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Books > Business & Economics > Business & management > Business ethics
This book brings together key aspects of contemporary organisations with regard to the socio-economic foundations of sustainable business. We are now in the middle of the Fourth Industrial Revolution; an unprecedented development in technology and society, driven by social, political and economic demands. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is affecting business, but also has social consequences, as can be seen in the present and evolving patterns of economic activity. In turn, these consequences influence and create crucial and central issues regarding value, sustainability, security and assurance - aspects required and demanded by all areas of society. Based on work assessing the US and UK business sectors, including research conducted at the UCL in conjunction with such diverse organisations as the Bank of England, Google, Facebook and the Antwerp Diamond Exchange, this book addresses the key issues and challenges involved in integrating real and virtual environments. In addition, it uses case studies to illustrate the academic theory, blending industry and scholarly literature. Written by an expert in his field, this book delivers a realistic, practical and academically sound foundation for business, management and organisation studies, while also providing an interdisciplinary view on a transforming society, incorporating technology, IT, economics and sociology.
Business and Development Studies: Issues and Perspectives provides a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge theoretical and empirical contributions to the emerging field of business and development studies. Compared to more traditional business-school accounts of business in developing countries which focus on the challenges and opportunities of doing business in developing countries, this anthology explores whether, how, and under what conditions business contributes to the achievement of economic, social, and environmental goals in developing countries. The book consolidates the current status of academic work on business and development, identifies state of the art in relation to this academic field, and establishes a future research agenda for 'business and development studies' as an emerging academic discipline within the social sciences. The book will be of interest to researchers and students, including economists, geographers, sociologists, political scientists, corporate social responsibility specialists, and development scholars who are seeking an in-depth overview of current debates about the role of business as a development agent in the Global South. The book is also of relevance to practitioners that are engaged in work with the private sector seeking to enhance the positive effects and minimize the negative economic, social, and environmental consequences of business activity in the Global South.
The tourism industry is dynamic, constantly changing, and is particularly sensitive to shocks and external factors that are beyond the control of managers. Terrorism and natural disasters are just two of the current risk factors for western-based tourists seeking increasingly 'exotic' locations. What can individuals do to mitigate these risks? What are the responsibilities of tour operators to manage these risks? And what is the global impact on the tourism industry? This collection of chapters from international scholars answer these questions using a wide range of interdisciplinary methods. They shed new light on emerging issues around sustainability, ecology and dark tourism. The concluding chapter speculates what the future holds for the industry as a whole, after years of disruption and potentially increased risks from climate change and political upheaval in different regions. The series features monographs and edited collections to create a critical platform which not only explores the dichotomies of tourism from the theory of mobilities, but also provides an insightful guide for policy makers, specialists and social scientists interested in the future of tourism in a society where uncertainness, anxiety and fear prevail.
With the collapse of communism and the accelerated trend of globalization, a new stage of capitalism has arrived. Protest actions that occurred in Seattle and Washington as well as in Prague and Genoa, clearly show that the legitimacy of capitalism is being questioned in many respects. Surveys in Eastern and Central Europe show that a considerable part of the population is not able to accept capitalism as an economic system. This volume assesses the ethical basis of capitalism in an effort to assess its future in the twenty-first century. Contributors range from one of the world's most successful capitalists and philanthropists to the founder of INSEAD, Europe's leading business school, to noted economists, philosophers, cultural historians, and business ethicists. Chapter 1, "Against Market Fundamentalism: 'The Capitalist Threat' Reconsidered," by George Soros, Olivier Giscard d'Estaing and others, is the edited and extended version of the public debate with Soros on his influential paper "The Capitalist Threat." Chapter 2, "Ethics of Capitalism," by Peter Koslowski, follows the thesis that capitalism constitutes a necessary component of a free society. Chapter 3, "Misunderstood and Abused Liberalism," by Lubomir Mlcoch, focuses on the problems of Czech-style capitalism. Chapter 4, "Humanizing the Economy" by Stefano Zamagni, investigates the role of civil society in relation to the market and the state. Chapter 5, "The Possibility of Stakeholder Capitalism," by Edward R. Freeman, argues that stakeholder relationships are a key to understanding the functioning of business in today's world. Chapter 6, "Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Ethicality in Business and Management," by Wojciech W. Gasparski, introduces the praxiology tradition in the debate about ethical aspects of capitalism. Chapter 7, "Responsibility and Profit Making," by Lszl3/4 Zsolnai, explores the conditions for ethical and social acceptability of profit making. Collectively, this volume addresses the ethical problems of the capitalist economy with special reference to globalization, and suggests that business ethics and the future of capitalism are strongly connected. It will be of particular interest to business people, economists, policy makers, social scientists and students of philosophy and ethics. Lszl3/4 Zsolnai is director of the Business Ethics Center at Budapest University of Economic Sciences and is Szuchenyi Distinguished Professor in Ethics and Economics, awarded by the Hungarian Ministry of Education. Wojciech W. Gasparski is professor at the Insititute of Philosophy and Sociology, the Polish Academy of Sciences, and editor-in-chief of the Praxiology series.
Despite enormous investments of time and money, are we making a dent on the social and environmental challenges of our time? What if we could exponentially increase our impact? Around the world, a new generation is looking beyond greater profits, for meaningful purpose. But, unlike business, few social interventions have achieved significant impact at scale. Inspired by the modern innovation practices, popularized by bestseller The Lean Startup, that have fueled technology breakthroughs touching every aspect of our lives, Lean Impact turns our attention to a new goal - radically greater social good. Social change is far more complicated than building a new app. It requires more listening, more care, and more stakeholders. To make a lasting difference, solutions must be embraced by beneficiaries, address root causes, and include an engine that can accelerate growth to reach the scale of the need. Lean Impact offers bold ideas to reach audacious goals through customer insight, rapid experimentation and iteration, and a relentless pursuit of impact. Ann Mei Chang brings a unique perspective from across sectors, from her years as a tech executive in Silicon Valley to her most recent experience as the Chief Innovation Officer at USAID. She vividly illustrates the book with real stories from interviews with over 200 organizations across the US and around the world. Whether you are a nonprofit, social enterprise, triple bottom line company, foundation, government agency, philanthropist, impact investor, or simply donate your time and money, Lean Impact is an essential guide to maximizing social impact and scale.
While most of the popular and academic debates explore ideas of globalization, "The Transnational Capitalist Class" goes one step further and provides theoretically informed empirical research to explain and deconstruct the process of globalization as seen by the corporations themselves. Using personal interviews with executives and managers from over eighty Fortune Global 500 corporations, as well as already published sources, Sklair demonstrates how globalization works from the perspective of those who control and oppose the major globalizing corporations and their allies in government and the media. The book explores two major crises of globalization - class polarization and ecological sustainability - and shows how the transnational capitalist class attempts to resolve these crises and evaluates its own success and failure. Sklair's unique approach brings a fresh perspective to what has become a key debate of our time.
The advent of the era of "e-service" -- the provision of services over electronic networks like the internet -- is one of the dominant business themes of the twenty-first century. This book provides a collection of different perspectives on e-service and a unified framework for understanding it, even as the business community grapples with the concept. It features contributions from key researchers and practitioners from both the private and public sectors, as well as leading scholars from the fields of marketing, information systems, and computer science. They focus on three key areas: the customer-technology interface; e-service business opportunities and strategies; and public sector e-service opportunities. The insights they offer are equally useful to students, scholars, and practitioners.
The advent of the era of "e-service" -- the provision of services over electronic networks like the internet -- is one of the dominant business themes of the twenty-first century. This book provides a collection of different perspectives on e-service and a unified framework for understanding it, even as the business community grapples with the concept. It features contributions from key researchers and practitioners from both the private and public sectors, as well as leading scholars from the fields of marketing, information systems, and computer science. They focus on three key areas: the customer-technology interface; e-service business opportunities and strategies; and public sector e-service opportunities. The insights they offer are equally useful to students, scholars, and practitioners.
Although free enterprise and free economies now proliferate around the globe, the idea of business as a holy vocation is one that has received little attention. Few business figures have depicted their professions in this light, as few have seen how their roles might bridge the divide between the economic and theological realms. Francois Michelin is an exception. Years of experience with the Michelin group-the company famous for introducing the radial tire that revolutionized the car industry-have convinced Michelin that the entrepreneur produces great moral and material good as he or she fulfills the myriad responsibilities of the job. In this illuminating series of interviews, Michelin explains his belief that the work of a business leader closely reflects God's creative act. And Why Not: Morality and Business argues convincingly for the valuation of a profound theological dimension of business life and advocates for a greater appreciation of men and women in business, on whose efforts the health of a nation stands.
C. Edward Weber brings insight into the practice of ethics with this pragmatic book of personal stories and ethical dilemmas of business men and women that clearly illustrate the human condition and are an integral part of the business experience. The more than 40 stories derived from interviews with over two hundred executives are not designed as a blueprint for ethical conduct but rather act as an outline and analysis of how particular people apply their ethical principles. Contents: Adhering to the Law; Avoiding Harm; Acting Honestly in Business Relations; Respecting Others; Justice in Relations with Stakeholders; Keeping Promises/Commitments; Acting with Compassion; Some After-Thoughts.
Plastics have long been considered useful, providing such economic advantages as reduced cost and social benefits like increased hygiene and the preservation of food. However, plastic products have greatly contributed to climate change. Half of all plastic produced is single use. The discarded plastics are dumped into landfills and find their way into bodies of water, causing serious environmental pollution and health hazards. Addressing this paradoxical situation, Socially Responsible Plastic answers the question: can using plastic ever be socially responsible? While humanity is threatened by the environmental pollution caused by plastic, some countries are implementing and accepting environmentally friendly behaviour, while others are still falling behind. More specifically, adopting environmentally friendly behaviour is still in its infancy in developing nations. The authors look at socially responsible plastic in countries ranging from China, Malaysia, Pakistan, Spain, Australia and India to Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Bangladesh, with research covering tourism, waste management, the food and drink industry, and the possible advantages of responsible plastic use. Developments in Corporate Governance and Responsibility offers the latest research on topical issues by international experts and has practical relevance to business managers.
This book discusses the successful integration of values, ergonomy and risk management to achieve corporate strategic goals. Companies are starting to focus on risk management and corporate sustainability, but also value-based approaches in order to stay competitive. Although constantly emerging techniques are making this task easier, managing ergonomic based risks remain a challenge. The book largely focuses on values, ergonomy and risk management in the context of aviation business strategy. Offering insights into the principles of successful aviation business management using a value-based approach, it is a valuable resource for academics and postgraduate students as well as professionals in the aviation industry.
Transparency is generally seen as a corporate priority and a central attribute for promoting business growth and social morality. From a philosophical perspective, society has experienced a gradual paradigm shift which intensified after the Second World War with the advent of the information era. As a fundamental part of an inescapable, hegemonic capitalist system and given the insistent emphasis on it as a moral imperative, transparency, this book avers, needs to be examined and challenged as to its true governance value in building a sustainable twenty-first century society. Rather than clinging to the fantasy of complete transparency as the only form of accountability, corporate governance is strengthened in this way by practicing true social responsibility, which emerges not from outward-looking compliance but from a deeper place in the corporate psyche through inward-looking contemplation and the development of moral maturity.
Business and NGOs are seen by many to be locked in a perpetual war of values and ideologies. What this book demonstrates is that the war has moved on. Many companies are now engaging with their stakeholders - even those with which they have traditionally had antagonistic relationships - as part of their strategies for improved social and environmental performance. With contributions from an outstanding and diverse group of experts from business, consultancy, research institutes, NGOs and academia, Terms for Endearment investigates the how and why of these new collaborations and provides concrete examples of business working with stakeholder pressure for sustainable development. The book forcibly argues the notion of organizations of civil society setting the standards for business behaviour in the 21st century. For those companies that choose not to pursue high standards of social and environmental performance, confrontation with NGOs must be expected, with negative consequences for sales, costs and social capital, i.e. the bottom line. Terms for Endearment therefore presents business with both a threat and opportunity as we move closer to establishing a social basis for global economic activity.
Public mistrust of those in authority and failings of public organisations frame disputes over attribution of responsibility between individuals and systems. Exemplified with examples, including the Aberfan disaster, the death of Baby P, and Mid Staffs Hospital, this book explores parallel conflicts over access to information and privacy. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows access to information about public organisations but can be in conflict with the Data Protection Act, protecting personal information. Exploring the use of the FOIA as a research tool, Sheaff offers a unique contribution to the development of sociological research methods, and debates connected to privacy and secrecy in the information age. This book will provide sociologists and social scientists with a fresh perspective on contemporary issues of power and control.
Realities of power company choices, regulatory boundaries, and stakeholder approvals. Expectations of the responsible investor, environmental advocate, and Silicon Valley companies including Google, Facebook, and Stanford University. Surprising stories show how creativity, innovation, and planning can resolve some of the toughest choices facing electric power companies today, although not in all cases. Building on the first volume, Sustainable Electricity: Case Studies from Electric Power Companies in North America (Fox, 2016. Springer), this book dives headfirst into the economic, environmental, and social tradeoffs power companies face as they strive to be sustainable. With more than 40 contributing experts, chapters include first-hand power company stories, case studies of leading Silicon Valley organizations; socially responsible investor contemplations; environmental advocacy arguments; and regulatory realities. The book provides a window into the choices companies make, the tradeoffs stakeholders accept, and the bottom line that comes with producing sustainable electricity. It will be an important resource that will accelerate collective thoughts on what 'sustainable electricity' means and what needs to be considered when the "everyone wins" outcome is elusive. "People have been able to fish, hike, camp and boat on a beautiful AEP property that supports recreational activities for many years. Now AEP has to generate income from this property. Do we build roads and drill to extract the natural gas? Do we sell the timber and keep the property? Do we sell the whole thing? What about the fish, deer and other wildlife? Tradeoffs will be made, and not everyone will like them." Tim W. Lohner, Ph.D., Environmental Specialist, American Electric Power. (Chapter 3) "Companies are demanding access to clean energy and investors are pressing companies to source 100% renewable. It is essential that utilities develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce climate impact, and clearly articulate the plan and their progress. Customers and investors want to see this progress, and utilities need to develop the right model for their particular business." John Streur, CEO, Calvert Research & Management (Chapter 4) "At Chevron, we are continually examining the tradeoffs as we work to improve our energy efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint. The complexity of our global, shared challenge to electrify the world without undue compromise to the integrity of our planet is one that will require global action. The experiences and perspectives detailed in this book are important to understand as we collectively work towards a sustainable energy future. The one billion plus are counting on us." Kirsten S. Thorne, Global Issues and Public Policy Manager, Chevron (Forward)
The study of business ethics seeks to understand business institutions, practices and activities in light of normative behavior. The ethical concern is for the rightness or wrongness of human action. Business Students Focus on Ethics brings together essays written by twenty-five MA and MBA students from seven countries in Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific Rim. Collectively, they give us an applied business ethics framework, one with international dimensions. Business Students Focus on Ethics achieves a number of objectives: it recognizes ethics as legitimate content in graduate level studies in business world wide; seriously examines specific ethical concerns by young managers; and reflects on these concerns from across cultural and geographic borders. It also demonstrates the quality of their analysis and recommendations. The essays in this volume are arranged into four interrelated groups. The first group, "Praxiological and Ethical Framework," examines issues of human action from both the theory of human action (i.e., praxiological) and ethical dimensions. The section group of essays, "Social Issues-Compensation and Labor," discuss applications of praxiological and ethical principles in relation to the ethical responsibilities of business. The third group discusses "Ethical Issues in Health Care" from three different cultural perspectives. The fourth group is a series of "Corporate Case Studies." This volume may be seen as a companion to Volume 5 of the Praxiology series, Human Action in Business and will be of interest to business people, economists, policy makers, social scientists and students of philosophy and ethics.
"A society without truth—and the related quality of trust—will not long endure." —from the Preface Ethics in corporate America has become a bottom-line issue. Scandals such as the junk bond debacle in the late '80s and the recent bankruptcy of Orange County, California, graphically illustrate just how devastating losses from corrupt business practices can be. Closing the rift between a company's public and private face, its avowed as opposed to actual behavior, is now more than ever the concern of the accountant. Examining a firm's business records and practices has traditionally placed the accountant in the role of watchdog. And in a corporate world where ethical ambivalence can complicate even the most routine business decision, a trusted accountant can guide a company toward a revived sense of purpose, showing it how to live up to its own expressed ethical standards—leading the way to new business, increased profits, and cost savings. Ethics and the CPA details just how an accountant can assess a company's ethical health as part of a rigorous accounting regimen—and institute corrective measures. The book begins by clearly defining the accountant's role in the area of "ethical services," with specifics on establishing and performing an audit on an ethics-based program for business, governmental, and not-for-profit entities. Issues such as the specific knowledge, competencies, and attitudes essential to the professional providing ethical services are also discussed. The second part of the book takes the ethical pulse of the contemporary business environment, analyzing some notable ethical failures in well-known companies as well as the range of regulatory demands on CPAs, including the requirement for finding unethical/illegal behavior (SAS 82) and SEC oversight responsibilities. Also included are the results of an ethics survey report on CPAs given to state CPA societies, regulatory bodies, and industry. Finally, part three looks at the framework and issues surrounding developing and leading an in-house ethics program, as well as the elements of an effective ethical program, developing an ethical oversight committee, benchmarking an ethics program, marketing ethical services, and the ethical challenges in the new millennium. Ethics and the CPA is a practical handbook for the accountant on guiding one's clients toward an improved bottom line and financial stability—through impeccable conduct from the boardroom on down. Ensuring your client's continued financial prosperity —with an in-house ethics program. Keeping a firm financially healthy has become more and more a question of monitoring its ethical pulse. Assessing the on-the-job behavior of managers and employees and how closely it measures up to their expressed codes of conduct has now become part of a CPA's overall financial review function. And building an in-house ethics program that both leads and inspires has become one of the key measures of an accountant's success. Ethics and the CPA describes how to make "ethical services" part of the accounting regimen, with specifics on establishing and performing an audit on an ethics-based program for business, governmental, and not-for-profit entities. It also surveys the contemporary business environment, analyzing some notable ethical failures in well-known companies as well as the host of regulatory demands on CPAs, including selected laws and regulations illustrating the range of compliance expected in the United States. The book also provides the specifics of setting up an effective ethical program, developing an ethical oversight committee, benchmarking an ethics program, marketing ethical services, and the ethical challenges in the new millennium. The essential guidebook on how to incorporate ethical services into an existing accounting practice, Ethics and the CPA shows accountants how to make their clients' bottom line an ethical one. |
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