Glossary

Ethics
Beliefs about what is right and wrong, what is good or bad, in actions that affects others

Ethical behaviors
Behavior conforming to generally accepted social norms concerning beneficial and harmful actions

Business Ethics
Ethical or unethical behaviors by a manager or employer of an organization

Social Responsibility
The attempt of a business to balance its commitments to groups and individuals in its environment, including customers, employees, investors, another corporations, etc

Whistle blower
Employee who detects and tries to put an end to a company’s unethical, illegal, or socially irresponsible actions by publicizing them

Obstructionist stance
Approach to social responsibility that involves doing as little as possible and may involve attempts to deny or cover up violations

Defensive stance
Approach to social responsibility by which a company meets only minimum legal requirements in its commitments to groups and individuals in its social environment

Accommodative stance
Approach to social responsibility by which a company, if specially asked to do so, exceeds legal minimums in its commitments to groups and individuals in its social environment

Proactive stance
Approach to social responsibility by which a company actively seeks opportunities to contribute to the well-being of groups and individual in its social environment