Chapter 03: Ethics and Social Responsibility
the effectiveness of applying this ethical theory.On the other hand, moral relativism is a belief in time-and-
place ethics, that is, the truth of a moral judgment is relative to the judging person or group. According to a
public relations for the firm and will often stimulate sales of the brand. Nevertheless, the huge growth of
cause-related marketing can lead to consumer cause fatigue. Researchers have found that businesses need to
guard against being perceived as exploiting a cause simply to sell more of a product.
57. Briefly explain the factors that tend to influence ethical decision making and judgments.
Answers will vary. Ethical questions rarely have cut-and-dried answers. Studies show that the following
factors tend to influence ethical decision making and judgments:(1) The extent of ethical problems within an
organization: The healthier the ethical environment, the more likely it is that marketers will take a strong
stand against questionable practices.(2) Top management actions on ethics: Top management can have a
profound influence on the ethical behavior of marketing professionals by performing actions that encourage
ethical behavior or discourage unethical behavior. Setting an example communicates an ethical
philosophy.(3) Potential magnitude of the consequences: The greater the harm, the more likely it is that
marketers will recognize the action as unethical.(4) Social consensus: The greater the degree of agreement
among managerial peers that an action is harmful, the more likely it is that marketers will recognize it as
unethical.(5) Probability of a harmful outcome: Higher probabilities of harmful outcomes mean that
marketers are more likely to realize that the actions are unethical.(6) Length of time between the decision and
the onset of consequences: The shorter the time frame between the action and the onset of negative
consequences, the more likely it is that marketers will perceive a problem as unethical.(7) Number of people
to be affected: The greater the number of persons affected by a negative outcome, the more likely it is that
marketers will recognize the decision as unethical.
58. Define the pyramid of corporate social responsibility and list its components.
Answers will vary. One theorist suggests that total corporate social responsibility has four components:
economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic. The pyramid of corporate social responsibility portrays economic
performance as the foundation for the other three responsibilities. At the same time that it pursues profits
(economic responsibility), however, a business is expected to obey the law (legal responsibility); to do what
is right, just, and fair (ethical responsibilities); and to be a good corporate citizen (philanthropic
responsibility). These four components are distinct but together constitute the whole. Still, if the company
does not make a profit, then the other three responsibilities are moot.
59. List and describe the three levels of ethical development.
Answers will vary. The three levels of ethical development are—preconventional morality, conventional
morality, and postconventional morality.Preconventional morality, the most basic level, is childlike. It is
calculating, self-centered, and even selfish, based on what will be immediately punished or
rewarded.Conventional morality moves from an egocentric viewpoint toward the expectations of society.
Loyalty and obedience to the organization (or society) become paramount.Postconventional morality
represents the morality of a mature adult. At this level, people are less concerned about how others might see
them and more concerned about how they see and judge themselves over the long run.
60. Differentiate between the casuist ethical theory and moral relativism.
Answers will vary. The casuist ethical theory compares a current ethical dilemma with examples of similar
ethical dilemmas and their outcomes. This allows one to determine the severity of the situation and to create