Bussniess Ethics: Moral Relativism and Moral Universalism

Business Ethics
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Question 1
Moral relativism states that basic ethical beliefs of different people and societies are different and possibly conflict. Moral universalism claims that some moral standards are universally valid independently of individuals and culture. Between moral relativism and moral universalism, which paradigm do you agree with and why? Give an example to support your thesis. Moral relativists claim that moral values are relative to individual choice or culture, and they are not universally acceptable moral principles applicable to all people. Supporters of moral universalism argue that people of different cultures hold basic ethical principles including moral goodness. Moral universalism is relevant in the globalized world, as there are moral issues that cut across cultures. Even though cultural differences characterize how different people conduct business, there are fundamental core values like justice that are accepted by people. Moral universalism is more objective compared to moral relativism as there are fundamental principles found in different cultures.
Nowadays there are codes of conducts that bind business operating at the global stage, and the moral code is accepted since multilateral bodies support these moral values. For instance, businesses that violate human rights and ignore safety standards receive bad press for violating universal values. This has affected contractors and multinational companies operating in new markets for those employing child labor and people working under harsh conditions. The moral codes guide businesses who have to follow the conventions and statutes regardless of the culture of business owners, by respecting humanity, honesty and justice all part of a moral code. There is unbiased observation of the values to influence how people conduct business and by accepting to be governed by global conventions businesses affirm that there is moral universalismQuestion 2 Explain whether the ethical leaders at your current or at a previous employer act/acted as positive or negative role models in their visible ethical actions? Give an example in your analysis. How are/were ethics communicated in this employment culture? 
Leaders acted in a positive manner when there were ethical actions, and this was visible when dealing with the subordinates. Leaders initiate change and lead by example and the employees notice this. The leader notified the workers when there were changes to be made and provided an opportunity for the employees to contribute positively. Even when faced with an ethical dilemma, ethical leaders consider the implication of their decisions. This includes the impact of choosing alternatives and how this affects the stakeholders. Ethical leaders need to hold onto a set of principles and ethical values for them to be effective and fair when making decisions (Trevino, Hartman, & Brown, 2000).
When there were questions of workplace safety, this was looked into without delay, and this was important to assure the employees that they were valuable to the company. Establishing mutual trust between the management and the employees is one of the aspects improving work relations. Additionally, transparency and accountability is crucial to ethical practice and by supporting ethical conduct. The other employees also had a positive view on the workplace as they are treated with dignity and respect. This is consistent with the need to enhance positive relationships based on honesty, trust integrity, justice, fairness, and respect.

Question 3 In your view, what is the best philosophical approach (capabilities, ethical, economic, corporate citizenship, or utilitarianism) underpinning corporate social responsibility and on what basis?
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) integrates values and business operations, while relying on self-regulation to consider stakeholders’ interests. The CSR is imp...