#UNTj4470 Ethics in Buisness : Harder Than It Looks?

            In life, we can come across many complications or situations that threaten your character or moral standings. Ethics is very hard to define, and even harder to abide by completely in our personal affairs and events. In a business setting, however, most believe that ethics should become as ‘cut and dry’ as ethics can be. One definition I found to be extremely helpful is from The Business Dictionary, stating that ethics is “the basic concepts and fundamental principles of right human conduct.”

            The definition sounds quite simple and yet I am still astounded by the amount of mistakes made by professionals in the workplace. Of course, it is hard for me to judge these people completely because I don’t know what the situation entailed entirely. So it isn’t surprising that it is still somewhat difficult to explain an unethical situation to some businessmen. They may not see the action or movement as unethical or immoral. Rather, they may see it as a step forward in income and in ranking. For example, if you write an ethically risky story and defend its purpose as for your personal financial gain and power – it will become very clear to all that your ethical skills need a bit of tweaking.

Sometimes, the case seems to be simpler to outside viewers – like that of American Apparel’s CEO Dov Charney. He owns over half of the brand and clothing line and is the head of the company’s board. This man is obviously at the highest rank, and has come very far in successful standings, however, a few years ago (and again recently) he was accused and sued for sexual harassment against two much younger women (half his age – 18 vs. 40’s). These women also claimed the stress of a very hostile working environment with the overly sexual Charney. Immediately, I was on the side of the girls and assumed it was a cut and dry easy choice, but Charney negated these girls’ accusations by saying that the relations were consensual.  Charney also grew up with a strong feeling of sexual freedom and believes that it is our right (in the first amendment) to pursue those to whom we are attracted.

Still, it seems unethical in my eyes to create a hostile working environment through a relationship-based affliction. In my opinion, you don’t mix work and play. In some cases, it is more important than others. But in an environment where sex is out and about so outlandishly – you need to be smarter about your relationship choices.

Some ethical business dilemmas are far better known, like that of which we do not name (Enron). It seems more and more in today’s world, we are seeing corporations make incredibly stupid decisions in search of wealth, fame and power. HBO did a wonderful made-for-TV movie called Too Big To Fail that was filled with great actors and told a blow-by-blow story of a mortgage company’s mistakes and unethical decisions of other firms. It was far too believable, mostly because the world today has become so corrupt – more and more people think it’s okay because everyone else is doing it.

Considering the rise in ethical mishaps in companies and firms, it makes total sense that the subject of ethics would grow in importance to schools and hiring agents. Throughout my college career and through all of my professors, I seem to have retained that all ethical issues in a business can be a very close call. However, no matter the details and specifics of the dilemma PR or Ad Firms can always rely on the truth. Absolute honesty can only help you when you are stuck in a pickle.

Sources:

“Ethics Definition: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/ethics.html”

“American Apparel Story Info: http://business-ethics.com/2011/03/15/0852-american-apparel-and-the-ethics-of-a-sexually-charged-workplace/”