Vale Mining's ethical climate was described as which of the following?

Vale Mining's ethical climate was described as which of the following?

• A. Egoism
• B. Altruism
• C. Utilitarianism
• D. Deontology

Answer: (A)

Ethical climate is about the shared expectations in a workplace for what counts as ethically right behavior. The idea being tested here is how decisions are framed in terms of motives: self-interest, concern for others, consequences for many, or adherence to duties. Egoism fits best because it describes a climate where actions are justified by self-interest or the firm’s own gain—that is, decisions are guided by personal or organizational benefit, often prioritizing profit or survival over others’ welfare. In such a climate, choosing options that advance the company’s interests or personal advantage is considered acceptable, even if it imposes costs on others or conflicts with broader ethical norms. Altruism would emphasize helping others at a cost to oneself, utilitarianism would aim for the greatest good for the greatest number by weighing overall outcomes, and deontology would follow duties and rules regardless of consequences. If Vale Mining’s descriptions highlight profit and self-interest as the primary driver of decisions, egoism is the best match.

Ethical climate is about the shared expectations in a workplace for what counts as ethically right behavior. The idea being tested here is how decisions are framed in terms of motives: self-interest, concern for others, consequences for many, or adherence to duties.

Egoism fits best because it describes a climate where actions are justified by self-interest or the firm’s own gain—that is, decisions are guided by personal or organizational benefit, often prioritizing profit or survival over others’ welfare. In such a climate, choosing options that advance the company’s interests or personal advantage is considered acceptable, even if it imposes costs on others or conflicts with broader ethical norms.

Altruism would emphasize helping others at a cost to oneself, utilitarianism would aim for the greatest good for the greatest number by weighing overall outcomes, and deontology would follow duties and rules regardless of consequences. If Vale Mining’s descriptions highlight profit and self-interest as the primary driver of decisions, egoism is the best match.