Beau said to a close friend, "I am fed up with my company's continual disregard for the environment. They secretly dispose of hazardous chemicals into a nearby stream constantly. I don't know how they get away with it! I am going to call a reporter at the local newspaper and reveal what my company is doing." Beau's decision to tell somebody about his company's actions is an example of

Multiple Choice

moral courage.

violating a code of ethics.

backstabbing his manager.

being guided by the invisible hand.

whistle-blowing.

Ethics is the study of moral human behavior. Ethical behavior usually varies with different areas. What is considered ethical is always subject to the cultural standards of that particular place. In a company environment, there are ethical standards that are supposed to be met on the part of the company and also individuals working in the company.

One major ethical standard that companies must maintain is environmental protection. This is more prevalent in manufacturing companies that have to release toxic waste to the environment in the form of fumes to the atmosphere or liquid waste to rivers and water bodies. The environment is used by all living beings and therefor it needs to be protected. Ethical standards dictate that industrial waste should be kept below toxic levels before being released into the environment.

It is also ethical for any individual working in a company and has information about unethical practices of a company to publicly expose the company so that they can be held accountable for their actions. This is referred to as whistle blowing. Beau's decision to inform a newspaper reporter about the actions of the company in destroying the environment is an example of whistle blowing. Her decision is a typical example of ethical behavior.