We studied the Milgram and Zimbardo experiments today in class.
The guards in the Stanford experiment were normal students became very perverse, abusive individuals.
These studies investigate the effects of a power superior/subordinate relationship. What comes to my mind is how even church relationships can be abused. Especially after we've discussed how Machiavelli's writings were influenced by the Medici family, who thought they were divinely appointed. How will regular people behave when they take on the role of "guard", flouting authority, or even "priest" or "bishop", granting pardon. Zimardo says it's likely that people will go bad if they're placed in positions of power.
We took a quiz on how Machiavellian we were. And I scored pretty high. Well that's because here is an example of a Machiavellian mindset "Anyone who completely trusts anyone else is asking for trouble". EVER SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH A SALESMAN? They've got the most information and therefore the most power. And it doesn't matter what the salesman can actually do, it's what he makes other people think he can do.
I am more cynical about people now after I've heard anecdotal evidence of salesmen totally working over the average person. Trust, but verify. And some for some groups, trust none of them.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
So we're watching a video in class about the interview i mentioned a few posts ago -- Bill Gates Sr. and the heir of the Oscar Meyer fortune -- about fairness of the estate tax.
"We just don't look enough at the role society plays in helping people create wealth", so the government is entitled to tax those who made their success with the government's help.
I think this interview is so neat. Great food for thought.
Jason and I had a heated discussion about affirmative action when I said I'd admit a Hispanic kid over a white kid to BYU based on race. Jason would be willing to accept 100% white people if it meant it was totally fair that everyone got in. I think that's weird. I think that drives the wedge between whites and nonwhites further.
We had to stop talking about it because it was so uncomfortable.
"We just don't look enough at the role society plays in helping people create wealth", so the government is entitled to tax those who made their success with the government's help.
I think this interview is so neat. Great food for thought.
Jason and I had a heated discussion about affirmative action when I said I'd admit a Hispanic kid over a white kid to BYU based on race. Jason would be willing to accept 100% white people if it meant it was totally fair that everyone got in. I think that's weird. I think that drives the wedge between whites and nonwhites further.
We had to stop talking about it because it was so uncomfortable.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
corporate social responsibility
I won't go to Wal-Mart because it is a sad place.
The workers are underpaid.
The fluorescent lighting is taxing.
New term I learned: Social Darwinism
A normative principle (how the world SHOULD work), that we shouldn't waste our resources on the "losers" -- those that are less profitable in the industry.
I like supporting companies that are "green" or "do good". I found a WSJ article that says being "green" or philanthropic is profitable! The profit margins for products perceived as green are way better and greater in magnitude than the losses manufacturers suffer on products perceived as "not green".
The workers are underpaid.
The fluorescent lighting is taxing.
New term I learned: Social Darwinism
A normative principle (how the world SHOULD work), that we shouldn't waste our resources on the "losers" -- those that are less profitable in the industry.
I like supporting companies that are "green" or "do good". I found a WSJ article that says being "green" or philanthropic is profitable! The profit margins for products perceived as green are way better and greater in magnitude than the losses manufacturers suffer on products perceived as "not green".
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Aid response to Szechuan earthquake
I'd like to know how the Chinese government and businesses have responded to the relief effort for the earthquake in China. Let's stick a barometer in China and take a look.
"the government responded to an earthquake by sending in thousands of soldiers and taking unusual steps to share the story with the outside world. History may eventually note that this disaster, coming so close upon the opening of the 2008 Olympics, forced a new openness in this once-secretive nation." "In praise of moral nuance"
Not bad, especially when China gets scalding criticism for selfishness. Why the difference now? Are they tired of the bad rap and want to clean it up a little before the summer games start?
Would China help anyone not of their own?
"the government responded to an earthquake by sending in thousands of soldiers and taking unusual steps to share the story with the outside world. History may eventually note that this disaster, coming so close upon the opening of the 2008 Olympics, forced a new openness in this once-secretive nation." "In praise of moral nuance"
Not bad, especially when China gets scalding criticism for selfishness. Why the difference now? Are they tired of the bad rap and want to clean it up a little before the summer games start?
Would China help anyone not of their own?
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Affirmative Action
Today in class we discussed affirmative action, and I'm still totally for it. Even though the Supreme Court says race quotas violate the 14th amendment because it discriminates against race, I still think race quotas have a net benefit.
I think BYU should admit an underqualified Hispanic over a qualified Caucasian because the school needs more Hispanic representation (only 2.6% of population is Latino), and think of how many members of the Church are from South America! Fastest growing membership area.
I think BYU should admit an underqualified Hispanic over a qualified Caucasian because the school needs more Hispanic representation (only 2.6% of population is Latino), and think of how many members of the Church are from South America! Fastest growing membership area.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Does it pay to be ethical?
From the Wall Street Journal:
The link can be found at the end of this entry.
Summary:
Article attempts to answer these questions:
Will buyers actually reward good corporate behavior by paying more for products -- and will they punish irresponsible behavior by paying less? If so, how much? And just how far does a company really need to go to win people over?
So the writers conducted a test. Two groups. One group was given information about if goods were made ethically or unethically. Second group (control group) -- no information was given.
Results:
...
consumer attitudes played a big part in shaping those results. People with high standards for corporate behavior rewarded the ethical companies with bigger premiums and punished the unethical ones with bigger discounts.
Finally, we discovered that companies don't necessarily need to go all-out with social responsibility to win over consumers. If a company invests in even a small degree of ethical production, buyers will reward it just as much as a company that goes much further in its efforts.
Strengths of the Article
Actually conducted an experiment! That is cool. I don't care much if it's statistically robust. Very cogent argument.
Weaknesses of the article:
Author inaccurately substitutes the term "social responsibility" for "ethics". The article title is misleading -- perhaps for sensationalism. He does, however, specify what category of ethics the scope of his study assesses
Weakens the argument significantly, but still an interesting read. It's kind of like reading Consumer Reports.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121018735490274425.html
The link can be found at the end of this entry.
Summary:
Article attempts to answer these questions:
Will buyers actually reward good corporate behavior by paying more for products -- and will they punish irresponsible behavior by paying less? If so, how much? And just how far does a company really need to go to win people over?
So the writers conducted a test. Two groups. One group was given information about if goods were made ethically or unethically. Second group (control group) -- no information was given.
Results:
...
consumer attitudes played a big part in shaping those results. People with high standards for corporate behavior rewarded the ethical companies with bigger premiums and punished the unethical ones with bigger discounts.
Finally, we discovered that companies don't necessarily need to go all-out with social responsibility to win over consumers. If a company invests in even a small degree of ethical production, buyers will reward it just as much as a company that goes much further in its efforts.
Strengths of the Article
Actually conducted an experiment! That is cool. I don't care much if it's statistically robust. Very cogent argument.
Weaknesses of the article:
Author inaccurately substitutes the term "social responsibility" for "ethics". The article title is misleading -- perhaps for sensationalism. He does, however, specify what category of ethics the scope of his study assesses
For our purposes, "ethically produced" goods are those manufactured under three conditions. First, the company is considered to have progressive stakeholder relations, such as a commitment to diversity in hiring and consumer safety. Second, it must follow progressive environmental practices, such as using eco-friendly technology. Finally, it must be seen to demonstrate respect for human rights -- no child labor or forced labor in overseas factories, for instance.Also, the study only examines one industry: manufacturing.
Weakens the argument significantly, but still an interesting read. It's kind of like reading Consumer Reports.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121018735490274425.html
Thursday, May 29, 2008
workplace discrimination
One of the most important aspects to keep in mind during the assessment of crises, and the avoidance or minimization of their impact, is the immediate and ongoing impact on the organization's reputation. Decisionmakers can make choices that benefit all stakeholders (at a high cost, though) and often enhance the organizations reputational capital or shorten the period of diminishment.
Texaco's discrimination against black worders ended up costing a $300 million fine and lost respect.
Texaco's response included six steps including visits by senior exectuives to company locations to apologize to employees, expansion of its Diversity club, and a renewed emphasis on company core values. Offending employees were cut off. (Good!)
But why did Lundwall say if he could do it all over again, he would "slip quietly into the night with his benefits and let the system stay as screwed up as it is"? This is why we need to protect our whistleblowers.
Texaco's discrimination against black worders ended up costing a $300 million fine and lost respect.
Texaco's response included six steps including visits by senior exectuives to company locations to apologize to employees, expansion of its Diversity club, and a renewed emphasis on company core values. Offending employees were cut off. (Good!)
But why did Lundwall say if he could do it all over again, he would "slip quietly into the night with his benefits and let the system stay as screwed up as it is"? This is why we need to protect our whistleblowers.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Personal Dilemma
I shared a personal ethical dilemma with my class today.
If I had taken this class before the decision was made, I know I would have made a better choice, or gone about my actions in a way to protect the "stakeholders" involved.
I'm uncomfortable posting my specifics of my dilemma on the blog. It was hard enough to share it with my class. Especially since some people in the class probably know who the key players are.
The class really helped me understand different ways to approach the situation.
I felt a little ashamed as I unfolded the story before my peers.
Today was the best day in ethics class so far.
If I had taken this class before the decision was made, I know I would have made a better choice, or gone about my actions in a way to protect the "stakeholders" involved.
I'm uncomfortable posting my specifics of my dilemma on the blog. It was hard enough to share it with my class. Especially since some people in the class probably know who the key players are.
The class really helped me understand different ways to approach the situation.
I felt a little ashamed as I unfolded the story before my peers.
Today was the best day in ethics class so far.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Discussed in class in response to 1986 Challenger explosion:
When you cannot guarantee safety, you shouldn't shift the burden of proof to prove unsafe conditions.
Yet
In court,
When you cannot prove your innocence you should not shift the burden of proof to prove your guilt.
However, NASA is such a huge organization with so many stakeholders that they must assume responsibility to create controls and policies to check for safety. It would be unethical not to. It would be negligent and irresponsible to ignore these protocols.
I believe an organization must hire good people -- good in both skills and ethics -- and implement controls that do not yield like employees might yield under pressure.
When you cannot guarantee safety, you shouldn't shift the burden of proof to prove unsafe conditions.
Yet
In court,
When you cannot prove your innocence you should not shift the burden of proof to prove your guilt.
However, NASA is such a huge organization with so many stakeholders that they must assume responsibility to create controls and policies to check for safety. It would be unethical not to. It would be negligent and irresponsible to ignore these protocols.
I believe an organization must hire good people -- good in both skills and ethics -- and implement controls that do not yield like employees might yield under pressure.
Whistleblowing
The "Persons of the Year" honored in 2002 by Time magazine (Dec. 30, 2002) are called whistleblowers. That issue of Time provides comprehensive coverage about those whistleblowers and the organizations they blew the whistle on: Sherron Watkins, Enron; Coleen Rowley, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Cynthia Cooper, WorldCom.
The fate that awaits whistleblowers is tough. They are unlikely to be called diligent CPAs, but rather "snitches." They will not likely be portrayed as "team players," but rather disgruntled employees. They often lose friends, lose careers, and endure significant personal stress. Some might argue that whistleblowers such as Sherron Watkins, of Enron, have benefited in lucrative speaking engagements and book deals, but Sherron Watkins' situation is atypical.
If CPA employees follow interpretation 102-4, there is a significant possibility that they will be labeled snitches for doing their jobs and will suffer as an employee. But if they choose to be silent, CPAs violate their consciences and the ethical standards of the accounting profession.
The AICPA has provided guidance to whistleblowers in the form of a decision tree. The decision tree is useful in that it gives guidance on what party to talk to next. But providing the current decision tree to a CPA who finds misrepresentations in financial statements is like handing a tourist a map of New York City and wishing him luck. A tourist needs more than a map; he needs practical advice on how to negotiate the city, and warnings of possible pitfalls. Likewise, CPAs need practical advice on how to negotiate the decision tree and how to be alert to the possible dangers, before they begin this monumental task. Their careers and personal lives are at stake.
By providing CPAs with guidance that properly balances their personal welfare with their professional responsibility, and working to change an unfair characterization of loyal employees as whistleblowers, the AICPA would promote fewer ethics violations and encourage more transparent reporting in financial statements.
FindArticles - Professional Responsibility and the Fate of Whistleblowers
CPA Journal, The, Apr 2006, by Gabbin, Alexander L,
Richardson, Robert C
The fate that awaits whistleblowers is tough. They are unlikely to be called diligent CPAs, but rather "snitches." They will not likely be portrayed as "team players," but rather disgruntled employees. They often lose friends, lose careers, and endure significant personal stress. Some might argue that whistleblowers such as Sherron Watkins, of Enron, have benefited in lucrative speaking engagements and book deals, but Sherron Watkins' situation is atypical.
If CPA employees follow interpretation 102-4, there is a significant possibility that they will be labeled snitches for doing their jobs and will suffer as an employee. But if they choose to be silent, CPAs violate their consciences and the ethical standards of the accounting profession.
The AICPA has provided guidance to whistleblowers in the form of a decision tree. The decision tree is useful in that it gives guidance on what party to talk to next. But providing the current decision tree to a CPA who finds misrepresentations in financial statements is like handing a tourist a map of New York City and wishing him luck. A tourist needs more than a map; he needs practical advice on how to negotiate the city, and warnings of possible pitfalls. Likewise, CPAs need practical advice on how to negotiate the decision tree and how to be alert to the possible dangers, before they begin this monumental task. Their careers and personal lives are at stake.
By providing CPAs with guidance that properly balances their personal welfare with their professional responsibility, and working to change an unfair characterization of loyal employees as whistleblowers, the AICPA would promote fewer ethics violations and encourage more transparent reporting in financial statements.
FindArticles - Professional Responsibility and the Fate of Whistleblowers
CPA Journal, The, Apr 2006, by Gabbin, Alexander L,
Richardson, Robert C
Monday, May 19, 2008
Rededication of the Role of a Professional Accountant
The scandals have made clear that professional accountants owe their primary loyalty to the public. We work in a profession of real value where trust is particularly important. We are resonsile and able to discharge our duties to memers of the public propertly. If we're ont being fair, then the government will step in, and we will lose our ability to manage our affairs efficiently.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
SOX. Costs and Benefits
How Much Did Sarbanes-Oxely Impact Markets?
Market Action Leading up to the Legislation's Debate and Passage (1/99-12/02)
Market's Performance Since Sarbanes Oxley (7/02-6/05)
Source:
How Much Is It Really Costing To Comply With Sarbanes-Oxley?
Carl Bialik
WSJ, June 16, 2005
http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB111885041027560378,00.html
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Objectivity and Independence
What does it mean to be objective? Is it possible to be truly objective? Or is everything we see, do, or say affected by our values, beliefs, and our preferences for certain outcomes? When someone says, “I’m going to be totally objective …,” how many of you, like me, prepare for an expression of personal feelings, prejudice, or interpretation obviously (at least to us) meant to persuade us to the speaker’s subjective point of view?
We must protect the public first because doing so protects the reputation of our profession.
Whether working internally as an accountant or externally as an auditor, an individual’s most powerful potential incentive to be objective and independent, as well as the most powerful potential protector of such an individual when exercising objectivity and independence, is a strong profession. A strong profession, however, thrives only when membership in it outweighs the demands and rewards of current employment.
We must protect the public first because doing so protects the reputation of our profession.
Whether working internally as an accountant or externally as an auditor, an individual’s most powerful potential incentive to be objective and independent, as well as the most powerful potential protector of such an individual when exercising objectivity and independence, is a strong profession. A strong profession, however, thrives only when membership in it outweighs the demands and rewards of current employment.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Integrity, Honesty, Wholeness
I thought about how integrity, honesty, and wholeness could be applied in my life.
-- respect the confidentiality and professionalism of the accounting industry by not blogging negative things about my future employer.
Integrity believes in wholeness, goodness, and excellence, and is willing to serve as a praiseworthy example for others.
Leadership experts Dr. Gay Hendricks and Dr. Kate Ludeman cite in their book The Corporate Mystic, "the mastery of integrity comes down to three things: being authentic with yourself, being authentic with others, and doing the things you have said you would do." (The Corporate Mystic: A Guidebook for Visionaries with their Feet on the Ground, 1996, Bantam Books)
-- respect the confidentiality and professionalism of the accounting industry by not blogging negative things about my future employer.
Integrity believes in wholeness, goodness, and excellence, and is willing to serve as a praiseworthy example for others.
Leadership experts Dr. Gay Hendricks and Dr. Kate Ludeman cite in their book The Corporate Mystic, "the mastery of integrity comes down to three things: being authentic with yourself, being authentic with others, and doing the things you have said you would do." (The Corporate Mystic: A Guidebook for Visionaries with their Feet on the Ground, 1996, Bantam Books)
Monday, May 12, 2008
CODES
So this is the Canadian Curlers' Association Code of Ethics
Curler’s Code of Ethics
> I will play the game with a spirit of good sportsmanship
> I will conduct myself in an honorable manner both on and off the ice.
> I will never knowingly break a rule, but if I do, I will divulge the breach.
> I will take no action that could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or demean my opponents, teammates or officials.
> I will interpret the rules in an impartial manner, always keeping in mind that the purpose of the rules is to ensure that the game is played in an orderly and fair manner.
> I will humble accept any penalty that the governing body at any level of curling deems appropriate, if I am found in violation of the Code of Ethics or rules of the game.
Couldn't we substitute it for the AICPA (accounting) code?
Can you imagine this one > I will never knowingly break a rule, but if I do, I will divulge the breach.
Curler’s Code of Ethics
> I will play the game with a spirit of good sportsmanship
> I will conduct myself in an honorable manner both on and off the ice.
> I will never knowingly break a rule, but if I do, I will divulge the breach.
> I will take no action that could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or demean my opponents, teammates or officials.
> I will interpret the rules in an impartial manner, always keeping in mind that the purpose of the rules is to ensure that the game is played in an orderly and fair manner.
> I will humble accept any penalty that the governing body at any level of curling deems appropriate, if I am found in violation of the Code of Ethics or rules of the game.
Couldn't we substitute it for the AICPA (accounting) code?
Can you imagine this one > I will never knowingly break a rule, but if I do, I will divulge the breach.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Analysis schemas
Ethical investors are asking, Do Investee companies make a profit in excess of appropriate hurdle rates, and do they earn that profit in an ethical manner?
Usually, the maximization of profit in a longer than one-year time frame requiresharmonious relationships with most stakeholder groups and their interests.
Corporations are finding that in the past they have been legally and pragmatically accountable to shareholders, but they are also ecoming increasingly accountable to stakeholders (Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Media, Lenders, Creditors, Governments, Activists).
If I'm ever in a corporate situation where I have to decide if we spend money on pollution control, I'm going to do it. It's always a positive net benefit in the long-run. And no one can really criticize you for saving the environment. Decision is made.
Usually, the maximization of profit in a longer than one-year time frame requiresharmonious relationships with most stakeholder groups and their interests.
Corporations are finding that in the past they have been legally and pragmatically accountable to shareholders, but they are also ecoming increasingly accountable to stakeholders (Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Media, Lenders, Creditors, Governments, Activists).
If I'm ever in a corporate situation where I have to decide if we spend money on pollution control, I'm going to do it. It's always a positive net benefit in the long-run. And no one can really criticize you for saving the environment. Decision is made.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Parable of the Sadhu
McCoy argues that the "lesson" of the sadhu lies in understanding how the "individual" ethics failed (both him and Stephan) in their response to the sadhu because they had no leader and no collective ethic to guide them in making a decision.
"Not every ethical dilemma has a right solution. Reasonable people often disagree; otherwise there would be no dilemma. In a business context, however, it is essential that managers agree on a process of dealing with dilemmas."
Questions to think about:
What are the pracdtical limits of moral imagination and vision?
Is there a collective or institutional ethic beyond the ethics of the individual?
At what level of effort or commitment can one discharge one's ethical responsibilities?
The lesson to be learned is a complex corporate situation, the individual requires and deserves the support of the group. If people cannot find such support from their organization, they don't know how to act. If such support is forthcoming, a person has a stake in the success of the group, and can add much to the process of establishing and maintaining a corporate culture. It is management's challenge to be sensitive to individual needs, to shape them, and to direct and focus them for the benefit of the group as a whole.
"Not every ethical dilemma has a right solution. Reasonable people often disagree; otherwise there would be no dilemma. In a business context, however, it is essential that managers agree on a process of dealing with dilemmas."
Questions to think about:
What are the pracdtical limits of moral imagination and vision?
Is there a collective or institutional ethic beyond the ethics of the individual?
At what level of effort or commitment can one discharge one's ethical responsibilities?
The lesson to be learned is a complex corporate situation, the individual requires and deserves the support of the group. If people cannot find such support from their organization, they don't know how to act. If such support is forthcoming, a person has a stake in the success of the group, and can add much to the process of establishing and maintaining a corporate culture. It is management's challenge to be sensitive to individual needs, to shape them, and to direct and focus them for the benefit of the group as a whole.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Martha Stewart
Did Martha Stewart do anything morally or ethically wrong?
Look at this opinion I found online
Look at this opinion I found online
The bottom line is that insider trading is not wrong, actually, not if it doesn’t involve failure to perform one’s fiduciary duty or stealing information. If one learns of something from a friend or overhears a conversation or obtains the knowledge via a psychic, there is nothing wrong with making a profitable move that others hadn’t had the chance to make. Or, to quote the Wall Street Journal, "Presumably a scrap of paper could blow into your pocket and if it contained material nonpublic information, you could be charged with insider trading for acting on it."I guess Martha was performing her fiduciary responsibility, and she didn't solicit the information from her close pals.
I'm so conflicted! It smells wrong, but she was passive in this! How was she to know how many other people were aware of the bad news? When does insider trading become outsider trading?
Monday, May 5, 2008
Overhead in class.
A good universal principle is "the golden rule", right? So do what you'd have others do unto you. or Don't do what you wouldn't have others do to you.
The year is 1942. You are a German citizen hiding Jews. You answer the knock on the door. The gestapo demands to know if you are hiding Jews. How do you answer?
"Yes. They're in the back," telling the truth?
This is where the Golden Rule doesn't really seem moral.
Kant's Categorical Imperative. Act as if the principle guiding your action were to become a universal law (i.e. tell the truth to the Gestapo because everyone should tell the truth).
A good universal principle is "the golden rule", right? So do what you'd have others do unto you. or Don't do what you wouldn't have others do to you.
The year is 1942. You are a German citizen hiding Jews. You answer the knock on the door. The gestapo demands to know if you are hiding Jews. How do you answer?
"Yes. They're in the back," telling the truth?
This is where the Golden Rule doesn't really seem moral.
Kant's Categorical Imperative. Act as if the principle guiding your action were to become a universal law (i.e. tell the truth to the Gestapo because everyone should tell the truth).
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Can Ethics Be Taught?
Of course ethics can be taught! Haven't you ever asked someone, "What do you think I should do?" Moreover, people love TEACHING others ethics (whether they know they are or not). People love telling you what they think you should do in sticky situations.
My ability to deal with moral issues has been shaped at home, of course, but heavily by people connected to me at church, and also my university training.
Here's an example of a discussion we had in personal finance class about whether something is right or wrong:
"Is the estate tax right or wrong?" Should the wealthiest Americans be forced to pay the tax on their inheritances? Should they be forced to fund the government so that the middle class bears less of the burden? In finding some research to answer this question, I found this REALLY interesting link. An interview with Bill Gates about Repeal of the Death Tax. Bill feels very strongly AGAINST repeal of the death tax that President GW Bush tried to sign into effect very early in his administration! I was so shocked! Read the interview from 2003. It's really interesting.
Point is, lots of opportunities to talk about ethics and what is "right or wrong" -- whether they be at home, church, or school, are each learning moments. And I have gotten better at "doing the right thing".
I argue that ethics CAN be taught.
I am an artifact of ethics training.
My ability to deal with moral issues has been shaped at home, of course, but heavily by people connected to me at church, and also my university training.
Here's an example of a discussion we had in personal finance class about whether something is right or wrong:
"Is the estate tax right or wrong?" Should the wealthiest Americans be forced to pay the tax on their inheritances? Should they be forced to fund the government so that the middle class bears less of the burden? In finding some research to answer this question, I found this REALLY interesting link. An interview with Bill Gates about Repeal of the Death Tax. Bill feels very strongly AGAINST repeal of the death tax that President GW Bush tried to sign into effect very early in his administration! I was so shocked! Read the interview from 2003. It's really interesting.
Point is, lots of opportunities to talk about ethics and what is "right or wrong" -- whether they be at home, church, or school, are each learning moments. And I have gotten better at "doing the right thing".
I argue that ethics CAN be taught.
I am an artifact of ethics training.
Something smells unethical
Here's a thought-provoking article to read from the Times.
Isn't there something unethical about the accusations and stereotypes we, as Americans, cast on the Chinese and vehemently support the Tibetan effort? (And shame on me for not being more aware of what's going on in Tibet).
Robert S. Wood of the Seventy, (see the previous post for a link to his talk "Instruments of the Lord's Peace")
Chinese Students in U.S. Fight View of Their Home
Particularly for me, a Chinese American.No matter what China does, these students say, it cannot win in the arena of world opinion. “When we have a billion people, you said we were destroying the planet./ When we tried limiting our numbers, you said it is human rights abuse,” reads a poem posted on the Internet by “a silent, silent Chinese” and cited by some students as an accurate expression of their feelings. “When we were poor, you thought we were dogs./ When we loan you cash, you blame us for your debts./ When we build our industries, you called us polluters./ When we sell you goods, you blame us for global warming.”
Isn't there something unethical about the accusations and stereotypes we, as Americans, cast on the Chinese and vehemently support the Tibetan effort? (And shame on me for not being more aware of what's going on in Tibet).
Have we who have taken upon us the name of Christ slipped unknowingly into patterns of slander, evil speaking, and bitter stereotyping? Have personal or partisan or business or religious differences been translated into a kind of demonizing of those of different views? Do we pause to understand the seemingly different positions of others and seek, where possible, common ground?
Robert S. Wood of the Seventy, (see the previous post for a link to his talk "Instruments of the Lord's Peace")
Ethos
The class objectives are
Resources for Paying Attention -- Reading the paper
I commit to reading the front page of the New York Times and the BBC News Homepage every day. Then I will be an informed citizen, literate in current affairs, interesting to talk to, and a contributor in class.
I chose the Times because it is frequently relied upon as the official and authoritative reference for modern events. Did you know the paper has won 98 Pulitzer prizes? (wikipedia told me so). And I can learn some advanced vocabulary.
I chose BBC News for a global perspective. I remember last year, this time, in Taiwan, I watched the news and was suddently reminded that America is not the only country on Earth.
With the blog, I can blog about current events too-- particularly those related to ethics discussions.
Using disclaimers in class
In our ethics class, we're asked to precede opinions with "It seems to me" or "I think". I don't really like using these phrases as the main subject and verb of a sentence. I think it weakens a cogent argument in the grammatical sense. My solution will be to give a general disclaimer at the beginning of my "soap box". I can't wait to stir the pot in class.
Subjectivity does not equate capriciousness
Just because ethics is hard, some throw their hands up in the air and say it doesn't matter, that the answer always "depends". Sounds like economics too. We are encouraged to give reasons for why I think the way I do so that in any given situation (e.g. non LDS workplace out in the real world) I can persuasively articulate any given point of view.
What I want to Learn in Class this Term
My friend Daren always says things like "I'm going to go out for a run today since the weather is so nice. I mean, it's the right thing to do". What does it mean when something is the right thing to do? So here is a list of things I want to learn:
the following quotes are from Conference Report April 2006 Robert S Word, "Instruments of the Lord's Peace"
When I read this, I think about how this is a strategy or tactic to help me win the argument. Everyone wants to feel like they've "won", or effected change, or have gotten their way. The principle of agency permeates our thinking too!
Pure love seeketh not her own. This is a Christian principle that may be unique to me in the work place one day. A lot of business ethical decisions are based on "protecting oneself", which is a necessity, but how will I prioritize that? Will I let consequences affecting me take precedent above consequences affecting the company or shareholders?
Do you agree or disagree with Shakespeare:
I don't know how to answer this yet! I do believe in universal truth -- revealed to us in the form of commandments and the light of Christ.
I ALSO believe that opinions make things good or bad.
I'll try to answer this later in the course when I have more of a framework to think about it.
- Identify and address common ethical issues that arise for individuals, managers, and organizations.
- Use contemporary and classic frameworks to analyze and suggest resolutions to ethical dilemmas.
- Recognize how individual differences and cognitive barriers can influence ethical judgment.
Resources for Paying Attention -- Reading the paper
I commit to reading the front page of the New York Times and the BBC News Homepage every day. Then I will be an informed citizen, literate in current affairs, interesting to talk to, and a contributor in class.
I chose the Times because it is frequently relied upon as the official and authoritative reference for modern events. Did you know the paper has won 98 Pulitzer prizes? (wikipedia told me so). And I can learn some advanced vocabulary.
I chose BBC News for a global perspective. I remember last year, this time, in Taiwan, I watched the news and was suddently reminded that America is not the only country on Earth.
With the blog, I can blog about current events too-- particularly those related to ethics discussions.
Using disclaimers in class
In our ethics class, we're asked to precede opinions with "It seems to me" or "I think". I don't really like using these phrases as the main subject and verb of a sentence. I think it weakens a cogent argument in the grammatical sense. My solution will be to give a general disclaimer at the beginning of my "soap box". I can't wait to stir the pot in class.
Subjectivity does not equate capriciousness
Just because ethics is hard, some throw their hands up in the air and say it doesn't matter, that the answer always "depends". Sounds like economics too. We are encouraged to give reasons for why I think the way I do so that in any given situation (e.g. non LDS workplace out in the real world) I can persuasively articulate any given point of view.
What I want to Learn in Class this Term
My friend Daren always says things like "I'm going to go out for a run today since the weather is so nice. I mean, it's the right thing to do". What does it mean when something is the right thing to do? So here is a list of things I want to learn:
- What does it mean to be the right choice or action?
- How can I apply ethics to help me be a peacemaker? Especially in familial relationships.
- How will ethics help me with sales (and is it wrong to be interested in ethics for personal advancement)
- What is truth? Is truth universal?
the following quotes are from Conference Report April 2006 Robert S Word, "Instruments of the Lord's Peace"
Before you launch into your criticism, you must first present the strongest case for the position you are opposing.
When I read this, I think about how this is a strategy or tactic to help me win the argument. Everyone wants to feel like they've "won", or effected change, or have gotten their way. The principle of agency permeates our thinking too!
We cannot afford to be caught up in a world prone to give and to take offense. Rather, as the Lord revealed to both Paul and Mormon, we must neither envy nor be puffed up in pride. We are not easily provoked, nor do we behave unseemly. We rejoice not in iniquity but in the truth. Surely this is the pure love of Christ which we represent.
Pure love seeketh not her own. This is a Christian principle that may be unique to me in the work place one day. A lot of business ethical decisions are based on "protecting oneself", which is a necessity, but how will I prioritize that? Will I let consequences affecting me take precedent above consequences affecting the company or shareholders?
Do you agree or disagree with Shakespeare:
"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." - from Hamlet , Wm. Shakespeare; Act II, scene ii. Hamlet to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern abou whether Denmark is a prison.
I don't know how to answer this yet! I do believe in universal truth -- revealed to us in the form of commandments and the light of Christ.
I ALSO believe that opinions make things good or bad.
I'll try to answer this later in the course when I have more of a framework to think about it.
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