Corporate America – Managing Both Profits and Ethics

I want to make sure my book on renewables contains a robust chapter on the moral standards to which we need to hold our corporates; I’ve tentatively named this section “Corporate America – Managing Both Profits and Ethics.” I’m delighted to report that the Josephson Institute for Ethics will be granting me an interview on which I will base my writing. With their hugely influential “Character Counts” program, the Institute has been successful in changing the ethical thinking and behavior of literally millions of people — both children and adults — all over the world; it’s certainly had a profound effect on me personally.

At stake here, of course, is the imperative for our corporations to behave decently, respecting the rights of those of us who are affected directly or indirectly by their decisions and actions. But why is such an institute needed? Isn’t it precisely clear what’s right and wrong? I’m afraid the answer is no.

I don’t believe we need an ethicist to comment on behavior like Beechnut’s selling apple juice that contained 0% apples (only chemicals and water). But many of the decisions faced in the modern business world are not so cut and dried. What should we make of businesses whose products are harmful to society, like fast food? Should that judgement be mitigated if such companies sustain considerable philanthropic efforts elsewhere? Perhaps more to the point, what about oil companies that covertly but aggressively divert our focus on dealing with global warming? What about those that abide by our well-enforced environmental laws in the US, but commit atrocities outside our borders in the (I hope mistaken) belief that they can get away with it?

I hope readers will enjoy this chapter – and, in the meanwhile, visit the Josephson site and learn more about the incredible work these people are performing on a daily basis.