Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Counterpoint

Andrew Hill, Financial Times:

Critics will say that businesses’ focus on ethical values is self-serving, superficial and likely to be shortlived. But self-interest can be a powerful agent of change, too. As the [Confederation of British Industry's] Richard Lambert pointed out last month: “If business is regarded as a pariah by the public and the politicians . . . there will be a price to be paid – probably in the form of regulation, higher taxes, or a combination of the two.” Morality: welcome back.

I'm fond of noting how businesses’ focus on ethical values is self-serving, superficial and likely to be shortlived.  But self-interest can be a powerful agent of change, too!  If business is regarded as a pariah by the public and the politicians there will be a price to be paid -- probably in the form of increased campaign and public relations spending!  Who does it best, if not the class with the cash?  Morality: get thee behind me!

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