Samantha Quezada

10566678

BS – IM

BOOK REVIEW – “Current Issues in Business Ethics”   edited by: PeterDavies

        The first chapter of the book talks about the different perspective of business ethics. There are five of them which were pointed the meaning and purpose of business. The first one is the Western Christian Theological Perspective. This section has been emphasized to correct the normal or usual individualist understanding of Christianity. The meaning of this is  you can work anywhere with a clear conscience as long as you have a clean heart, honest ,productive worker, etc . And this section also emphasize the broader and longer-term structural theological understanding which informs the true purpose of business activity.  The second perspective is the (Industrial)Democracy that it seems to be generally agreed that it is a good thing. But the problem of this for business ethics is that ethics should be reflected in changing company law both for the internal and accountability of business, as well as their global regulation.

 The third perspective is the ECOsystems which is all about conserving and protecting our environment. Whether we like it or not, we are being forced to be stewards of the whole creation, not just of all human, animal and vegetable life but also of the biosphere and of planetary survival.  It was also stated that it is gradually being accepted that the world is one fragile, interactive and interdependent system in which the activities of business organizations can be seen to be severely dysfunctional and even threatening to the survival of the human race. The industrial system has come hard up against the ecological system and both cannot win. The implication of this perspective is that business’s overriding and ethical task is both to avoid any further damage to the ecosystem, and to start repairs, and against these criteria business should be judged. 

The next perspective is the Friedmanite(The business of business is business).The implication of this perspective for business ethics is that it usefully highlights the risk or danger of loose talk in business ethics. The last perspective is about the virtue in business ethics.

        In chapter 1, Peter Davies (author of this book)is obviously wants to set out to get to the heart of various perspectives on the meaning and purpose of business activity. I think each perspective has its own contribution or makes a valid contribution. But as you read it all of the perspective, you may think or suggest that one may be more important than the others.

        The second chapter 2, “Whose business is it anyway?” , this is all about sustainable development- the true role and legitimacy of business. I agree that the conduct and the systems by which they are controlled and regulated, are central areas of investigation for business ethics. They are the one who controls and make policies or regulations inside the company. Ever company has its own vision and mission. The actions of companies, particularly public corporations, can have large consequences, making the concepts of responsibility will become crucially important. Effective corporate governance ultimately rests on the quality and integrity of organizations and their employees.

        In chapter 3 “Corporate Governance and ethics”, Philip Stiles does address this issue from the angle of corporate governance. This is a less question of pure ownership, and more one of control and accountability. Stiles examines two areas , the relationship between board and shareholders and the relationship between the board and shareholders to society as a whole. And Stiles also suggest the effectiveness of corporate governance still rest on the integrity of the people involved – a virtue ethics perspective.

This book has many contributors that’s why it makes the reader to be interested with the subject. The subject was explored and discussed by leading authorities in the field .