Making it Stick | Why has the increased attention to corporate scandals proven to be something of a mixed blessing?

Why has the increased attention to corporate scandals proven to be something of a mixed blessing?

On the one hand, the average investor can be forgiven for thinking that the business world is full of crooks whose only purpose is to make as much money as possible. Problems with product quality, poor customer service, and fraudulent financial reports with no admission of guilt paint a very negative picture. The response to this negative picture has been the creation of new rules and tighter controls that now represent a greater risk for organizations who fail to comply with the expected standard of behavior. On the other hand, ethics has become an issue that also positively impacts the business world. This sense of value results in increased commitment and reduced turnover, which means greater profits for the company.



Source: Ghillyer_Business Ethics A Real World Approach 2e

Blowing the Whistle | Discuss both positive and the negative views of whistleblowers in the media

Discuss both positive and the negative views of whistleblowers in the media. 

How do you view whistleblowers?

One could argue that whistleblowers provide an invaluable service to their organizations and to the general public. The discovery of illegal activities before the situation is revealed to the media could potentially save organizations millions of dollars in fines and lost revenue from the inevitable damage to their corporate reputation. However, in contrast to the general perception that whistleblowers are brave men and women putting their careers and personal lives at in order to "do the right thing," some feel that whistleblowers are motivated by money or personal egos. 

Student responses will vary on the second part of the question. 



Source: Ghillyer_Business Ethics A Real World Approach 2e