“Business Ethics” is the critical, structured examination of how people & institutions should behave in the world of commerce. In particular, it involves examining appropriate constraints on the pursuit of self-interest, or (for firms) profits, when the actions of individuals or firms affects others.
Here are some key books in the area of Business Ethics (including corporate ethics, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, etc.):
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The Oxford Handbook of Business Ethics, George Brenkert and Tom Beauchamp, eds. A wonderful anthology. I co-wrote the chapter on Conflict of Interest. |
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Business Ethics: Decision-Making for Personal Integrity & Social Responsibility, by Laura Hartman and Joseph DesJardins |
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Ethics and the Conduct of Business (6th edn.) by John R. Boatright |
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The Market for Virtue: The Potential and Limits of Corporate Responsibility by David Vogel |
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Perspectives in Business Ethics (3rd edn.), by Laura Hartman |
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The Blackwell Guide to Business Ethics, by Norman E. Bowie (Editor) |
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Eighty Exemplary Ethics Statements, by Patrick E. Murphy, ed. |
See also this free online Glossary of Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations.
The EthicsWeb Bookstore 