Can illegal behavior be ethical

Ethics and Law. Morality - rules of right conduct concerning matters of greater importance. Violations of such can bring disturbance to individual conscience and social sanctions.

Law- rules which are enforced by society. Violations may bring a loss of or reduction in freedom and possessions. Although most people don't consider these crimes to be particularly immoral when compared to other offenses, they are crimes nonetheless in the eyes of the law. The acts that are committed may have no victim and may not even be traceable to the person who committed them, but they are crimes. It is important to recognize that not all moral things are legal, but it is also important to recognize that not all immoral things are illegal.

Something may be legal but we may consider it unacceptable. And we may consider something right but it may not be legal. Many companies are facing a public backlash for not paying adequate tax in a number of jurisdictions.

While this may not be an illegal activity, it is considered wrong and we are looking to the law to make sure it does not allow it. In other instances, what has long been an acceptable thing to do may have been made illegal in an effort to change cultural practices that disadvantage or endanger certain groups. In India, seeking, giving or accepting a dowry is now illegal, and child marriage has been outlawed in many jurisdictions.

But throughout history we also have instances where laws that are considered unjust are disobeyed in an effort to change them. This occurred with civil rights activist Rosa Parks and the racial segregation laws in the US. Understanding unethical business practices Unethical behaviour, simply put, is failing to do the right thing. Some more examples of unethical business practices are: Deliberate deception — This could mean taking the credit of someone else's work, 'pulling a sicky', sabotaging the work of someone else, or misrepresenting a product all with the aim of getting a sale.

These actions are seen as unethical by many because it exploits the trust of others in order to better yourself. Violation of conscience — If your boss forces you to do something you know is wrong, they are the ones showing unethical behaviour, and causing you to violate your conscience. Failure to honour commitments — If your boss promises you something and then goes back on that promise, they have acted unethically.

The result of this can be that they have lost your trust and respect, potentially leading to a workforce filled with discontent. Related Articles. Back to Top. Your Email:. Your Message:. Article Title:.