Business ethics

Every choice has a consequence! Unfortunately James D. Brasher, age 47, is finding that out too well. As the former Chief Executive Officer of Chuck Norris’ Kickstart Foundation, Brasher has plead guilty to uttering a forged security. In layman’s terms - he took money from the foundation. According to the US Attorney’s office news release: Brasher pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008. According to the factual basis recited in court during the hearing, Brasher confessed to opening bank accounts in names similar to that of Norris’ foundation. As donation checks to the foundation were received at headquarters, ... Read Full Story

Ethics is a discipline concerned with judgments based on moral standards and the reasoning therefrom. It is not the simple reliance on values or the search for value consensus. Whereas our personal ethics are linked to our values, business ethics is the application of ethics principles to issues that arise in business (Baron, 2009). For a firm, policies must be both general and consistent and cannot be dictated by the personal values of whoever happens to occupy a particular managerial position at a particular point in time (Id). Our social norms and personal ethics have an effect on our personal and professional lives. In ... Read Full Story

Reported yesterday in this ethics blog - Abdul S. Rao had resigned from his position from the University of South Florida. Originally reported in the Chronical of Higher Education, I raised several questions and noted that every choice has a consequence. As of today it appears that Dr. Rao, someone who’s work has contributed to the success of the University, has rescinded his resignation. A copy publicaly available on the internet is printed below: From: Abdul Rao Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:50:38 -0500 To: “Klasko, Stephen” Cc: “Ekarius, John” Subject: RESCIND RESIGNATION Dear Steve: After much contemplation and discussion with my family and ... Read Full Story

As my fingers rest on the keys of this keyboard, I have heard from colleagues that I should avoid writing on this subject - as Bank of America - might elect to be a client and wouldn’t appreciate negative publicity. My question back to them was - as an ethics speaker and author - don’t I have a responsibility to speak the truth? “Yes” was their reply “but at what peril?” So…being honest I have debated for days whether to write or not. In the end…I have elected to as I feel that ethical choices - at times - may mean less money or ... Read Full Story

My how times change. Just a few short years ago the economy could do no wrong. People commented about the large movement in the housing market “caused” by the Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers were buying second homes, downsizing, and making room for the next wave of new home buyers - or so we thought. But hind sight is 20/20. Perhaps less of that was true that what we thought. Looking back there were many artificial factors in play that were, in my opinion, a clear violation of what most people would say are sound business ethics. As a business ethics speaker , I know ... Read Full Story