Business 6 (1) · Section 12

innovative approaches could greatly reduce or even eliminate pollution entirely. Some of the specific steps which can be taken by business enterprises for environmental protection are as stated below: (i) A definite commitment by top management of the enterprise to create, maintain and develop work culture for environmental protection and pollution prevention. (ii) Ensuring that commitment to environmental protection is shared throughout the enterprise by all divisions and employees. (iii) Developing clear-cut policies and programmes for purchasing good quality raw materials, employing superior technology, using scientific techniques of disposal and treatment of wastes and developing employee skills for the purpose of pollution control. (iv) Complying with the laws and regulations enacted by the Government for prevention of pollution. (v) Participation in govern- ment programmes relating to management of hazardous substances, clearing up of polluted rivers, plantation of trees, and checking deforestation. (vi) Periodical assessment of pollution control programmes in terms of costs and benefits so as to increase the progress with respect to environmental protection. (vii) Arranging educational workshops and training materials to share technical information and experience with suppliers, dealers and customers to get them actively involved in pollution control programmes. . BUSINESS ETHICS From the social point of view, business exists to supply goods and services to the people. From the individual point of view, the primary objective of a business firm is to earn profit. One may expect that the individual goals of the firm would not be in conflict with the objectives of society. However, business enterprises are run by human beings whose decisions and actions may not always be in accordance with the expectations of society. An enterprise may be good in terms of economic performance (like revenue, costs and profits) but poor in terms of social performance like supplying products of reasonable quality and at reasonable prices. This raises the question of what is right or wrong from society’s point of view. The answer to this question is important because business enterprises are products of and are influenced by society. They have to interpret and adjust to the preferences or values of society. The subject matter of ethics is concerned with establishing linkages between individual good and social good. . . Concept of Business Ethics The word ‘ethics’ has its origin in the Greek word ‘ethics’ meaning character; norms, ideals or morals prevailing in a group or society. Ethics is concerned with what is right and what is wrong in