Lesson 3: Ethical Issues

Ethical Issues


Ethics is the study of moral behaviour (that is, actions that are morally right).


In ethics, social behaviour is examined from the standpoint of what is best for society. This section explores ethical challenges in business with respect to interpersonal interactions and how company policies and protocols can influence ethical decision-making.

Interpersonal interactions include any communications between people, whether verbal or non-verbal. Business involves interactions among employees, customers, business associates, and competitors. However, are these interactions always ethical?





Laws protect people against employment discrimination, harassment, and pay inequity, topics addressed by the Canadian Human Rights Commission and corresponding provincial legislation.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission administers both the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Employment Equity Act.

The Commission ensures that the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination are followed in all areas of federal jurisdiction. Each province has similar legislation. In Alberta, that legislation is the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Click the various interactions of a business to review some ethical challenges in each area. This information is also located under these headings in this lesson.