By Ian O.
Business ethics is always a hot topic when
discussed, and has led to many different opinions on the matter. One of the
arguments that stems from this topic is whether or not business ethics should
be taught, for many see it as subjective as well as counterproductive towards
profit. A thesis, which can be found here, is a written argument against the idea.
We are going to look at how John Hooker, a business ethics professor at
Carnegie Mellon University, approaches his argument FOR the teachers of
business ethics, as well as how he approaches criticisms to his argument.
His Approach
As a preface, the majority of his views
are typically made after he counters the opposing view, seemingly trying to
build on the idea that his view is better by belittling the other. Now that
this is understood, we can discuss his actual views.
His first argument is in response to the
counter argument that business's only responsibility is to make money. He
responds by stating that while money is a main focus, to ditch the teachings of
ethical ways to make money is to create a business world where everything is
primal and based on only money. He argues that rules and ideas, as well as
moral responsibilities, need to be taught in order to control business owners
and companies. This argument is fairly well put, for it strikes what the other
argument lacks, emotion. If we look at this from an outsider perspective, which
would they sympathize with more? The one that is cold and says that businesses
only care about money or the argument that expresses more of an emotional basis
and sympathy towards the everyday worker.
His other argument worth showcasing is made in response to the
counter argument that if businesses were to behave ethically, it would be
because of government incentives and sanctions, not the things they learned in
school. Hooker's argument is that incentives alone can not persuade people to
be ethical, and that the teachings of business ethics is needed as a
"guiding light" in order to further motivate ethical practice in
business. This is a fairly good argument, for it doesn't completely disregard
the other argument. Some might see it as very passive, but what it does is
explain that these things go together and thus makes it easier for someone on
the fence to accept both the teaching of ethics and the use of incentives as
options instead of saying only one works.
My Opinion
His
overall argument seems to be fairly solid, with a very effective strategy of
not only showing his case, but countering the opponents case. There are some
weak spots, which seem to rely on opinion and not numbers a bit to much, but
besides those he has a convincing argument. From my own opinion, I already believed
ethics courses, especially in business, were essential. Even though I am
already for his argument, I still feel he holds up very valid points for his
idea, and is focused throughout with consistent sources.
Sources
Thesis
Picture
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