patents - David B. Resnik
Case Study - The St. Michael’s-Wellesley Hospital Merger

Section IV - Institutionalizing Ethics

Introductory Note
Ethics Offices / Officers / Committees
Ethics Programs
Codes of Ethics
Ethics Consultants
Ethics Audits
Closing Note

Appendix: I - Excerpts from ‘The Originals’ (Ethical Theories)

Appendix II – Relevant Canadian Law and Landmark Cases

Notes on the Contributors