What does the duty-based approach to ethical decision making focus on?

The duty-based approach to ethical decision-making emphasizes the importance of individual intentions or motives behind actions. This framework is grounded in the belief that ethical decisions should be made based on a sense of duty or obligation, rather than merely considering the outcomes or consequences of those decisions. It prioritizes the inherent moral principles that guide a person's behavior, asserting that what is morally right should be upheld, regardless of the consequences that may arise.

This approach is often associated with deontological ethics, where the morality of an action is judged based on whether it aligns with established rules or duties, rather than the results it produces. Therefore, in this context, the focus is on the intrinsic motivations of the decision-maker, which aligns with the assertion that intentions are fundamental to ethical behavior.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of decision-making. The maximization of profit focuses on outcomes rather than moral principles, while competition with others often leads to a focus on self-interest and can compromise ethical standards. Adherence to company policies, while important, may not directly address the motivations behind actions, as these policies can sometimes prioritize compliance over ethical considerations.