14 Dec 2007 in Other
For corporations, character matters. This is not just another forum to discuss business ethics. Here we will consider more broadly the internal moral climate or character of organizations, the distinguishing features that make organizations what they are, that elicit from us a desire to associate ourselves more—or less—closely with them. We seek to identify in companies, agencies, schools and other organizations what Aristotle described as the characteristic spirit, the prevalent tone of sentiment, of a people or a community--its ethos.
Our purpose is neither academic nor abstract; rather, by understanding the ethos of organizations, we seek to be better leaders and managers, developing the skills to cultivate corporate environments that attract women and men of resonant integrity and intelligence, that transform workplaces into communities of trust.
What is it about some companies that attracts the best and the brightest, year after year, to seek employment? Why are some organizations presumed to be trustworthy and honorable, by their employees and by their customers, while others evoke caution or anxiety?
What causes employees of some companies to become morally schizophrenic, to believe that ordinary moral principles do not apply in the marketplace? How do they come to believe that “you park your character with your car”, that in business “you do what it takes”? What drives such perceptions and the resultant conduct? What can managers do differently that will reinforce the moral sentiments and character of employees?
These and other questions on our readers’ minds will be the substance of our reflection. We will regularly invite the contributions of corporate executives and thought leaders in this area in order to foster a substantive ongoing discussion. If you know someone who might beneficially contribute to our discussion, please invite them to join us or recommend them as a blog participant. Please also give us your ideas for topics to discuss.
