Human Values and Ethics

Meaning, evolution, types, functions of human values, and meaning and types of Ethics along with business ethics

1. Human Values & Ethics - An Introduction Jayanta Kr. Dutta Asst. Prof. Department of Extn . Edn . College of Agriculture, AAU, Jorhat , Assam

2. VALUE means ‘to be of worth’ OR The amount of money that something is worth.

3. Human values are closely related with human life. No human life is possible without values. Human Values are those universal concepts, drivers of action which are found in all cultures, all societies, all times and in all places where human beings barely exist their lives.

4. MEANING AND DEFINITION OF HUMAN VA LUES  Human values are th e virtues that guide us to consider the human element when one interacts with other human beings . They are our strong positive feelings for the human essence of the other.

5. A VALUE is defined as a principle that promotes well-being or prevents harm . Values are generally regarded as the moral standards of human behaviors in the society .

6. Some examples of Human values are :  Brotherhood, friendship, empathy, compassion, love.  Openness, listening, welcoming, acceptance, recognition, appreciation.  Honesty, fairness, loyalty, solidarity.  Civility, respect, consideration. 

7. Evolution of Human Values 1)The emotions developed or modified by one’s own awareness, choice, and judgment in fulfilling the needs. 2)The teachings and practice of Preceptors (Gurus) of Religious Leaders

8. Evolution of Human Values 3) Fostered or modified by social leaders, rulers of kingdom and by Law (Government)

9. TYPES OF VALUES  The five human values, which can be found in all cultures, all societies and in all religions, are Truth ( sathya ) Right Conduct (dharma) Love ( prema ) Peace ( shanti ) Non- Violence (ahimsa)

10. TYPES OF HUMAN VALUES AND THEIR SUB VALUES Truth Right C o nduct Love Peace Non- Vi o l e nce Truthfulness Manners Kindness Patience Consideration Creativity Health a w are n e ss Friendship Concentration Cooperation Honesty Helpfulness Forgiveness Positiveness Loyalty Determination Responsibility Generosity Self Acc e p ta n ce Justice Fairness Independence Compassion Self Discipline Respect Trust Perseverance Tolerance Thankfulness Active Citizenship Reflection Courage Service Contentment

11. Values may be broadly categorized into two – ( i ) Intrinsic value and (ii) Extrinsic value.

12. Intrinsic values are those values which are inherently rewarding Example : Creativity, social justice and connection with nature

13. Extrinsic values are centered on external approval or rewards. Example : Wealth, social status, self image, personal security.

14. The main functions of values are: Values play an important role in the integration and fulfillment of man’s basic impulses and desires in a stable and consistent manner appropriate for his living. 2. They are generic experiences in social action made up of both individual and social responses and attitudes. 3. They build up societies, integrate social relations

15. The main functions of values are: 4. They mould the ideal dimensions of personality and range and depth of culture. 5. They influence peoples’ behaviour and serve as criteria for evaluating the actions of others. 6. They have a great role to play in the conduct of social life. 7. They help in creating norms to guide day-to-day behaviour .

16. ETHICS : MEANING AND DEFINITION  The term ethics is derived from the Greek word etho s which can mean customs, habits, character or dispositions . At its simplest, ethics is a system of moral principles . They affect how people make decisions and lead their lives. 

17. Reasons for studying Ethics to know the people's beliefs, values, and morals,  learn the good and bad,  Practice them to maximize well-being and happiness, 

18. Three major areas of study within ethics 1. Meta-ethics , concerning the theoretical meaning and reference of moral propositions , and how their truth values (if any) can be determined.

19. Three major areas of study within ethics 2. Normative ethics , concerning the practical means of determining a moral course of action.

20. Three major areas of study within ethics 3. Applied ethics , concerning what a person is obligated (or permitted) to do in a specific situation or a particular domain of action.

21. Sources of ethics Genetic Inheritance 2) Religion 3) Philosophical system 4) Code of conduct 5) The legal system 6) Cultural experience

22. Morals are the welfare principles enunciated by the wise people , based on their experience and wisdom. They were changed or modified to suit the geography of the region , and in accordance with the development of knowledge in science and technology and with time.

23. Morality is concerned with principles and practices of morals such as: (a) What ought or ought not to be done in a given situation? (b) What is right or wrong about the handling of a situation? (c) What is good or bad about the people, policies, and ideals involved? 

24. Difference between Morality and Ethics  Morality 1. More general prescriptive based on customs and traditions. 2. More concerned with the results of wrong action, when done . Ethics Specific and descriptive. It is a critical reflection on morals 2. More concerned with the results of right action, when not done.

25. Difference between Morality and Ethics  Morality 3.Thrust is on judgment and punishment , in the name of God or by laws. 4. In case of conflict between the two, Morality is given top priority, because the damage is more. It is more common and basic Ethics 3. Thrust is on influence, education, training through codes, guidelines, and correction. 4. Less serious, hence 2 nd priority only. Less common. But relevant today, because of complex interactions in the modern society

26. Business Ethics 

27. MEANING AND DEFINITION A truly successful business can be built up only if the objective of service to community is constantly kept in view . Then, profit will come automatically. Therefore, business ethics has a great importance to business. 

28. Business ethics refers to the moral principles which are considered right by the society , and so; should govern and guide the activities of a business. They are the moral principles and rules of conduct which should guide the activities of a business. 

29. APPLICATION OF ETHICS TO BUSINESS The Council for Fair Business Practices (CFBP) established in 1966, by the leading private sector industrialists in western India, has given some ethical principles applicable to business :

30. 1. To charge only fair and reasonable price and take every possible step to ensure that the prices to be charged to the consumer are brought to his notice.  2. To take every possible step to ensure that the agents or dealers do not charge prices higher than fixed. 3. In times of scarcity, not to withhold or suppress stocks of goods with a view to earn profit.

31. 4. Not to produce or trade in spurious goods of standards lower than specified. 5. Not to adulterate goods supplied.  6. Not to publish misleading advertisements. 7. To invoice goods exported or imported at their correct prices.

32. 8. To maintain accuracy in weights and measures of goods offered for sale. 9. Not to deal knowingly in smuggled goods. 10. Providing after-sales service where necessary or possible.

33. 11. Honoring the fundamental rights of the consumers l ike, Right of safety, Right to choose, Right to information and Right to be heard. 12. Discharging social responsibilities and the responsibility to protect the environment and nature's infrastructure.  

34. 13. Ensuring that the product warranty is offered in simple, unambiguous and concise language, highlighting the rights of consumer under it. 

35. SALES AND MARKETING  Ethics in marketing deals with the principles, values and / or ideals by which marketers (and marketing institutions) should act. Ethical marketing issues include: 

36.  Marketing redundant (outdated) or dangerous products / services.  Pricing practices such as price fixing and legal actions including price discrimination and price skimming. Transparency about environmental risks. 

37. Transparency about product ingredients such as genetically modified products. Objectionable advertising such as attack ads, mind influencing messages, marketing in schools etc. 

38. Possible health risks, financial risks, security risks, etc.  Respect for consumer privacy and autonomy.