Ethically, where do you draw the line?
Discussion
Over the years, in business, I've declined certain clients because I didn't feel comfortable working in their sector. A couple of years ago, for example, I was offered some consultancy work for a company which ran "premium rate lines for adult magazines", simply because I didn't feel confortable making money on the back of that particular sector. I didn't tell the prospective client that I declined in on the grounds of principle, because it wouldn't have been wise, in my view, to be taking the high moral ground with him.
Anyway, I guess every company and individual has some area of "greyness" of ethics if you dig deep enough. As such, any views on where to draw the line?
Anyway, I guess every company and individual has some area of "greyness" of ethics if you dig deep enough. As such, any views on where to draw the line?
srebbe64 said:
I declined in on the grounds of principle, because it wouldn't have been wise, in my view, to be taking the high moral ground with him.
I don't quite follow this. What is the point of having any ethics if you don't express them? Or is it a case of 'I don't have to explain to you'?
edc said:
I declined in on the grounds of principle, because it wouldn't have been wise, in my view, to be taking the high moral ground with him.
I don't quite follow this. What is the point of having any ethics if you don't express them? Or is it a case of 'I don't have to explain to you'?
If I make a decision out of conscience it doesn't follow that I have to explain that decision to all and sundry. It's a personal thing, and it would be arrogant of me to take the moral high ground. Doubtless, people may be offended by eating meat, for example, which is their perogative. However, it would be unwise to force their ethics upon me.
Plotloss said:
Whats worth doing, is worth doing for money.
If you dont someone else will.
Opportunity doesnt rise very often, its a fool that ignores it.
I'm afraid I object to this. Lawyers and solicitors have the excuse that they weren't born right, and never realise what they've missed. They're a group of people to be pittied.
However I'm not sure what your excuse might be for such a phillosophy on life.
You are surrounded by a wealth of organisations, people, who don't look for the money side of everything, and if they did the life you currently enjoy would just fold.
I'd go further, if everyone had the same pillosophy on life as you do it would stop being a life and just be an existance with a final figure attached. I'm afraid it would cease to be worth living.
I'm not quite sure what you mean there Julian.
My point is that if something is legal, such as phone sex lines, why should one shy away from that?
Obviously there is an enforced set of ethical principals in the shape of common law but beyond that I see little issue with making money to be honest.
If one is to ignore common law then we have a situation that you allude to but as long as things stay legal where can the problems possibly arise?
If you dont, someone will.
My point is that if something is legal, such as phone sex lines, why should one shy away from that?
Obviously there is an enforced set of ethical principals in the shape of common law but beyond that I see little issue with making money to be honest.
If one is to ignore common law then we have a situation that you allude to but as long as things stay legal where can the problems possibly arise?
If you dont, someone will.
Plotloss said:
I'm not quite sure what you mean there Julian.
My point is that if something is legal, such as phone sex lines, why should one shy away from that?
Obviously there is an enforced set of ethical principals in the shape of common law but beyond that I see little issue with making money to be honest.
If one is to ignore common law then we have a situation that you allude to but as long as things stay legal where can the problems possibly arise?
If you dont, someone will.
Agreed Plotloss Phone sex is a harmless lawful activity-you are depriving your self of money by not taking their business.
Accountants have to deal with such people-and people even further into the sex trade-as long as their business is lawful I see no problem.
Plotloss said:
I'm not quite sure what you mean there Julian.
My point is that if something is legal, such as phone sex lines, why should one shy away from that?
Obviously there is an enforced set of ethical principals in the shape of common law but beyond that I see little issue with making money to be honest.
If one is to ignore common law then we have a situation that you allude to but as long as things stay legal where can the problems possibly arise?
If you dont, someone will.
So by that rationale, anything goes just so long as it’s not illegal.
Supposing, for example, you witnessed some old granny being attacked by some young kids, but decided not to involve yourself because of the potential hassle. You’ve not broken any laws, but you’ve probably acted immorally. I wouldn’t like to live my life continually judging whether what I’m doing is legal or not.
Plotloss said:
Those two examples are not synonymous because what is right to make money is not neccesarily what is right on a social level.
I wouldnt have issue working for a pornographer say but I would get involved in the situation you describe above.
The scenarios are totally different.
My point is, we don't just live by laws we have to live by moral conscience. In fact, if people lived more by moral conscience then the world would be a better place and we wouldn't need half so many laws (or lawyers).
Don't really have issues with this sort of stuff, I have done some consultancy work for organisations that I do not agree with at all, but I still carried out the work in a professional manner and I did not mention my views!
I would be more than happy to offer my services to the adult industry!! As I have posted before I had a very good friend
who worked in this arena, and it didn’t bother me.
I would be more than happy to offer my services to the adult industry!! As I have posted before I had a very good friend
who worked in this arena, and it didn’t bother me. Just because something is legal does not mean you can't shy away from it or not like it.
In terms of ethics if you strongly believe in something then it will show in your actions. I mean I don't like the idea of animal testing, it islegal, but I don't hve such a strong belief that I will protest against it nor even abstain from buying products tested on animals.
In terms of ethics if you strongly believe in something then it will show in your actions. I mean I don't like the idea of animal testing, it islegal, but I don't hve such a strong belief that I will protest against it nor even abstain from buying products tested on animals.
I no longer provide any consultancy at cigarette manufacturers. After working with scientists and marketeers in some of these organisations I find the work that some of them do is reprehensive.
My employers are aware of and respect my feelings as I am able to generate revenue from many other client industries.
I am not anti smoking, just anti the people who honestly believe that smoking is not bad for you despite the evidence.
My employers are aware of and respect my feelings as I am able to generate revenue from many other client industries.
I am not anti smoking, just anti the people who honestly believe that smoking is not bad for you despite the evidence.
Ethics - mmm, tough call.
However, that said. The company that I work for has VERY high ethical standards and as a result we can expect to be "inspected" if we work on anything that is slightly dubious. Sounds intrusive and a pain, but in reality its actually very good and benefits all....
That said, several years ago I found myself working with the Paul Raymond Publishing company (not even sure they are still around!). Anyone who knows who they are, knows EXACTLY what they did. At end of the work I did for them, we actually worked out that it would be prudent of them to NOT do what they were thinking. So, although contracted by PRP, we actually worked through and ended up deciding to not do anything..... So where does the Ethics stand on that one?
Tough call, but I run my life with high standards - and I expect other to do the same (dont even make dodgy insurance claims or fiddle my expenses!). But I suspect I am one of a minority though....
However, that said. The company that I work for has VERY high ethical standards and as a result we can expect to be "inspected" if we work on anything that is slightly dubious. Sounds intrusive and a pain, but in reality its actually very good and benefits all....
That said, several years ago I found myself working with the Paul Raymond Publishing company (not even sure they are still around!). Anyone who knows who they are, knows EXACTLY what they did. At end of the work I did for them, we actually worked out that it would be prudent of them to NOT do what they were thinking. So, although contracted by PRP, we actually worked through and ended up deciding to not do anything..... So where does the Ethics stand on that one?
Tough call, but I run my life with high standards - and I expect other to do the same (dont even make dodgy insurance claims or fiddle my expenses!). But I suspect I am one of a minority though....
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