Problem
i. Is the action illegal? Does the action violate any laws? Obeying the law is in your best interest and the best interest of your business. Provide reliable research that supports your answer.
ii. Does the action violate company or professional standards? Public laws often set only minimum standards of behavior. Many businesses and professions set even higher standards of behavior. Thus, an action may be legal, yet still violate standards of the business or profession. Violating these standards may affect your job security or any professional certification you may hold.
iii. Who is affected, and how, by the action? If an action is legal and complies with business and professional standards, you must rely on your principles of right and wrong to determine if the action is ethical. Determining how the action affects individuals and groups-including business employees and owners, customers, the local community, and society-will help you decide if an action is ethical.