Deontological theory of ethics is concerned with which of the following ? (a) Duty ethics (b) Obligation ethics (c) Rule based ethics (d) Classical ethics Code :
(a), (b) and (c)
(a), (b) and (c) — option 4. Deontological ethics is duty ethics, obligation ethics and rule-based ethics; only “classical ethics” does not belong.
The word itself. Deontology comes from the Greek deon, meaning duty or obligation. The theory holds that the moral worth of an act lies in the act itself — in whether it conforms to a moral rule or duty — and not in its consequences. Some acts are simply right and others simply wrong, whatever results they produce.
Why all three of (a), (b) and (c) apply :
| Name | Why it fits |
|---|---|
| (a) Duty ethics | The literal meaning of deon. One acts rightly by doing one’s duty because it is one’s duty — what Kant called acting from duty rather than merely in accordance with it |
| (b) Obligation ethics | Duty and obligation are used interchangeably in this literature. Deontology binds the agent to obligations that hold irrespective of outcome |
| (c) Rule-based ethics | Duties are expressed as rules — do not lie, do not break a promise, do not use a person merely as a means. Conformity to the rule is what makes the act right |
| (d) Classical ethics | Not a deontological term. It refers to the ethics of classical antiquity — Plato and Aristotle — which is virtue ethics, a third and distinct approach concerned with character rather than with rules |
Immanuel Kant is the theory’s great exponent. His categorical imperative supplies the test: act only on that maxim which you can at the same time will to become a universal law, and in its second formulation, treat humanity always as an end and never merely as a means. Both are tests of the act, not of its results.
The three approaches contrasted, which is what the question is really placing :
| Approach | Moral worth lies in | Asks | Chief figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deontological | The act — conformity to duty | Is this act right in itself? | Kant |
| Teleological / consequentialist | The consequences | Does it produce the best outcome? | Bentham, Mill (utilitarianism) |
| Virtue ethics | The character of the agent | What would a person of good character do? | Aristotle |
Its strength and its weakness in business. Deontology protects individual rights absolutely — it will not permit one person to be sacrificed for the benefit of many, which is exactly where utilitarian reasoning is most dangerous. But its rules are rigid, and it gives no guidance when two duties conflict: the duty of confidentiality to an employer against the duty to warn the public of a hazard, for instance, is a genuine dilemma the theory cannot resolve on its own terms.
Hence, the answer is (a), (b) and (c).
Similar Questions
Which one of the following is not a principle of corporate Governance ?
Match the items given in the List - I and List - II and suggest the correct code :
List - I List - II (a) Ethics (i) Right code of behaviour for a group or profession (b) Morality (ii) Prescribes right conduct for everyone (c) Moral standard (iii) Needs some inclination to follow morality (d) Meta Moral Standard (iv) Practical and pragmatic Code :
Assertion (A) : When a corporation acts ethically and socially responsible in its business decisions and strategic planning, then the corporation will be more sustainable.
Reason (R) : Socially responsible corporate behaviour is increasingly seen as essential to long-term survival of companies.
Social responsibility of business while appropriating natural resources by a corporate entity has been recommended in which one of the following?
Disclosure of corporate governance practice and its compliance has been stipulated in which one of the following?
Kumar Mangalam Birla Committee Report, Ramesh Chandra Committee Report, Cadbury Committee Report primarily focus on which one of the following?
'The continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large.'
This may be attributed rightly to which one of the following?
Read the following passage and answer the questions :
Jensen examines the dynamics of corporate takeovers and challenges prevailing misconceptions surrounding them. He argues that takeovers are not merely hostile disruptions but serve as a crucial mechanism of the market for corporate control. According to Jensen, inefficient management teams often fail to maximize shareholder value and takeovers act as disciplinary tool by transferring control to more competent managers. He emphasizes that while popular belief portrays takeovers as destructive to employees and communities, empirical evidence suggests that they frequently generate significant economic gains by reallocating resources to more productive uses. Jensen distinguishes between the folklore-emotional and political arguments against takeovers depicting as harmful to employees and society and the science, which demonstrates thier role in improving efficiency and shareholder wealth. He also addresses concerns about debt financing in leveraged buyouts, contending that high leverage can impose financial discipline on managers by reducing wasteful spending. Ultimately, Jensen frames takeovers as an essential corrective force within capitalism, countering managerial inefficiency and aligning corporate behavior with shareholder interests. His analysis laid the groundwork for modern corporate finance debates on governance, agency costs and the value-creating potential of mergers and acquisitions.
Statement (I) : The science of ethics is a normative science.
Statement (II) : Normative sciences judge the value of the facts in terms of an idea; concerned with judgements of ‘what ought to be’ but not with factual judgements.
Code :
Assertion (A) : Decisions in small matters largely tend to set a pattern for the more important ones you may make as managers.
Reasoning (R) : A multi-industry survey conducted in the USA indicated that 40% of the managers said that their superiors had at some time told them to do certain things unethical.
Code :
Important Questions from Corporate governance and business ethics
As per the Anglo-Saxon Model of Corporate Governance, the authority lies with the following. Arrange these in decreasing order of authority.
A. Board of Directors
B. Managers
C. Shareholders
D. Employees (Company)
E. Trade unions
Choose the correct sequence from the options given below
Assertion (A) : Corporate governance is an important instrument of investor protection.
Reason (R) : Strong corporate governance is indispensable to resilient and vibrant capital markets.
Which one of the following options is correct?
Which one of the following is not a norm of corporate governance ?
Which one among the following is not a true statement?
Ethics are moral principles and values which:
