Final answer:
The correct statement about ethics and business is that most executives surveyed view commercial bribery as unethical. Market forces, like maintaining reputation and addressing labor shortages, can provide businesses with incentives to act ethically and avoid discriminatory practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about ethics and business that is true is: A. Two-thirds of executives surveyed about their attitude toward commercial bribery said they considered bribes unethical and would never use them as a sales tactic. This reflects a general attitude in the business community that ethical conduct is essential for sustainable operations and maintaining trust with stakeholders. Written ethical policies often provide guidance and clarity for employees, helping them to navigate complex situations without resorting to dishonest practices such as bribes and kickbacks.
Regarding market forces that might give a business incentive to act in a less discriminatory fashion, they include:
- Business reputation and customer base: A flower delivery business with a diverse customer base would benefit from not discriminating to maintain a positive reputation and keep all customers satisfied.
- Labor shortages: An assembly line with a shortage of qualified workers would be incentivized to hire the best candidates regardless of gender to maintain productivity.
- Legal and social consequences: A firm offering home health care services risks legal action and deteriorating brand reputation by practicing wage discrimination, thus creating an incentive to offer equal pay for equal work.
These examples demonstrate how market forces and societal expectations can deter discriminatory practices and promote ethical behavior in businesses.