Unit 2_ Understanding Ethics Vocab Flashcards
Accountability
The condition of having to answer for or be liable for your actions; accepting responsibility for your decisions
Administrative law
Laws pertaining to the actions of government agencies that grant them certain powers, provide guidelines for the regulations they create, and define the relationships they have with other governmental bodies
Bias
An inclination to have a certain perspective in favor of or against a person, group of people, or thing; prejudice
Civil law
Laws that deal with rights and duties of private entities and disputes between them
Code of Conduct
A set of rules and standards that govern the expected practices, decisions, procedures, and systems within an organization
Common law
Laws created by court decisions rather than through written legislation
Compassion
A deep awareness of someone else’s needs and a desire to help meet those needs
Confidentiality
The practice of keeping information secret or private
Conflict of interest
A situation in which it is impossible to be truly impartial
Consequence
The result of an action
Consistency
Reliably producing similar results
Criminal law
Laws that deal with crime and the legal punishment of criminal offenses
Dependability
Reliability; doing what you say you will do
Dignity
Treating others as if they are worthy of your respect and honor; a high degree of calmness and self-possession
Equality
Treating everyone consistently regardless of individual characteristics, traits, and circumstances
Ethical principles
Standards that govern behavior; not dependent on circumstance
Fairness
The ability to make judgments without favoritism or self-interest; engaging in fair competition and creating equal relationships
Federal law
Laws created by the national government
Formal education
The amount of learning a person has acquired in the classroom
Goal
An objective or want that you plan to fulfill; a statement that clearly describes a task to be accomplished
Honesty
Truthfulness
Impartial
Not affected by personal bias or prejudice
Informal education
Knowledge acquired through life experiences
Insubordination
Defiance of authority
International law
Laws created and enforced by organizations such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court that deal with agreements between nations and globally accepted standards for behavior
Jurisdiction
The authority to decide how the law applies and to enforce the law
Justice
Treating others how they deserve to be treated based on an ethical understanding of what is right; keeping people’s unique needs in mind when determining what is fair
Law
Rules enforced by the government of a country or community that, if violated, result in penalties
Letter of the law
The literal meaning of a law, as it is written, word for word
Lifestyle
The way in which people lead their daily lives; determined by their attitudes, interests, and activities
Local laws
Laws created by the legislators in cities, towns, counties, and villages, rather than by international, federal, or state lawmakers
Loyalty
Faithfulness and devotion to a person, ideal, or company
Mental ability
An individual’s ability to learn and think
Mission statement
A brief summary of what a business owner wants their business to be doing
Morals
Principles for distinguishing between right and wrong
Nonverbal communication
Communication that uses body language instead of words or to support words
Personal responsibility
Taking ownership of your behavior and the consequences of your behavior
Personality
An individual’s qualities, or traits, and behavior
Prejudice
Generalized, set assumptions about people or things that are turned against an individual person; judgments or opinions that are not based on fact or experience
Regulations
Standards and rules that dictate how laws will be enforced
Reputation
General belief or opinion others have about a person or business
Respect
Regard or esteem; honoring the rights, freedoms, views, and property of others
Responsible behavior
Words and actions associated with fulfilling one’s obligations in a dependable, reliable manner
Rule
An explicit or understood regulation or principle governing conduct within a particular activity or sphere
Rule of law
Philosophically, the principle that explains that laws, rather than individuals or governments, should govern society because the law exists to serve, represent the interests of, and protect the rights of all people, rather than just those in power; in layman’s terms, complying with rules and regulations
Social responsibility
Taking other people’s needs, interests, and feelings into account and acting accordingly
Spirit of the law
The intent of the law; the social and moral consensus of how to interpret the law
State law
Laws created by each state’s legislators
Tact
The ability to do or to say the right thing in any circumstances
Trust
The ability to rely on the character, integrity, or truthfulness of something or someone
Values
The principles by which you live; the ideas, morals, and characteristics that are the most important to you (e.g., kindness and commitment to family)
Viability
The long-term value of your choices and actions
