Certified Hospitality Manager (CHM) Practice Exam

What is a key element that makes a decision ethical?

1. Adherence to company policies

2. Staying true to a specific set of values

3. Maximizing profits for the organization

4. Consulting with team members before making a decision

The correct answer is: Staying true to a specific set of values

A key element that makes a decision ethical is staying true to a specific set of values. Ethics is fundamentally rooted in principles and values that govern the behavior of individuals and organizations. When making decisions, adhering to a well-defined set of values ensures that actions are aligned with moral standards and the welfare of all stakeholders involved. This commitment to values can guide decision-making processes, particularly in complex situations where the right course of action may not be immediately clear. In contrast, while adhering to company policies can be important, policies alone do not always equate to ethical behavior, especially if they conflict with broader moral values. Maximizing profits, though often a goal in business, does not inherently consider ethical implications and could lead to decisions that harm individuals or communities. Consulting with team members is valuable for collaborative decision-making but is not a definitive indicator of ethical considerations; the decision could still be unethical if it disregards core values. Thus, the alignment with a set of values is what fundamentally solidifies the ethical nature of a decision.