Critique #1--Business Ethics - Article Example

The article d ‘Managing to be ethical: Debunking five business ethics myths’ written by Linda Klebe Trevin˜o and Michael E. Brown exposes five myths in business ethics management. The common conception that being ethical is an easy task has been criticised by the paper. The ‘bad apple’ concept which is usually suggested as a reason of unethical business consequences has been referred by the author as a mere myth. The perception that formal code of conducts can ensure ethics has been disproved in the article.

It has been pointed out that leadership ethics is merely not about the integrity of the leader. The myth that people are turning less ethical than an earlier generation has been criticized by the author. Along with clarifying myths prevalent about ethics management, the paper also provides practically applicable guidelines for the mangers to ensure business ethics. This makes the paper locally applicable in a business scenario. The need to understand the ethical culture as recommended by the paper is very important for a manger as today’s business environments are largely turning multicultural.

Rather than having a theoretical framework for the code of conduct it is ideal that the manager directly communicate the ethical requirements to the employees. Thus the recommendation made by the paper in this context is very relevant. However, an overemphasis on rewards to encourage the employees to be ethical as recommended by the paper is contrary to the personal value oriented ethical approach. People must follow ethics not merely for rewards but must develop personal ethical responsibilities.

This must be self driven and not motivated by materialistic rewards. The recommendation to promote a culture of ethical leadership will be of high relevance for a manger to ensure ethical management. Interestingly, this recommendation is contrary to the other recommendation to have emphasis on rewards. In totality, the points raised by the paper can be successfully implemented by a manger to practically mange business ethics.ReferencesTrevin˜o K L & M E (2004) Managing to be ethical: Debunking five business ethics myths Academy of Management Executive, Vol. 18, No. 2