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Definition
| That branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions |
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| That brach of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct as it applies to business interactions |
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| The character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations and functions of a citizen |
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| a declaration or public statement of professional standards of right and wrong conduct |
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| to hold certain information in trust and not disclose without proper authorization or authority |
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| (Kohlberg)a stage of moral development in which the expectations of the social group (family,community,and nation)are supported and maintained |
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| consist of abstract patterns(the rules,ideas,beliefs shared by memebers of society)of and for living and dying, which are learned directly or indirectly |
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| the cultural heritage or identity of a group, based on factors such as language or country of origin |
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| a rule of ethical conduct found in some form in most major religions usually phrased, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" Honesty-having a sense of honor, upright and fair dealing |
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| Having an sense of honor; upright and fair dealing |
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Definition
| fidelity to moral principles |
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| rules that govern society |
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| refers to customs. values, and standards of practice of a group, age, or theory intended to be timeless |
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| something,as a reason or desire, acting as a spur to action |
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| a philosophy that does not focus on the worship of a god or gods |
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| The set of values, ideas and opinions of an individual or group |
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| (Kohlberg)a stage of moral development in which the individual considers universal moral principles which supersede the authority of the group |
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| (Kohlberg)a stage of moral development in which moral reasoning is based on reward and punishment from those in authority |
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| (Kohlberg)a stage of moral development in which the individual is characterized as not understanding the rules or feeling a sense or obligations to them. Looking to experience only that which is good or pleasant or to avoid that which is painful |
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| a culturally entrenched pattern of behavior made up of:sacred beliefs, emotional feeling accompanying the beliefs, and overt conduct presumably implementing the beliefs and feelings |
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| Moral principles taht very with circumstances |
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| philosophy that involves worship of a god or gods |
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| beliefs that are held in high esteem |
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| taking off jewelry off a deceased person before closing the casket and not telling anyone |
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| keeping money from a fully funded preneed funeral account and not refunding the family |
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| stealing the preneed funds with out providing services and merchandise,cremating multiple bodies and mixing the remains together, improper embalming, switching caskets for less expensive ones |
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| within an individual begins an inquiry by asking a soecific question about a specific topic "ought-should" |
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| The background of ethical Philosophy |
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Definition
| Types ethics, stages of moral development, Terminology |
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Definition
| the development of moral standards of conduct |
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Definition
| the study and evaluation of the moral standards of conduct developed in Normative Ethics |
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Definition
-sub category of normative ethics
-maintains the morality of an action is determined solely by itws outcomes or consequences
-aka consequentialism |
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Definition
-sub category of normative ethics
-maintains the morality of an action is determined by its motives or in accordance with some rule
-aka non-consequentialism |
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Definition
-sub category of teleological Ethics
-maintains the morally right decision is the oen that produces the most good for the largest number of people |
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Term
| Kohlberg's stage of moral development |
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Definition
Maintains that individual develop ethical standards of living by passing through stages of moral development during their lives.
-individuals can pass from not understanding moral reasoning at all to the point where decision-making based on moral principles becomes an integral part of the individual's life |
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Term
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Definition
function between levels 3 to 5
Conventional-post conventional |
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Term
| Moral Maturity is achieved at |
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Definition
| level 6(post-convetentional) when the individual makes up in his/her own mind about what is right or wrong |
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Definition
-factors to consider
-law vs. ethics
-ethical problem solving steps
-ethical quick tests |
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| Factors to consider in ethical business decision making |
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Definition
| laws, government regulations, employee needs, consumer needs, social pressure, company's financial status |
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Definition
| man made rules and regulations that govern society. Concerned with conduct |
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Definition
| concerned with the motives for and attitudes towards the conduct as well as the conduct itself |
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Definition
-use the law as minimal standard and usually exceed what is required by law in setting standards of ethical conduct
-require behavior for those business and professions that subscribe to a code of ethics
-business and professions that subscribe to a code of ethics are usually perceived by the general public as more consumer friendly |
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Term
ethical problem solving steps
(identify the problem) |
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Definition
| Define the who, what where, and how of the issue in general |
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ethical problem solving steps
(define the ethical issue of the problem) |
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Definition
| what are the ethical ramifications of my decision |
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ethical problem solving steps
(break down the problem into smaller identifiable elements) |
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Definition
| isolate and seperate the issues involved |
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ethical problem solving steps
(identify all available options in solving the problem) |
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Definition
| most problems have more then 1 solution |
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ethical problem solving steps
(consider the consequences of each option) |
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Definition
-are they legal and moral
-who benifits, eho doesn't
-does the option i am considering support the image of the company, my profession, or myself
-what will be the impact of my decision on other |
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Term
Ehtical problem solving steps
(do i need help before making a decision) |
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Definition
| seek counsel from experts in teh field and from others who judgement you trust |
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Term
Ethical problem solving steps
(select the best solution) |
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Definition
| -is it workable in my settings-does it solve the problem-is it morally proper-does it fit my personal or the company's philosophy-can it be implemented at a reasonable cost-does it have a high chance of success-is it legal-can i discuss my decision with my superiors or those involved |
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Term
ethical problem solving step
(implement your decision) |
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Definition
-you may get to the point where a number of different options would be equally effective and acceptable
-then you must use your instincts |
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Term
ethical problem solving steps
(follow the problem until you see actual results of your decision) |
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Definition
| use the information to help make future decisions |
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Term
ethical quick test #1
yes or no |
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Definition
-my actions are ethical as long as they serve the public interest
-they cease to be ethical when they serve only the interests of those who serve rather then the people being served
-using the standard, is your decision ethical |
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ethical quick test #2
yes or no |
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Definition
-is it legal or will i be violating either the law or company's policy
-is it balanced and is it fair to all concerned in teh short-term as well as the long-term
-does it promote "win-win" relationships
-how will my decisio make me feel about myself, will it make me feel proud
-using the standard, is your decision ethical |
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Definition
-How would my decision look on the evening news or in the newspaper
-how would my decisions make my famiy feel, proud or ashame
-how would i feel if the results of my decison negatively impacted me or someone i love
-how would i feel if i had to talk about my decision on tv or radio
-how would my decision be helpful to other
-using this standard is your decision ethical |
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Term
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Definition
| allows customers to cancel a sales contract with in a certain number of days |
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Term
| Funeral directors refer to their customers as |
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Definition
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| Funeral homes ethical responsibilities towards their customers such as |
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Definition
-products must be safe and well designed
-merchandise should be fairly priced
-advertising should be true, not deceptive
-customers should be treated fairly
-credit terms must be clear |
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Definition
| can be an area of possible ethical conflict |
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Definition
-service should always reflect your highest quality and charges should be fair
-relationship with family should be professional
-dont try to get the family to purchase merchandise at your firm instead of the funeral directoe they initially contacted for service |
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Term
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Definition
-help each other
-share staff
-do anything necessary to steal a funeral
-assure the family of the quality of your services adn your interest in helping them
-ask the family is there was something you did that caused them to change their minds |
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Term
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Definition
-intimadate or threaten a family that decides to go with your competitors, even if you have already removed the body and done the embalming
-charge more then normally would |
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Term
competitors
dont have to but can |
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Definition
join other funeral directors in joint cooperative arrangements such as sharing personnel or equipment (however this is a growing trend and can have a positive effect on your firms bottom line)
-this type of cooperation between funeral directors can change the relationship from competitors to colleagues and can raise the public perception |
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Term
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Definition
-have permission from next to kin to remove the decease
-present the proper authorization for removal
-sign any forms required by medical facility
-catalog and sign for personal effects
-remove the decease in a timely, dignified, respectful, and efficient manner
-determine the route that is most direct and affords the most privacy when entering and leaving the medical facility |
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Term
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Definition
| Funeral directors are required to to complete information on the death certificate make sure it is accurate and get it signed by the physician which sometimes can be difficult and the cause of death by a timely manner |
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Definition
| a funeral director should be honest with the family if the ask the question if the body is still viewable and dont interject personal feelings and dont try to talk the family out of organ donating and try to restore the body to the best of ability |
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Definition
| if medicaid or trustee is paying for service funeral director must comply with social sevices and can't accept extra money from families unless social services allows |
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Term
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Definition
| FUneral directors contact with lawyers usually involves the will, fulfilling the wishes of the decease, recovering payment form the estate which can be frustrating and can cause delays by the due process |
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Definition
| Usually recommends a funeral director to a family so there must be a close relationship with clergy |
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Term
| Professional Associations |
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Definition
| Funeral directors should be involved in all associations local, state, national to better the profession and improve services, financial support, adherence to teh associations code of ethics, continuing eduacation, and taking an active part in committee activities |
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Term
| Developing a Code of Ethics |
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Definition
-Definition
-principles of a code of ethics
-importance
-making a code work
-content of a code of ethics |
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Term
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Definition
| A declaratin or mission statement of the professional standards of right and wrong conduct of business; an explicit statement of beliefs |
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Term
Principles of a Code of Ethics
(public service) |
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Definition
| The welfare of the community is always placed above that of the individual and no ethical practitioner will engage in activities that conflict with the public interest |
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Term
Principles of a Code of Ethics
(Observance of a high level of morality) |
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Definition
-Professional conduct
-strict honesty
-just business dealings
-Fair competitive practices |
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Term
Principles of a Code of Ethics
(early codes of ethics) |
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Definition
| prescribed action to be taken for specific violations of the code |
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Term
Principles of a Code of Ethics
(Modern codes of ethics) |
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Definition
| recognize that it is impossible to cover every situation that might arise; as a result, codes are now framed in general terms with reliance upon the conscience of the ethical man to interpet the spirit of the code in terms of the situation he faces at any given moment |
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| Principles of Codes of Ethics |
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Definition
ABSOLUTISM VS. RELATIVISM
-understanding and respect for all religious creeds and customs
-maintenance of a strictly confidential relationship with clients
-advancement of teh profession through: suitable educational standards, proper licensing laws, research and scientific progress, professional competency, dignity, and cooperation
-interchange of ideas and knowledge with colleagues |
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Term
| Importance of a Code of Ethics |
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Definition
-should be the conerstone of every business plan
-major business failures can be directly traced to unethical or moral mistakes in judgement
-a code of ethics identifies your business principles in writing, which will guide the professional in making decisions when facing day-to-day crisis situations
-great business reputations are built on moral principles wheather they are recognized or not |
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| Advantages of a Code of Ehtics |
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Definition
-improves the public image of your business
-gives direction as to what actions to take in day-to-day activities as well as during a crisis
-Enhances employee pride, morale and loyalty
-encourages open and honest communications, constructive change and workplace integrity |
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Term
| Making a Code of Ethics Work |
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Definition
-involvement and commitment to ethical principles must start with top management and recognized in all management actions
-there must be employee recognition of the company's commitment to ethical behavior
-employees should have input in the development, monitoring, and revision to the code
-Introduction of the importance of the code of ethics must start with recruiting and hiring-adherance to teh code must be expected of everyone in the company
-violations of the code must be dealt with fairly for eveyone
-the code must be reviewed periodically and revised as needed, and there must be a method to measure effectiveness of the code
-Wording in the code must be easily understood by employees and the general public
-an educational process must be implemented to teach the code to all employees |
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Term
| content of a code of ethics |
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Definition
-confidentiality, conduct with customers, suppliers, allied professionals, stockholders/partners,etc.
-commitment to excellence in service and products
-commitment to employees
-commitment to safety
-responsibilities to the community
-quality control criteria
-commitment to the profession
-respect to the deceased |
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| Ethics with Regard to the Deceased Body |
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Definition
Absolutism and Relativism
Professional Procedures
Removal/Transfer
Embalming
Privacy
Confidentiality
Restorative Art |
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Term
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Definition
: An action is right or wrong because a higher authority of some kind says it is. The determination is absolute regardless of the situation. There is no uncertainty due to changing circumstances or events. This theory is often found in religious beliefs.
Example #1: Killing another person is wrong even if it was while protecting your own life or the lives of others.
Example #2: Every dead body is deserving of respectful treatment, regardless of who they were. |
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Term
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Definition
There is no one correct moral standard for all times and all people. Each group has its own morality relative to its wants, needs, culture, history, or to a change in a situation, event, or circumstance.
Example #1: Killing is wrong unless it is necessary to protect your own or someone else’s life.
Example #2: A dead body is deserving of respectful treatment unless it was an evil person such as Hitler. |
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Term
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Definition
When performing any professional procedure on a deceased person (transfer, embalming, restorative art, casketing, or disposition), nothing less than best professional skills should be utilized.
Families expect and should receive the highest professional skills and procedures in your care of their deceased loved one |
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Term
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Definition
The deceased should be moved to the stretcher as gently and in as dignified manner as possible regardless of his/her size or the position of the body.
Although this procedure can be difficult at times, your intention must always be to use professional and sensitive care whether you are alone or not – SOMEONE IS WATCHING!
All personal belongings found on the deceased should be removed, itemized, and returned to the family
Any personal items such as clothing that the family instructs you to destroy should be destroyed. Never keep items for personal use just because they may still be usable! |
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Term
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Definition
Privacy – Only authorized individuals with a reason to be present should be in the preparation room during the embalming procedure.
Dignity of the Deceased – Genitals should always be covered during the operation.
Confidentiality – No information about the condition of the deceased, the procedures performed, or pre-existing condition of the body should be shared with anyone except the immediate family, or the proper authorities, who have a need to know.
The only safe rule to follow – Regard every body as though it is your most beloved relative |
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Definition
There are times when the deceased has been mutilated or disfigured before death, requiring major restorative procedures necessary for viewing.
Not proceeding with restoration because it is time-consuming is not ethical.
Recommending to a family that the deceased not be viewed because of your lack of the necessary skill level to do the restoration is also unethical.
Call in an outside expert if necessary – don’t let your ego stand in the way of providing the highest level of service to the family.
NEVER tell the family they cannot see the deceased! It may be critical for their grief process to view the body. ALSO, IT IS THEIR RIGHT!!!
Ethics do not require that additional embalming procedures, such as major restoration, not be charged for above the standard embalming fee.
The family should be notified if extra restorative procedures are necessary and get their written permission to proceed.
Make sure the family knows how much you will be charging for the additional procedures before the operation is started. |
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| Ethical Business Operations |
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Definition
Licensing
Finances
Advertising
Personnel
Wages
Management/Supervision
Management Style
Profit
Whistle Blowing
Arrangement Conference |
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Term
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Definition
Every profession that grants a license to practice carries with it certain legal and ethical rules. Failure to follow those rules can lead to the revocation or suspension of that license.
Licenses are regulated by the state through licensing boards. In Indiana it is the State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Services.
This board is responsible for issuing and revoking licenses.
State boards belong to The Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards which administers the National Board Exam to graduates of accredited mortuary science schools and programs.
Most states also require continuing education in order to maintain licensure.
In Indiana, the requirement is 10 CEU’s every two years. |
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Term
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Definition
Two areas of concern for funeral service:
* Pre-need monies
* Cash advances
Funeral directors have an obligation to explain fully to clients how pre-need funds will be invested.
Failure to invest pre-need funds in a responsible manner is unethical and may be illegal.
Cash advances should be legitimate and used for the obligation they were intended. |
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Definition
All information in advertising should be factual and honest.
Since misleading advertising is usually not illegal, the issue becomes one of ethics.
No information should ever compromise a client’s confidentiality.
No products, services, warranties, testimonials, or endorsements should be misrepresented.
Never discredit other funeral directors.
Determining whether advertising is unethical or just in bad taste should also be considered. |
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Definition
Some of the most difficult ethical decisions involve the relationship between the company and its employees:
* Fair pay
* Reasonable work schedules
* Job security
* Fringe benefits
* Safe working environment
* Management/Supervision |
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Term
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Definition
Is it good management policy to pay an employee a wage based on experience, skills, and value to the business or to only pay as much as the job market requires?
Is it good financial management to fire an employee who is nearing retirement to make them ineligible for lifetime benefits?
Both examples save the company money and increases profits for the owner or stockholders –
* Are they good business practice?
* Are they ethical? |
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Term
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Definition
Ethical responsibilities of the employer:
* Train employees in all aspects of their job.
* Compensate them justly.
* Provide a safe work environment.
Ethical responsibilities of the employee:
* Be honest in all dealings with the employer.
* Perform the duties assigned to the best of
his/her ability.
* Be active in learning all aspects of their job.
* Follow all policies of the funeral home. |
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Term
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Definition
Managers come in a variety of personalities and temperments, however one ethical obligation of management is the manner is which an employee is treated.
No owner, manager, or supervisor has the right to humiliate, embarrass, or ridicule an employee.
Managers NEVER have the right to reprimand an employee in front of other people! |
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Term
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Definition
Profit is not a dirty word.
Companies have a right and an obligation to make a profit.
Management has an ethical obligation to try to generate that return on investment.
It is possible to operate a profitable business AND always act in an ethical manner.
The positive correlation between successful businesses and ethical behavior includes:
* Public trust and a good reputation takes a long time
build and a short time to destroy.
* Trust once destroyed is difficult to get back again.
* Unethical businesses find it more difficult to attract and
keep good employees.
* A company that acts ethically avoids fines and legal expenses.
The dilemma for some owners or managers is what makes a fair profit.
* Healthcare?
* Insurance companies?
* Banks?
* Oil companies?
* Funeral homes?
Sometimes, our interpretation of what is ethical or unethical changes as circumstances change.
* Economics
* Historical
* Cultural
* Religious |
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Term
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Definition
Two views on reporting unethical or illegal behavior:
* It is our ethical responsibility to report
unethical or illegal behavior when we know
about it.
* Don’t get involved –
Pretend it’s not happening.
Don’t listen if someone tries to tell you
about unethical or illegal behavior.
Don’t tell anyone.
Is there a distinction between reporting behavior that is legal but unethical and behavior that is clearly illegal?
THE PARADOX: Even though most of us do not condone illegal or unethical behavior, we also don’t condone reporting it. |
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Definition
Whether the arrangement conference takes place at-need or pre-need, the funeral director has the ethical responsibility to:
* Keep all information confidential.
* Insure all advice given is for the benefit of
consumer and not the funeral home.
* Serve all customers equally regardless of
age, race, gender, religion, or financial status.
* Provide information that is knowledgeable,
honest, factual, and up-to-date.
* Insure the security of any property such clothing,
jewelry, or personalized items that the family places in your care
If the conference is for a pre-need arrangement, the funeral director has additional ethical responsibilities such as:
* Providing for long-term security of the
pre-arrangement information.
* Keeping all information confidential for
possibly years.
* Supplying the pre-arranger with a copy of all
arrangements.
* Complying with all state and federal pre-need laws.
* After the death of the pre-need client, informing the
survivors what the deceased’s pre-planned wishes were.
If the funeral has been pre-paid, the funeral director has additional ethical responsibilities:
* Adhere to any state or federal laws
regarding the funds.
* Insure that any funds will be safe in a trust,
bank account, or insurance instrument that
protects the arranger from losing any
principle or interest.
* Supply yearly updates on the status of any
pre-need funds maintained by the funeral director. |
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Term
| Ethical Merchandising Practices |
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Definition
Is the way you display and present your merchandise to families:
* Factual?
* Non-intimidating?
* Done in a manner so that the individual
does not feel coerced or embarrassed into
selecting something they really thought was
too expensive or they could not afford? |
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Term
| Ethical Standards of Service |
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Definition
No family should ever feel embarrassed or
ill-at-ease because the type of service they choose, even if they are less expensive or less complete than what most families may purchase.
The same dignity, compassion and caring must be offered to everyone who comes to us for help. |
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