How to be Ethical and Still Prosper |
Business Ethics in an Unethical World
In order to understand how to be ethical and prosper in an unethical world, we must define ethics and prosperity. If you ask any number of people their definition of ethics or prosperity, you are sure to receive several different versions. Business ethics could be defined as principles that guide decisions and actions resulting in honest, just and upstanding organizational practice. Nearly all unethical behavior is driven by selfishness, so a definition of ethics could also be the process of considering others before yourself. Richard T. De George says, "Ethics in business is simply the application of everyday moral or ethical norms to business" (1). I believe that prosperity is developing not only wealth, but happiness as well. Happiness stems from a person's ability to achieve financial security, good health, and a sincere confidence in the moral fiber of his or her heart. After a brief discussion of the history of business ethics, I will examine business ethics through three case studies: the Enron Corporation scandal, R. G. LeTourneau's story of prosperity and Johnson & Johnson's ethical process.
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