Business Ethics Final Paper Opinion

In this course we have approached the question of the relationship between business success and business ethics on a (a) societal, (b) corporate, and (c) personal level. Based on the cases we have read what have been the most important lessons you have learned about this question?

Ethics is in the very fabric of each culture and society. It is a learned trait from a person's culture, for instance, someone from the United States might have completely different ethical views than someone in India. As is mentioned in AccuForm, Chinese business people employ certain ethical practices in their business transactions that are not found here, such as within the guanxi - for better or worse, it works for many Chinese business people. I also learned that I have the power to make a difference, to lead by example and to curb unethical behavior when presented, much like Lisa Baxter, which I feel we could all benefit from being more like her. Yet, still, there are people like Martha McCaskey, who could use some help in thwarting and removing herself from unethical practices. We all share in the affects and aftermath of unethical behavior and, if left ignored, how widespread and out of control it can become, just like the Worldcom case that not only affected the company, but also caused damaging effects on the rest of the United States. I learned that there are dilemmas one can face in business settings. There is line between ethical and unethical behavior that is oftentimes skewed according to the motives of individuals within corporations. Whether their motives are selfishly driven, such as the case with Mr. Ching in AccuForm, or pressured upon the person like Betty Vinson in WorldCom, without discounting her poor judgement. Sometimes that line is hard to find and presents a challenge. Being an MBA student, my primary motivation for being in the program is to advance in my career path in Marketing and, in turn, make more money. I've never given too much thought on...