letter to editor in response to the article ‘putting ethics before profits’ by zheng jiayin
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7/28/2019 Letter to Editor in response to the article Putting Ethics before profits by Zheng Jiayin
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In no more than 350words, write a letter to the editor in response to the article Putting Ethics beforeprofits, dated 21 June 2011.
Your letter must contain
1. your opinion on whether all business graduates should be made to follow such a code.2. the feasibility of having such a code3. reasons for or against such a code
To the Editor:
Re Putting Ethics Before Profits (21 June):
I do not think that business graduates should be obligated to follow the code of ethics. While the
student-initiated oath certainly shows a heartening intent to regulate the profit-making nature of
business with the promotion of societal welfare, the code is not feasible at its current stage due to the
problematic issues of business ethics and the lack of legal framework to prosecute those who break the
code.
The ultimate aim of the oath to put business management on the same level as medicine and law,
where ethics is intrinsic in their practice is inspiring indeed, but the complexities of business ethics make
this an extremely challenging task. Business ethics isnt always a clear-cut demarcation between black and
white managers may face difficulties making the right call in situations where the interests of different
communities (e.g. separate segments of society, shareholders, workers, consumers) come at odds. Takethe example of a firm that decides to locate its factories in a rural area due to cheaper operating costs.
This can be read as unethical due to the transference of environmental damage to the country landscape,
but at the same time it creates employment opportunities for locals and brings down the price of
products for consumers. In many such cases, it is tough to decide whose well-being to serve first and
foremost. Safeguard the interests of one party and the other will be compromised.
Furthermore, pledges may indicate ones commitment to a philosophy but provide no assurance that it
will be carried through, especially when there isnt any regulatory system in place as deterrence.
Numerous factors ranging from cash-strapped desperation to greed for a luxurious lifestyle may impel
one to go against better moral judgment and commit unethical deeds, and as long as these deeds stay
within legal guidelines, offenders will not have to answer for their actions.
Therefore, I believe that a strong supporting framework of external regulation has to be established, and
the complexities of business ethics ironed out, before the code of ethics can have any far-reaching effects
as intended. If not, it would only remain an empty gesture.
ZHENG JIAYIN
Singapore, 12 October 2011