Grade 11: Professionalism and Ethics

Introduction
Task
You are required to know the following:

  1. Define ethical and professional behaviour.

  2. Differentiate/Distinguish/Tabulate the differences between professionalism and ethics.

  3. Outline /Mention/Explain the principles of professionalism and ethics.

  4. Differentiate/Distinguish between good and bad decisions and give practical examples of each

  5. Briefly explain the following theories of ethics that are applicable to the workplace:

  • Consequential theory

  • The common good approach

  • The rights approach

Process

  •  Define ETHICAL and PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR

 

  • Refers to acting in ways consistent with what society and individuals think are good values.

  • Ethical behaviour is expected from every employee in the business. 

  • It means that the highest legal and moral standards are upheld when dealing with stakeholders.

 

  • Professionalism refers to the competent and skilful behaviour expected of a professional person. 

  • It includes taking pride in your actions and never compromising your standards. 

  • Professionalism is an attitude towards what you do and towards the people around you.

  • Differentiate/Tabulate/Distinguish the DIFFERENCES between PROFESSIONALISM and ETHICS.

PROFESSIONALISM

ETHICS
Refers to what is right / wrong / acceptable in a business. Refers to the principles of right and wrong/acceptable in society.
Set of standards of expected behaviour. Conforms to a set of values that are morally acceptable
Applying a code of conduct of a profession or business Forms part of a code of conduct to guide employees to act ethically
Focuses on developing a moral compass for decision making Focuses on upholding the reputation of a business/profession.
Includes guidelines on employees’ appearance / communication / attitude / responsibility, etc Involves following the principles of right and wrong in business practices

  • Outline/Mention/Explain the PRINCIPLES of PROFESSIONALISM and ETHICS.

  1. COMPETENCY -  Employees apply their knowledge and skills in the interests of society and the environment.
  2. INTEGRITY - Employees work with integrity, honesty and according to the law and generally-accepted norms of professional conduct.
  3. RESPECT - Employees respect the dignity and rights of others and the image of the profession or business.
  4. OBJECTIVITY - Employees remain objective and act in a way that is fair and just to all without any bias or favour.
  5. CONFIDENTIALITY - Employees do not divulge any details of the business or clients to others or use confidential information for their own benefit.
  6. TRANSPARENCY - Pay heed to transparency and full disclosure.
  7. AVOID SELF-INTEREST - Avoid conflict of interest.
  8. COMMITMENT - Employees respect the dignity and rights of others and the image of the profession or business.
  9. CARING - Practise social responsibility.
  10. ENVIRONMENT-RESPONSIBILITY - Look after the environment.

  • Briefly explain the following THEORIES OF ETHICS that are applicable to the workplace.

CONSEQUENTIALIST THEORY
  • Consequentialist theory tries to answer the ethical questions about right or wrong and how we arrive at this answer.
  • Consequentialist theory determines whether to do or not do something based on the expected result of the action. 
  • If the expected result is good then it's ethically right to do, if it's bad then it is wrong.
THE COMMON GOOD APPROACH
  • Ensures that business values and ethical principles are in line with the society in which the business operates. 
  • Recognises that ethics and values vary from area to area and from country to country.
THE RIGHTS APPROACH
  • The focus is on individual rights where people are treated with respect and dignity.
  • No person should be ill-treated.
  • Business does not impose its mission or products on people.

Code of Ethics Fundamental Principles - Professional Behaviour - YouTube

  • Differentiate/Distinguish between GOOD and BAD DECISIONS and give PRACTICAL EXAMPLES of each.

GOOD DECISIONS

BAD DECISIONS
  • Often these right decisions made with thought, sufficient information and by following ethical principles.
  • It is often best to follow your instinct once you have all the facts.
  • These are often the result of spur of the moment decisions, without having all the facts available or checking if they are complete and correct.
  • The opinions are other stakeholders are not taken into account.
  • The consequences and ethics are not considered.

Good Choice, Bad Decision - YouTube

Evaluation
Read the scenario below and answer the questions that follow.

                                                                                 NTUTHU FINANCIAL SERVICES (NFS)

NFS is a newly registered microlending business. The company has developed a code of ethics to comply with the law. NFS must pay tax, they must pay employees reasonable wages and all employees must receive equal opportunities.   
  1. Quote FOUR examples of ethical business practices from the scenario above.
  2. Explain the meaning of code of ethics.
  3. Define professionalism.
  4. Describe what is meant by perspectives on ethics.
  5. Discuss different perspectives on ethics.
  6. Recommend ways in which professional, responsible, ethical and effective business practice should be conducted.
  7. Why are business ethics becoming more important to businesses today?
  8. Differentiate between GOOD and BAD DECISIONS and give PRACTICAL EXAMPLES of each.
  9. Name five principles of good business ethics and professionalism that you think you would apply in a business that develops housing.
  10. What is the main aim of most businesses, and how does this cause problems for business ethics?
Conclusion

Keep in mind that ethical entrepreneur pursue ethical business ventures in return:

  • They build a good reputation,
  • This helps them create loyal customers,
  • Keep staff morale high,
  • And boost investor confidence.

Professionalism in the Workplace - YouTube

This lesson covered the Gr 11 content as stipulated in the Gr 11 Examination Guidelines. Understanding the content should enable you to apply the knowledge and skills required to successfully answers questions based on the curriculum in all Formal Assessment Tasks. You should be able to use the knowledge and skills acquired as a sound foundation for a similar topic covered in Grade 12.

Credits
  • Via Afrika Business Studies Grade: 11 Learner's Book. 
  • WCED E-Portal: 2020 Business Studies Gr 11

                        https://wcedeportal.co.za/   

  • Solutions for a Business Studies Grade: 11 Learner's Book.
  • Focus Business Studies Grade: 11 Learner's Book.
  • Platinum Business Studies Grade: 11 Learner's Book Oxford.
  • Successful Business Studies Grade: 11 Learner's Book.
Teacher Page
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