The Difference Between Unethical and Unlawful Behavior with the Examples of Both

Notwithstanding the fact that there is a distinctive relationship underlying the unlawful and unethical behavior, in most cases, an unethically perceived aspect is usually taken as illegal (Anstead, 1999). According to Jaunichs (2012) law is a universal, consistent rule that is accepted by people while ethics is what is good and right for the society and individuals and it outlines the nature of responsibilities that people have for one another. In conjunction with Jaunich (2012) article, unethical behaviors in the business refer to the things that are against the ultimate good and responsibility that an individual is defined to do by the society and the aspect of what is right.

An example of unethical practice in business is looking up in personal emails of colleges, making personal phone calls using the employers customer care call box. Therefore, the aspect of using the employers resources for granted for instance spending a business computer data package on personal browsing or making calls using the business call box number is a like stealing from the company. On the other hand, illegal practices are uncouth and dubious acts outlined by the state rules like stealing of property, for instance, if an employee gets away with a companys computer software.

Why I agree or Disagree with Milton Friedmans idea that

While Friedman seems to focus more on economic achievements which he argues that businesses should work in the direction of meeting the required profitability and shareholders standards, I, therefore, disagree with his ideas since social responsibility is mandatory in business. Social responsibility helps in streamlining ethical issues while assisting the people to acknowledge the importance of working with both the shareholders and customers.

According to the logic outlined in Philippians 2:4, as you look out not only for your interests but also for the interests of others, business need to keep the mental attitude of considering not only self-directed benefits but also the benefits that the people attached to the business owners like suppliers and customers (Petry, Mujica, & Vickery, 1996). Therefore, businesses should not only look at making profits but also consider the well-being of the societies and communities that either dwell on their services or work together with them. It is just a concept of higher moral and ethical association which yields significant profit than carrying on a selfish business.

References

Petry, E.S., Mujica, A.E., & Vickery, D.M. (1996). Sources and consequences of workplace pressure: increasing the risk of unethical and illegal business practices. Business &Society Review, 25 (99). Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/ehost/detail?sid=1fc1e6a8-efdd-4a0e-ab67-a0d03c2343e7%40sessionmgr112&vid=6&hid=108&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#db=bth&AN=4050146.

Jaunich, G. J. (2012). Ethics and business decision-making(Doctoral dissertation, The College of St. Scholastica).