An assessment of power abuse under ethics philosophies

2005

In this paper, power abuse is assessed under different philosophies of ethics, namely, principles of relativism, duty, and morality. According to the theory of relativism, the moral rightness or wrongness of specific acts or decisions varies between societies. In some contexts, it is not unusual for people in management positions to abuse of the discretion conferred on them, to secure particular benefits. Sometimes, culture condones such behaviour. Traditions, values and norms help establish ethical principles that specific societies follow. Principles of duty and morality, on the other hand, state that decision-makers owe a duty to their stakeholders. Absolute rules are used to rate the et…