subject: Stephen Kauff Lectures on Business Ethics And Integrity In Business [print this page] Stephen Kauff Lectures on Business Ethics And Integrity In Business
StephenKauff Lectures on Business Ethics And Integrity In Business
There is an Old Italian saying that goes "You have to keep an honest man honest".Ethics are a moral compass within us designed to steer our path through life. It is that little voice that says to you "this isn't right", even if you cannot pull a law from the books that agrees with you.
Even though the majority of companies strive to conduct their business ethically it is important to have laws in place as guidelines. Laws protect the customers, employees, society and other businesses from other people's unethical behaviors.
Business ethics are similar to laws in that they both are subject to change according to the times. For example, child labor used to be acceptable but now it is not only unethical but also illegal and unconstitutional. When you act unethically, then your goal is to benefit the company without any regard for the effect of this action on other people.
Even if the majority of companies conduct their business ethically, there is still a need for laws to protect costumers, the environment and other companies. There are still figures like John Davison Rockefeller, whichis an example of why laws need to be in place. Laws such as antitrust lawskeep companies from becoming monopolies, and consumer safetylaws ensure that consumers are not harmed or negatively affected by commercial products.
This lecture is part of a series on business ethics and how to ensure the integrity of your operations. If you would like to receive the entire series then please visit http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Stephen/Kauff
