Introduction to entrepreneurship/IENT102/Ethics/Quiz

The questions which follow provide a basic knowledge test of selected concepts covered in this learning pathway: Business ethics.

The questions published at the end of each learning pathway are re-used for the knowledge test for learners interested in earning a digital badge or certificate of participation for the Introduction to entrepreneurship (IENT102) micro-course. Please consult the Certify participation page for more information.

True - false questions

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false:

• Ethics affect how people live their lives and make decisions.
  • True
    • Correct.
  • False
    • Incorrect, revisit the course materials for IENT102.
• The terms ethics and morality are often used interchangeably in the context of this micro-course.
  • True
    • Correct.
  • False
    • No, in the context of this business course, they are used interchangeably. However, philosophers will distinguish between 'ethics' and 'morality'.
• Describing a company as ‘good’ means that they are an ethical company.
  • True
    • No, only partially correct. 'Good' may refer to generating significant profits or shareholder return, but the business may be using unethical practices for revenue generation.
  • False
    • Correct. Well done.
• Business decisions which are ethical are the same as decisions which are legal.
  • True
    • Incorrect, an unethical business practice may still meet some legal requirement, for example, declaring tax on income received, even though the business activities are deemed unethical.
  • False
    • Correct. Well done.

Multiple choice questions

• Indicate which ONE of the following statements about normative ethics is TRUE:
  • Normative ethics is concerned with the application of ethics to specific issues
    • No, this is false. Applied ethics is concerned with the application of ethics to specific issues.
  • Normative ethics is concerned with finding out which actions and/or personal characteristics are considered good or bad
    • Yes, this is correct.
  • The word ‘normative’ means the same as the word ‘normal’
    • No, this statement is false. The word normative comes from ‘norm’, which usually means principle, standard, or rule.
  • Normative ethics is concerned with three main ideas: decision, action, and outcome
    • No, this is false. Normative ethics focuses primarily on two things: action and virtue.
• According to the content of this micro-course, indicate which of the following topics is LEAST likely to appear in a Business Ethics course:
  • The relationship between ethics and the law
    • This is likely to appear in a Business Ethics course.
  • International shipping laws
    • That’s right. This is NOT likely to appear in a Business Ethics course. International business and the application of ethics would probably be covered quite broadly, but the details of shipping laws are not likely to be included.
  • Business ethics and the environment
    • This is likely to appear in a Business Ethics course.
  • Different perspectives within business ethics
    • This is likely to appear in a Business Ethics course. Business ethics can differ from different perspectives (for example, those of the employer, the employee, and society as a whole).
• Indicate which one of the following statements about technology and ethics is FALSE:
  • Technology has many implications for business ethics
    • This statement is true.
  • Some people believe that technology may cause harm in many situations, while others believe technology can contribute to solving many of society’s problems
    • This statement is true. These contrasting views can affect the position that businesses take concerning technology.
  • Ethics around medical technologies can be particularly challenging
    • This statement is true.
  • The Internet has made the link between technology and ethics much simpler
    • This statement is false. The rise of the Internet has resulted in significant ethical issues, including problems with cybercrime, data protection, privacy, and intellectual property.
• Which multi-national corporation bought up Honest Tea in 2011, raising concerns about the future of the tea company’s ethical values?
  • Coca Cola
    • That’s right.
  • Unilever
    • No - look again at the case studies in the Business Ethics pathway of Planning a Business Start-up (IENT102).
  • Nestle
    • No - look again at the case studies in the Business Ethics pathway of Planning a Business Start-up (IENT102).
  • Amazon
    • No - look again at the case studies in the Business Ethics pathway of Planning a Business Start-up (IENT102).