Introduction
Companies seek competitiveness and higher profit generation every year; this has caused significant diversion from ethical codes that have long stood to lift them. Due to their dominance in the global business, it has been difficult for governments across the world to have complete control of their activities. Business ethics is very essential in ensuring a prolonged growth of businesses. Other factors that have affected growth of businesses include their intersections with governments and roles in the society. This paper will provide a connection between theories, ideas as well as themes studied in business law to their applications (Shaw, 1996, p. 489-500).
Business Ethics
The module started with an in depth view of business ethics that are practiced in the world today, especially in large firms. Several changes have been noted in business ethics throughout the world as companies scramble for customers. Meanwhile the dominant forces in business such as Coca-Cola and Nike, among other enjoy their comfort as they become uncontrollable forces to governments. Moreover, global economy has led to ethical excesses by companies as they strive to be profitable and in the process becoming more self centered and less focused on customer satisfaction. Many businesses have opted for short term profits without noticing and this erodes business ethics as they tend to ignore many important attributes like customer satisfaction, corporate missions as well as government regulations. Businesses have laws enshrined in their constitutions to ensure that business ethics are followed for prolonged growth (Shaw, 1996, p. 489-500).
Constitution
For businesses to succeed in their quest for competitiveness, long lasting growth along with sustainability, they need to follow corporate missions to the very end. This would enhance customer relations as these are the targets of corporate missions. From the module, we lean that Governments have the sole responsibility of enforcing ethical codes on companies, to create a working environment that is conducive to customers, staff and other competitors. This would help customers have informed opinions when doing business dealings. This also helps governments to shun self seeking ethics that may deplore their economies (Cross & Miller, 2008, p. 23).
In United States, Federal government is empowered in the constitution thorough the commerce clause to regulate every business activity which spans outside the United States. This has placed most of businesses in the United States under federal watch. Rarely do contemporary businesses trade within the borders of their country given improvements in technology that have brought web services (Cross & Miller, 2008, p. 23).
Bill of rights and Administrative state
Businesses are also influenced by bill of rights, beginning with the first commandment, which restricts customer’s relation with businesses. Freedom of speech gives customers the ability to rate businesses based on their performances and product quality. However, this has sometimes caused unfair ratings on some companies. Even though it has limitations, its advantages are overwhelming, for instance it creates a fair ground for businesses (Cross & Miller, 2008, p. 23).
The way companies treat employees is very important, and if not regulated, can lead to bad working conditions. Bill of rights ensures this through case laws that regulate workplace activities. This creates a wonderful workplace for employees in the United States as they work under the watchful eye of the government. This also gives employees a sense of belonging and protection against ethical excesses that may be practiced by some businesses to generate more profits. Discrimination, harassments and safety among others, are well guarded in the constitution (Cross & Miller, 2008, p. 23).
Lastly, the module on powers of administrative state provides information on how these powers affect American’s lives. The authorities work to regulate workplace and corporations to ensure enhanced benefits across the country to companies as well as workers. They do this through the administrative procedures act, which provides the architecture of regulatory state. This creates a fair interaction between companies and workers (Shaw, 1996, p. 489-500).
Conclusion
The government offers significant control on business practices and this is essential in protecting the companies, workers along with customers. These regulations range from workplace to e-commerce and has helped build confidence and business ethics. However, there is room for improvement for both companies and governments in safeguarding codes of ethics from self seeking, greedy businesses. This study helps promote confidence on working conditions in businesses that practice in the United States (Cross & Miller, 2008, p. 23).
Reference List
Cross, F.B., & Miller, R.L. (2008). The legal environment of business: Text and cases – ethical, regulatory, global, and e-commerce issues. (7th ed.). West: Cincinnati.
Shaw, H.W. (1996). Business Ethics Today: A Survey. Journal of Business Ethics. Vol. 15, No. 5, p. 489-500. Web.