MS Exploring BUSINESS ETHICS
Exploring Business Ethics challenges members to demonstrate their understanding of ethical principles in the business world through an individual objective test and presentation. This event encourages members to explore standards of right and wrong conduct, ethical decision-making, and the impact of ethics on business practices.
Event Overview
Division: Middle School
Event Type: Team of 1, 2, or 3 members
Event Category: Presentation
Event Elements: Objective Test (35-multiple choice questions) and a Presentation (with a Topic)
Objective Test Time: 30 minutes
Presentation Time: 3-minute set-up, 7-minute presentation, 3-minute Question & Answer
Career Cluster Framework Connection: Management & Entrepreneurship
NACE Competency Alignment: Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, Technology
Equipment Provided by Competitors: Sharpened Pencil (Objective Test), Technology and presentation items (Presentation), Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code
Equipment Provided by FBLA: Table (Presentation)
Thanks to the support of MBA Research, the full background and topic is available below.
Objective Test Competencies
· Communication Skills
· Self-Awareness
· Doing the Right Thing
· Teamwork Skills
· Leadership Skills
· Career Readiness
Test questions are based on the knowledge areas and objectives outlined for this event. Detailed objectives can be found in the study guide included in these guidelines.
District
Check with your District Leader for district-specific competition information and deadlines.
State
Eligibility
· FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1 of the current school year.
· Members may compete in an event at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.
· Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.
· Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block at the official FBLA hotel in order to compete.
· Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found on the Florida FBLA website.
· Each competitor can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Annual Activities, Community Service Project).
· Only competitors are allowed to plan, research, and set up their presentation.
· Each competitor must compete in all parts of an event for award eligibility.
· All members of a team must consist of individuals from the same chapter.
· Each section of the event must be completed by the same individuals. Competitors must participate in each level to be eligible for an award.
· If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled.
· If competitors are late for a presentation time, they may be disqualified or placed later in the schedule. The decision is solely up to the judges.
· Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.
Recognition
· The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 5.
Event Administration
· This event has two parts: Objective Test and Final Presentation based on a topic
· Objective Test
o The objective test is administered at the SLC.
o No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.
o No calculators may be brought into the testing site; calculators will be provided.
o Competitors on a team must test individually, starting within minutes of each other. Individual test scores will be averaged for a team score.
· Final Presentation Information
o Equipment Set-up Time: 3 minutes
o Presentation Time: 7 minutes (one-minute warning)
o Question & Answer Time: 3 minutes
o Important: Time allocations are exclusive. The presentation must begin immediately after the 3-minute set-up time concludes. Time may not be shifted between segments. Competitors will not interact with judges during the set-up period.
o The five highest scoring teams will move to the final presentation round.
o Competitors must research the topic and be prepared to present their findings and solutions. The presentation must address why the ethical issues happened, how it should be resolved, and what could have prevented it.
o Competitors present directly from a one or two personal devices (laptop, tablet, mobile phone, or monitor approximately laptop-sized). If using two devices, one must face the judges and the other must face the presenters.
o Screens and projectors are not allowed for use, and competitors are not allowed to bring their own. Power will not be available.
o Internet Access: Not provided
o Visual aids, samples, notes, and other physical materials related to the project may be used.
o Items may be placed on the provided table or on the judges table, if space allows.
o No items may be left with the judges following the presentation.
o If performing as a team, all team members are expected to actively participate in the presentation.
o Restricted Items: Animals (except authorized service animals), Food (for display only; may not be consumed by judges during the presentation), Links and QR codes (for display only; cannot be clicked or scanned by judges before, during, or after the presentation.
o Information must be supported by credible, well-documented sources.
o Any use of copyrighted material, images, logos, or trademarks must be properly documented.
o Preparation for and presentation of the entry must be conducted by chapter members.
o Event Specific Information:
· Identify and Define the Ethical Issues: Clearly state the ethical issues or dilemmas related to the topic.
· Explain Why the Ethical Issues Occurred: Describe the actions, decisions, or circumstances that led to the ethical problems; including relevant context or background information to help explain how the situation developed.
· Recommend Solutions: Offer thoughtful, realistic solutions for how the ethical issues could be resolved and explain why these recommendations are appropriate and how they would help address the problem.
· Suggest Preventive Safeguards: Recommend steps that could have been taken to prevent the issue from happening in the first place.
Scoring
· Team members will test individually, and team scores will be averaged.
· The objective test scores will be used to determine the 5 finalists.
· Winners will be determined by the final presentation scores.
· All judging decisions are final. Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
· FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.
Recording of Presentations
· No unauthorized audio or video recording devices will be allowed in any competitive event.
· Competitors in the events should be aware FBLA reserves the right to record any presentation for use in study or training materials.
Electronics
· Unless approved as part of a documented accommodation, all cell phones, watches, electronic devices, and headphones must be turned off and stored away before the competition begins. Visible devices during the event will be considered a violation of the FBLA Honor Code.
Penalty Points
· Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.
National
If you are competing on the national level, be sure to see National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla-middle-level/competitive-events/
Objective Test Study Guide: Competencies and Tasks
This study guide shows the skills and knowledge you’ll be tested on for this event. Objectives followed by a two-letter, three-digit code in parentheses are based on the National Business Administration Standards from MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Some objectives also reference MBA Research's Learning Activity Packages (LAPs)—resources with readings, activities, and assessments to help you learn. For more information, visit MBAResearch.org/FBLA.
Communication Skills (5 test items)
1. Demonstrate active listening skills (CO:017, LAP-CO-017) (PQ)
2. Explain the nature of effective communications (EI:007, LAP-EI-140) (PQ)
3. Foster open, honest communication (EI:129, LAP-EI-129) (SP)
Self-Awareness (10 test items)
1. Describe the nature of emotional intelligence (EI:001, LAP-EI-001) (PQ)
2. Recognize and overcome personal biases and stereotypes (EI:017, LAP-EI-917) (PQ)
3. Assess personal strengths and weaknesses (EI:002, LAP-EI-902) (PQ)
4. Assess personal behavior and values (EI:126, LAP-EI-126) (PQ)
5. Assess risks of personal decisions (EI:091, LAP-EI-091) (PQ)
Doing the Right Thing (15 test items)
1. Demonstrate honesty and integrity (EI:022, LAP-EI-138) (PQ)
2. Demonstrate responsible behavior (EI:021, LAP-EI-021) (PQ)
3. Demonstrate fairness (EI:127, LAP-EI-127) (PQ)
4. Take responsibility for decisions and actions (EI:075, LAP-EI-075) (PQ)
5. Build trust in relationships (EI:128, LAP-EI-128) (CS)
6. Describe the nature of ethics (EI:123, LAP-EI-123) (CS)
7. Explain reasons for ethical dilemmas (EI:124, LAP-EI-124) (CS)
8. Recognize and respond to ethical dilemmas (EI:125, LAP-EI-125) (CS)
9. Show empathy for others (EI:030, LAP-EI-030) (PQ)
10. Comply with the spirit and intent of laws and regulations (BL:163, LAP-BL-163) (CS)
Teamwork Skills (5 test items)
1. Participate as a team member (EI:045, LAP-EI-045) (CS)
2. Treat others with dignity and respect (EI:036, LAP-EI-036) (PQ)
3. Foster positive working relationships (EI:037, LAP-EI-037) (CS)
Leadership Skills (10 test items)
1. Explain the concept of leadership (EI:009, LAP-EI-909) (CS)
2. Explain the nature of ethical leadership (EI:131, LAP-EI-131) (CS)
3. Model ethical behavior (EI:132, LAP-EI-132) (CS)
4. Determine personal vision (EI:063, LAP-EI-063) (CS)
5. Inspire others (EI:133, LAP-EI-133) (CS)
6. Develop an achievement orientation (EI:027, LAP-EI-027) (CS)
Career Readiness (5 test items)
1. Set personal goals (PD:018, LAP-PD-918) (CS)
2. Follow rules of conduct (PD:251, LAP-PD-251) (CS)
3. Make decisions (PD:017, LAP-PD-017) (CS
2025-26 Topic: How Can Businesses Help the Environment?
Background Information—This section provides competitors with context on how businesses can positively impact the environment through sustainable practices. Competitors should review this information before completing the Exploring Business Ethics competition using the provided topic.
Environmental issues like climate change and energy use have long been contentious and divisive topics in American society. In fact, there seems to be only one thing we can all agree on: No one can agree on anything!
However, a recent climate and energy survey from Pew Research Center found there is actually something most Americans seem to agree on. Roughly 70% of Americans believe that businesses are not doing enough to help the environment and reduce the effects of climate change.
This public sentiment comes at a time when many businesses may feel disincentivized to invest in eco-friendly practices. Economic uncertainty permeates throughout the global economy, regulatory agencies and policies are being curtailed in the United States, and powerful interest groups continue to influence public policy and opinion.
In the face of all these obstacles, is it beneficial—or even possible—for businesses to embrace sustainability?
This decision will ultimately fall to the current (and future) business leaders of America. And while public opinion may be cynical and the economic and political environment may be formidable, professionals can still adopt frameworks to help them incorporate responsible and sustainable decision-making.
A good place to start is with ethics. Ethics are the basic principles (such as integrity, transparency, and trust) that govern your behavior. In the business world, ethics are essential to navigating issues ranging from employee conflicts to corporate sustainability practices. The framework or set of standards professionals use to handle these bigger-picture issues is sometimes referred to as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).
Businesses don’t have to be market leaders in renewable energy or major power players in Washington to make a positive impact on the environment. A positive impact might be as small as switching to cloud storage or double-sided printing. If professionals incorporate ethical principles (like accountability and viability) and frameworks (like ESG) into their organizations’ vision and processes, every business can play a role in making our planet a more harmonious, hopeful, and healthier place.
Middle School Topic
Car company Geo Motors has just announced its newest car model: The Geo Pulse. The Pulse is an electric vehicle (EV) that features all the latest technology, including a battery that allows the Pulse to last longer on the road than any other EV.
Geo Motors proudly markets the Pulse as a “zero emissions vehicle” since it’s powered only by electricity and doesn’t rely on carbon-emitting gasoline or diesel-fuel. The company also claims the Pulse is “the most eco-friendly car in the world.”
However, an investigative report reveals that the Geo Pulse—while still an impressive vehicle—is not nearly as eco-friendly as Geo Motors claims.
The report explains that several key components of the car (like its battery) are manufactured in a very energy-consuming and carbon-intensive process at Geo Motors’ factories. Furthermore, the mining methods used to extract the battery minerals resulted in widespread deforestation and habitat destruction. The report also found that some of the advanced features of the car greatly increase the car’s energy consumption.
After the report is released, Geo Motors faces criticism for branding the Pulse as a “zero emissions vehicle” that is “the most eco-friendly car in the world.” Company executives admit they are still working on more efficient methods to produce and power their EVs. But in the meantime, they say, they are standing by their marketing campaign because the Geo Pulse is still technically “zero emissions,” as the car itself does not directly emit carbon dioxide.
But what do you think the company should do? How should a business balance success with protecting the environment?