The systematic study of business ethics began in the late 1970s. Since that time, business ethics has moved into the study of how self-interest, personal interests, national interests, and fairness fit together in a business context.This volume examines traditional ethical theories as well as contemporary trends in the study of business ethics. Ethical, economic, and legal concepts are used to help the reader understand business ethics issues. The authors analyze major ethical issues in the corporate environment today -- among them, accountability, affirmative action, comparable worth, conflicts of interest, moral agency, takeovers, employment, pollution, health and safety, sexual harassment, and whistle blowing.

This volume also presents biographical sketches of issue makers and ethicists, sample corporate codes of ethics, lists of print and nonprint resources, and a directory of organizations that address ethical concerns.