Business Ethics Essay Example for Free

Business Ethics Essay This paper will focus on Benji Watson, a graduate from the Liberty University MBA program and his recruitment by a corporation that sells various vitamins, health foods and health supplements; New Gen Health Sciences. The case study that was presented provides us certain information that Benji has either gotten from his recruiter or from his own personal research. After a weekend of being at the company introduction event, Benji is presented with a dilemma as to whether to accept the lucrative offer New Gen has presented him. Throughout this paper I will take a closer look as to whether I believe Benji should or should not accept his contract offer from New Gen. Integrity One of the most important factors when looking into joining a corporation is to take a look from the top and see how the CEO runs his corporation. Benji has already had several red flags raised as to the business practices that the CEO of New Gen employs throughout his corporation. Mary C. Daly (2003) describes how a Harvard Business School case study quoted an Enron official who gave a description of Jeffrey Skilling’s decision-making process as follows: It was all about creating an atmosphere of deliberately breaking the rules† (p. 269-270). She goes on to say that in a similar situation, Salomon Brothers encouraged extreme risk taking in the pursuit of profits that sometimes were not within the ethics or morals of the individual (p. 270). A severe lack of integrity within these corporations ultimately led to their demise. Unfortunately, it seems as if the CEO of New Gen is headed down this same path in his pursuit of profits. The CEO of New Gen claims to be a person who cares about people and making their lives better, yet he displays a total lack of integrity when he referred to the company’s customers as â€Å"fat, lazy, lethargic Americans.† Benji needs to ask himself, is this the type of boss I want to work for? To make matters worse and to once again bring the CEO’s integrity into question, he harshly asked another potential employee whose infant child was crying to leave the room as to not bother the others who were in the room. I would caution Benji to take into consideration these actions when he makes his decision. Julia Sferlazzo (2012) describes two types of business ethics theories and the debate that focuses on whose interest’s managers should consider when they are making decisions (p. 772). The two theories, shareholder and stakeholder theories respectively, both take a different approach in how they go about implementing their business ethics. The shareholders theory basically involves when the only duty of the manager is to pursue profit and that the only obligations they have are to act within the confines of the law. This theory was favored in the early 1900’s but over the past several decades this theory has fallen out of favor in terms of government regulation due to the corruption and corporate greed. In the stakeholders theory, a balance is placed on what is in the best interest of the shareholder, employees, the community, and as society. This theory of professional ethics is accepted the most amongst academics (Sferlazzo, 2012, p.772-773). Based on the theories I have outlined above, I believe that New Gen more closely falls in line with the shareholder theory, and one that could lead down the path of corruption. Although New Gen is not ethically doing anything illegal, they are falsely marketing their company as a leader in ethics when in reality they are only in pursuit of the maximum amount of profit. â€Å"For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But though, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness† (Timothy 6:10-11, NIV). Strategic Ethics vs. Real Ethics In Dobson’s (n.d.) critique, he states several times that although a business’ actions may appear moral, it is clear that the motivation can sometimes only be material. This question is are these companies only saying they are running an ethical business as motivation to attract investors or are they taking action on what they are saying by their real ethics they are imploring. When Benji was conversing with his recruiter about New Gen’s industry leading ethics code, the recruiter basically told him that it was a strategy that the company had to say in order to ensure  government regulations were met and they could entice investors. This should be a red flag for Benji that this company may be employing a strategic ethic instead of real ethics in order to attract new investors rather than doing the right thing. These dishonest business practices along with not being able to adhere to real ethics and using them only to their strategic advantage will eventually ca tch up to this company and its financials will struggle if these practices continue. â€Å"Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves† (Matthew 7:15, NIV). Benji would be wise to heed the advice that Jesus gave to Matthew when advising him on how to enter the kingdom of heaven. Spiritually, Benji has to make a conscience effort to continue to research and investigate on whether this is a wise decision for him to accept a job from a potential dishonest corporation. Is New Gen a corporation that values its consumers and employers both ethically and spiritually or are they a corporation that only uses their â€Å"industry leading ethics code† as a strategic ploy to attract their investors? These are the questions Benji must consider when deciding on accepting this contract offer. The Decision From both a spiritual and an ethical perspective there is no way that I would advise Benji to accept this job offer. Although this job appears lucrative from the outside looking in, upon further research Benji should realize that this company’s foundation is based upon furthering the profit for the CEO and not taking into consideration of the stakeholders. Furthermore, New Gen is a company that is dishonest and shows a total disregard to the integrity that a reputable business would display. In no way would I advise Benji to accept this job offer. References Daly, Mary C. (2003). INTEGRITY IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW: TEACHING INTEGRITY IN THE PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY CURRICULUM: A MODEST PROPOSAL FOR CHANGE. Fordham Law Review, 72, 261-277. Dobson, John (n.d.). Virtue Ethics as a Foundation for Business Ethics: A â€Å"MacIntyre-Based Critique† Retrieved May 15, 2013, from http://www.stthomas.edu/cathstudies/cst/conferences/antwerp/papers/dobson.pdf Sferlazzo, Julia (2012). Learning Legal Ethics From MBAs: How a Comparison of Legal and Business Ethics Could Promote Ethical Professional Behavior. Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics, 25, 769-786.

Quote Journal for House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende Essay

Quote Journal for House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende ? . . . it made no difference if they studied medicine or had the right to vote, because they would not have the strength to do it, but she herself [Nivea] was not brave enough to be among the first to give up the fashion.? (6, Ch 1) The women in this society are dependant on the dominant male figure to handle political and economical duties. This point of view is intended to mimic the older generation of women ad present a foundation for the growth of an enlightened generation. Allende uses this excerpt to present a foundation of structure to the novel by beginning with the extremes of opinion, which are followed in the novel through different generations. Alba for example, become a very outspoken activist by trying to attend the student protests and follow Miguel on his demonstrations, a sharp contrast to the indifference or shallowness found in her great grandmother. ?It was the custom then for women and children not to attend funerals, which were considered a male province.? (34, Ch 1) Allende utilizes this quote to demonstrate a beginning of plot development by showing elements of a patriarchal society and present the past limitations of women as lower class members of this society. This point of view also is seen from a narrator that exists in the future and is reflecting on past customs and while doing so insinuates that this class limitation will go through change and possible elimination during the course of the novel. It begins a structural approach of presenting to the reader a metamorphosis of women?s role in society through time. ?I would never find another woman [Rosa] with her green hair and underwater beauty.? (35, Ch 1) Green is the color the ocean and a symbol of blossoming and awakening while water is pure and innocent. It has a middling quality and mediates between two extremes, or two political standpoints (Socialism and Conservatism). Life ascends from red and blossoms in green, a feminine color of childbearing, as is seen through the many generations of green haired women. Green is a color of hope, strength and longevity, where Clara and Rosa?s hair help represent them as a very natural and bold feminine aspect of the book. Rosas blossom between green leaves and the symbolic name of Rosa sets the organic tone of femininity found within her sibling, Clara, also b... ...e people of his country can characterize him as a poor leader for the electorate of his country. Although he claims to be fighting for the betterment of the nation and its stability, what can he possibly know about its condition if he fails to recognize the struggles and problems of the underclass majority of the population? ?He realized that all he really cared about was losing his granddaughter, because she was his last link to life.? (399, Ch 13) The value he places on his granddaughter at this point in the story reflects that of the scenario found earlier when Ferula was left to take care of his mother on her deathbed. The reversal in character is found in that his once ambitious and powerful carefree spirit is now left at the hands of his one caretaker. This is while his daughter, now ambitious as he was at that time, is take hostage by the rogue government which constructed itself underneath his nose, while he was supporting it, therefore, it can be seen that ironically, his political obsession with conservatism led to his own destruction of well being and power. Works Cited: Allende, Isabel. Trans. Magda Bogin. The House of the Spirits. New York: Bantam, 1986.

Creon and Antigone †Victims of Fate Essay

Sophocles put a lot of layers of meaning in his Creon and Antigone. For ancient Greeks these great tragedies were not only an entertainment, but they also possessed a lot of philosophical meaning which made people think about many different problems. When reading Sophocles’ play Antigone we get into a difficult life situation together with main characters, think about their choices and possible consequences of their mistakes. We can see two different systems of beliefs, two different worlds presented by two main characters – Creon and Antigone. Creon is a carrier of the state power; he expresses obedience to his fate and obedience to the state laws. He is driven by the burden of responsibilities put on him by his high position. We see that he is ready to forget about his feelings and emotions in order to perform his duties. â€Å"Kings, my girl, have other things to do than to surrender themselves to their private feelings† he says to Antigone during their talk (Sophocles 42). He can not influence his destiny and it seems that everything is predetermined for him. Antigone is a complete antipode of Creon. She is lively, impulsive, enthusiastic and counts on her feelings and emotions. She can break the limits of the state laws and even does not feel guilty for that. â€Å"I didn’t say â€Å"yes†. I can say no to anything I think vile, and I don’t have to count the cost. But because you said yes, all that you can do, for all your crown and trappings, and your guards- all that you can do is to have me killed† (Sophocles 45). She is driven by completely different motives and her inner truth is more important to her than formal laws and regulations. She makes decisions, which determine her fate. She influences her own life and people around her. Antigone seems free and determine. She makes her decisions and is ready to take responsibility for them. We can find a lot of things, which unite them if we look deeper than just on the surface of the play. Creon and Antigone do not seem so different if we study their personalities better. They both are stubborn; they both are directed by their goals and do not want to step aside. They have different values and look for different things in life but both are ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of these values. Creon recognizes himself in young and passionate Antigone. â€Å"Don’t think me fatuous if I say that I understand you; and that at your age I should have done the same thing. A moment ago, when we were quarreling, you said I was drinking in your words. I was. But it wasn’t you I was listening to; it was a lad named Creon†¦he was thin and pale, as you are. His mind too was filled with thoughts of self-sacrifice† (Sophocles 50). He knows that they are alike, were alike if to be precise. But the burden of state responsibilities has changed his thoughts and deadened his feelings. His ideals were replaced by the obedience to laws and higher power. Like in the most Greek tragedies Creon is dependant on the will of whimsical gods and has little choice. The only his choice is whether to follow his destination or not. Creon makes his choice and obediently follows his fate. Antigone challenges not only social norms, but also her own destiny and will of gods. Antigone easily breaks with her beloved sister when she refuses to help her. She does not forgive her even when Ismene comes to prison and wants to share Antigone’s guilt. The same thing does Creon, when refuses to listen to the advice of his old and loyal friend Polyneices. Both, Antigone and Creon could sacrifice their dear people and just forget about them in the fight for their ideals. Both, Creon and Antigone have their own moral standards and live according to them. Works Cited Sophocles: The Complete Greek Tragedies. Edited by David Grene. 2 vols. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1954-57.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson Free Essay Example, 2000 words

Steve Jobs attitude towards money became evident. He proved disinterested in material wealth, a factor that contributed to conflicts with some of the Apple employees. One of his longtime friends mentioned in chapter 3, Daniel Kottke, did not receive any share of the company after the initial public offering (IPO) because he had never been salaried. Evidently, this issue reflected negatively on Steve Jobs. In chapter 10, the book describes how the Macintosh was developed. In the next chapter, the reader becomes familiar with the Steve Jobs capacity to distort reality and convince Apple employees that everything was possible. Chapter 12 places emphasis on his obsession with perfection and intuitive design in the development of the Macintosh Computers. Chapter 13 highlights that the Macintosh Computer would become the machine of the year after Steve Jobs ensured that it was a reflection of the highest level of innovation. Steve Jobs had the conviction that he lacked the capacity requir ed to run the operations of the Apple Company on his own. Therefore, he brought in John Sculley to bring his marketing expertise to Apple as highlighted in chapter 14.We will write a custom essay sample on Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Chapter 15 described the success of the Macintosh Computer after its launch in 1984. Steve Jobs did not have a great relationship with Bill Gates, who is the founder of the Microsoft Company, especially after Microsoft launched the Windows operating system. Steve Jobs had the conviction that Bill Gates and his company had stolen his idea of the operating system used in Macintosh. In chapter 17, Isaacson discusses how the personality of Steve Jobs led to the loss of some of the talented engineers because he proved difficult to work with. The power struggles that resulted triggered a conflict between Sculley and Jobs eventually compelling Steve Jobs to leave the company. After leaving Apple, Steve Jobs ventured into starting NeXT from his personal savings. In chapter 19, Jobs also acquired Pixar after the failure of NeXT.