Arguments Against Business Ethics

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Arguments against business ethics By Benito Teehankee (Managing For Society column, The Manila Times, December 2, 2008) Aside from handling courses in business ethics, I like speaking on the topic to various audiences. I’ve been invited to academic forums, Rotary Clubs, business conferences, student groups and even a doctors’ convention. I especially look forward to the questions of the audience because they give me a clue on the state of people’s thinking about ethics in the world of business. While practically everyone in these audiences agree about the importance, even necessity, of doing the right things in business, there are concerns raised about promoting business ethics. Let me discuss three major arguments that have often cropped up. The first argument is that people’s ethical values are set during childhood, in their families, and little can be done after that. My university has signed-up for the United Nation’s Principles for Responsible Management Education program. When an American friend based in New York found out, he joked: “Good luck teaching MBAs to have a conscience.” But the research evidence shows that adults are capable of value changes based on experience, reflection and continuing education. Companies who have done questionable practices for years have been known to reverse track upon reflection. A Filipino pharmaceutical firm, upon the decision of top management, has stopped giving payoffs to government employees for any reason. Microsoft founder Bill Gates has argued for business to focus, not only on profits, but also on “improving lives for those who don’t fully benefit from market forces.” And this from a man whose concept of business previously was mainly about aggressive competition for market share and technology dominance. People, and therefore companies, can choose to change.

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