On LinkedIn I belong to a group called “ethicability” and today I responded to a question posted about a month ago.
The question ‘Are UK Companies more interested in business ethics than U.S. companies?’ was posted on the discussion board by fellow group member Bruce Coltin as follows: ”Hello. I just joined this group, and after looking at the membership list, I have to ask: Are UK companies more interested in business ethics than U.S. companies? And, if so, why do you think that is?”
This is a challenging question and can reveal our opinions and our bias, as well as our own observations. There are four comments so far in reply to Bruce’s question. Mine is comment number four and I’m aware that mine may be somewhat controversial to my American friends. I hope you will take a look at this discussion on LinkedIn and add your own viewpoints.
Thank you!
Carole Brown
Yes, UK companies are more interested in ethics than their American counterparts. First let me say that I don’t think there is a lot of advantage, just a little. I base my response on how the two countries have handled the recent crisis over bonues payments to banks. In the United States, the cries of outrage than anyone would limit the “rightfully” earned profits were commonplace. I did not pick that up from Great Britain. I believe that the United States is more caught up in the Ayn Rand and free market absolutist than Great Britain. That will be a major factor for many years to come.
http://southwerk.wordpress.com/