Yes, Ms. Smith

Yes, Ms. Smith – we must broaden our thinking!

Our world of complex relationships and diverse cultures forces us to go beyond our traditional pre-21st century thinking in regards to ethical behavior. Pre-21st century concern primarily was three-fold: social issues, products and services and environmental.

However, the post 21st century engenders other emerging ethical areas of concern: medical, supply chain management and technical.

The challenge is how, as individuals and societies will these emerging ethical concerns be embraced? Can we rely on the business community, which historically has focused more on profitability rather than doing what is right? Let us be clear - the business community has the charge to create wealth for its stockholders. That is their purpose. With this clear mission, then the business community must be challenged by society to do what is right.

Right in the conduct of business – product responsibility
Right in the treatment of stakeholders – social responsibility
Right in legal requirements – guided by values