Business Ethics vs Social Responsibility: Difference and Comparison

Many factors lead to a business’s success, and business ethics and social responsibility are some of those factors if led and appropriately followed.

Key Takeaways

  1. Business ethics are the moral principles that guide the behavior of individuals and organizations in the business world. At the same time, social responsibility refers to a company’s obligation to contribute to the well-being of society.
  2. Business ethics focuses on honesty, fairness, and respect, while social responsibility involves charitable giving, environmental protection, and ethical sourcing.
  3. Business ethics are primarily concerned with the behavior of individuals within a company, while social responsibility extends to the company’s impact on society as a whole.

Business Ethics vs. Social Responsibility

Business Ethics is used in a business sense impacting companies with an aim to profit employees and the company; while social responsibility is used in a general sense impacting the society aiming to benefit it. Business Ethics is more obligatory in nature than Social Responsibility.

Business Ethics vs Social Responsibility

Business ethics include following the proper behavior that benefits the employees of the company as well as the shareholders, stakeholders, customers, etc.

Social responsibility refers to doing business keeping the benefits of their communities in mind. There are a set of duties and norms in a society that is acceptable, and a company should always follow them.

Comparison Table

Parameters of comparison Business Ethics Social Responsibility  
Definition Business ethics include what a business needs to follow to profit its employees and stakeholders harmlessly. Social responsibility ensures all societal norms are adequately followed while building a business.  
Aim To profit the employees and company. To benefit society. 
Nature They are used in a business sense. They are used in a general sense. 
Involves  Involves corporate and companies Involves society or individual 
What is it about? Business ethics is about knowing what is good or bad for the company and its employees. Social responsibility is about seeing and keeping the morals of a society and environmental targets in mind. 
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What is Business Ethics?

Every business has a set of rules the employees have to follow, including business ethics. Business ethics include policies and regulations regarding subjects such as discrimination, bribery, responsibilities as an employee, etc.

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Ethics means moral character and discipline. The word ‘Ethics’ comes Greek word ‘ethos.’ It means knowing the difference between what is the right thing to do and what is wrong.

A business should be led by keeping the profit of its employees, stakeholders, and everyone related to it, but also, it should be shown to support its customers in mind. Giving customers honest and good service comes under business ethics.

business ethics

What is Social Responsibility?

Social responsibility means the behavior expected from a man in the workplace. An employee’s conduct should always be according to social and community norms.

A business is not supposed to make a profit jeopardizing the community around it. It should be built keeping the people and surroundings in mind. This is the primary meaning of social responsibility.

To ensure a company’s profit and success, business ethics and social responsibility go hand in hand. If a business is being built on being honest and ethical as well as keeping social responsibilities in mind, it tends to be more successful and loved by people around.

social responsibility

Main Differences Between Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

  1. Business ethics are for a company and its employees, while social responsibility is for everyone in a community.
  2. Business ethics benefits a company, while social responsibility benefits everyone and businesses.
Difference Between Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
References
  1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=jwQB_XWs0TkC&oi=fnd&pg=PR11&dq=business+ethics&ots=2ZDixyfWh5&sig=9YIa-JgUTSZWTAuaX8zpoc5B8zs
  2. https://journals.aom.org/doi/abs/10.5465/AMLE.2006.22697016
  3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0148296318303588
  4. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/02621710010308135/full/html
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Chara Yadav
Chara Yadav

Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.

10 Comments

  1. Business ethics and social responsibility are core components of a successful business. Both serve as guides for a sustainable business operation.

  2. Business ethics and social responsibility are intertwined in the pursuit of sustainable business practices. The article provides valuable insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.

  3. The article effectively articulates the relationship between business ethics and social responsibility, offering profound insights for businesses striving for ethical and responsible conduct.

  4. The definition and detailed comparison of business ethics and social responsibility serve as a valuable resource for companies seeking to establish ethical guidelines.

  5. The emphasis on the distinction between business ethics and social responsibility is a key aspect of this article. It is essential for businesses to understand both factors.

  6. The concept of ethics and social responsibility is succinctly explicated in this article. It serves as a robust reference for understanding the ethical considerations in business operations.

  7. Business ethics and social responsibility have significant implications for the long-term success of any business. It’s imperative to integrate these principles into the corporate structure.

  8. This is a thorough comparison of business ethics and social responsibility. Companies should use this as a framework.

  9. The comparison table offers a clear overview of the differences between business ethics and social responsibility. This is indispensable for businesses looking to establish ethical practices.

  10. The article effectively conveys the importance of aligning business ethics and social responsibility. This comprehensive understanding is beneficial for fostering an ethical and socially responsible environment in business.

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