Business Ethics- Course Materials Only

Show Me the Regulation?

There are at least two different positions taken on the question of whether government regulation or laws can facilitate ethical behavior. The author in “Ethics Without Regulation Won’t Cut It”, http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2009/01/30/ethics-without-regulation-will-not-cut-it/ takes the position that you cannot trust businesses on their own to do what is ethical; therefore some government intervention in the form of laws and regulations is necessary.  In the reading, “Role of Government in Regulating Business Ethics”,  https://smallbusiness.chron.com/role-government-business-ethics-65128.html     the author seems to argue that overreaching laws and regulations do not facilitate ethical behavior, and indeed might have the opposite effect. Using this article as an initial starting point, what do you think about the debate and what is your position? Why do you believe your position is sustainable or defensible?   

 Learning Activity #2

Using the week’s readings please answer the following questions: does a business have to worry about sustainability for future generations or can a business deplete a resource without worrying about future generations.  Should laws be passed to ensure the sustainability of different animal, vegetation, crop species, etc.  or should we allow businesses a free rein?