The Business Ethics of the Corona Crisis

This work’s methodology is an analytical one and is primarily based on an analysis of most recently published economic studies and surveys as well as on an evaluation of literature such as most recent statements and publications of economic, ethical  and medical – ethical institutions. The analysis has proven the multi - dimensionality of the crisis. Besides the grave macroeconomic consequences for the whole economy, depending on which industry is considered there are differences in the extent of the impact of the crisis which finally leads to losers and winners at the same time. In addition to the macro – and microeconomic damage, the social psychological consequences caused by the national lockdown of 2020 such as depressions and suicidality triggered by isolation and existential fears as well as the increase in domestic violence are equally important to mention. Overall, the measures taken from the government to contain the virus lead to a grave collateral damage and the pandemic causes ethical dilemmas both from a social – ethical and a medical – ethical level due to high restrictions of fundamental rights, an intervention in data privacy, the measures’ limitations with regard to the concept of equality of opportunities and the possibility of a triage situation. As a result of this multidimensional impact for different areas of interest, it is particularly important to involve a wide consensus of science into the decision – making process and to not only trust the virologists. In order to minimize the collateral damage of the crisis it is recommended to provide help and support for the social groups being most affected by the crisis and to apply economic and financial instruments such as short – time work and liquidity assistance in order to minimize the number of German insolvencies. However, as only a vaccine will provide a long – term solution, the central aim for the next months is to continue creating a new normality that reconciles the protection of people’s health, social and economic interests as effectively as possible in order to prevent deaths on the one hand and to keep the collateral damage of the crisis to the lowest possible level on the other hand.