What is considered the moral minimum in business ethics?

The moral minimum in business ethics refers to the basic level of ethical behavior expected from individuals and organizations, which is primarily defined by compliance with the law. This represents the foundational expectation that businesses should follow legal standards to avoid causing harm or engaging in unethical practices. Laws are established by society to reflect a minimum acceptable standard of behavior, ensuring that businesses operate within a framework that protects public interest, consumers, and other stakeholders.

While higher standards of ethical behavior, such as going beyond the law or adhering to community norms, are commendable and encouraged, the moral minimum is specifically centered on legal compliance. This indicates that businesses must at least meet the legal requirements to be considered ethically sound. Engaging in practices that fall below this minimum standard would not only be illegal but also considered unethical, as it disregards societal expectations for lawful conduct.