Business Ethics Flashcards

A diversity executive learns that a senior leader has been steering promotions toward members of his own social circle. Which ethical principle is most directly violated?

Answer: Procedural justice in decision-making

Procedural justice requires fair, consistent, and transparent processes for allocating opportunities such as promotions.

Which ethical framework judges an action primarily by whether it produces the greatest good for the greatest number of stakeholders?

Answer: Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism evaluates actions based on their consequences and overall net benefit.

An organization publicly promotes its DEI commitment but has no measurable goals, budget, or accountability. This gap is best described as:

Answer: Performative allyship or 'diversity washing'

Diversity washing occurs when public DEI claims are not backed by substantive action or accountability.

Under U.S. law, which agency enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act?

Answer: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The EEOC enforces Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, and related federal anti-discrimination laws.

Which approach best protects employees who report ethical concerns about discriminatory practices?

Answer: A confidential reporting channel with an explicit anti-retaliation policy

Confidential channels combined with enforced anti-retaliation policies encourage reporting and protect whistleblowers.

Deontological ethics would most likely argue that discriminatory hiring is wrong because:

Answer: It violates a moral duty to treat people with equal respect

Deontology holds that certain actions are inherently right or wrong based on duties, regardless of consequences.

A company pays women 15% less than men in identical roles but claims it is 'market rate.' The most ethically and legally relevant U.S. law is:

Answer: The Equal Pay Act of 1963

The Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for substantially equal work regardless of sex, and prior-market justifications face scrutiny.