Culture in Ethics

Business culture ethics can be good and bad for business depending on how the company is run. Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple) ran an ethical company depending on how you viewed his leadership. If you look at the success of his company, he was a proven leader. Steve, however, was an autocratic leader. He ruled with an iron fist and his lack of people skills would in today’s standard be considered unethical. This type of leader brings both positive and negative attributes to running a business.

Steve was successful because he knew how to promote good ideas that others gave him. Good business ideas inspired good business decisions. His business to date has succeeded because of excellent business decision made by Mr. Jobs.

In order to be in his circle of friends, you had to have a strong will to produce and failure was not an option with him. He would fire you if need be with no questions asked. Professionally, the way he communicated with people and treated people, was not well received. However, his ability to lead and get employees to produce was amazing. Even though he was a difficult boss to work for and you may not like him as a person, the productively of the company thrived and continues thriving today.

The question was asked whether I am an Acolyte, or a Rejector of Steve Jobs. Categorically, I am 100% a Rejector of Mr. Jobs. I worked for a boss like this in the 80s. He was a crude, rude and with attitude. One thing for sure, you knew never to overstep your bounds or you would face his wrath. There was no doubt that he was the leader and you were his follower. You only speak only when spoken too.

Thank God for evolution in business. There are ways to manage without being so autocratic and still get the job done efficiently and effectively. A good leader can use different leadership styles to manage and get the most out of people. An effective leader transitions with different leadership styles as needed. The autocratic leader is a stand-alone style and...