The Importance Of Good Character In Business
opinion Essay
1149 words
Central Theme
The central theme in this article is directing its readers that good character can be taught through the beliefs and theories of Aristotle and through effective business ethics courses (mainly case studies). The author, Hartman, uses Aristotle’s perspectives to illustrate how good character is taught, or could be possibly taught. The reason I say possibly is because teaching students and teaching them something as crucial as good character must be done efficiently, which I think Hartman tries to emphasize throughout the article.
Hartman uses several Aristotle perspectives to highlight the importance of teaching good character, mainly to the future business leaders. The main lesson that I took in throughout this first article
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In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how hartman uses aristotle's perspectives to illustrate how good character is taught, or could be taught.
- Explains that hartman uses several aristotle perspectives to highlight the importance of teaching good character to future business leaders.
- Opines that hartman is teaching readers to comprehend and expand on the importance of education, self-identification, and willingness to understand to teach good character in the business environment.
- Analyzes how aristotle's quote reminded them of their struggle with anxiety and home-sickness while being away at college and how talking with their grandmother helped them get through it all.
- Disagrees with hartman's argument that case studies are an essential tool in teaching business students good character.
- Opines that students should apply themselves and help themselves improve their good character by following hartman's basic principles of aristotle.
- Opines that the classroom setting is a good place to begin practicing good behavior. aristotle believes that one ought to act on principles consistently, and the principles themselves should remain in force over time.
- Opines that having good character and doing the ethical thing will lead you far into your career and create a satisfactory life.
It is easy to work for a firm where good ethics is part of the culture, but doing something bad—knowing that that bad thing will hurt the company—is not part of practicing good character. It is like you are not taking your own advice that you give to your friends. Aristotle also supports this in which, “We claim with apparent sincerity to value something—to know that it is good—but intentionally act against our value”. So, let’s give ourselves a break, think deeper about ourselves than usual and try to comprehend the significance of good character in order to survive in the business …show more content…
Hartman already suggested in his article that “students tend to have some good values already” and so it is our job to apply ourselves and help ourselves improve our good character. Every student might define or see good character differently, but I think that by following the basic principles that Hartman discussed of Aristotle, we will stand out to our potential and future employers.
We have to start somewhere and I think that in the classroom setting, where we are interacting and discussing ethics, is a good place to begin practicing good behavior. “Aristotle believes that one ought to act on principles consistently, that the principles themselves should remain in force over time, and that a good person’s principles form a coherent body”—in other words, after learning these things at home and more deeply in our business ethics course, we should keep following good behavior in order to obtain good character. It can be as simple as saying practice makes perfect, and I think most of the business courses that I have taken have made me practice strong ethical concepts, so you can say I have remained in force overtime with these positive principles (at least to
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- Edwin M. Hartmananalytical essaySome of the key ideas that Hartman discussed about in this article were revolved around the concept of teaching and defining what a good character is. Hartman started off his article by talking about generosity, honesty, courage and respect. Hartman also talked about how business ethics courses can help improve students’ character by helping them think about their values (Hartman 69). Hartman also discussed about how many people are “sincere but they are not courageous” (Hartman 73). Moreover, Hartman’s goal was to help encourage students “to consider their strengths and limitations, their opportunities, and what they can and cannot learn to enjoy” (Hartman 72) and “help students understand the importance of that choice and not make it thoughtlessly” (Hartman 79). Hartman answered if good character is teachable throughout his article. As Hartman stated, “We can begin to teach our students the necessary self-knowledge and self-control by encouraging them to reflect on their assumptions about what will make them happy.” (Hartman 71). Hartman illustrated that an “important function is to provide help for students to understand the language of right and wrong, of virtues and vices” (Hartman 75). Hartman believes that a “good character is therefore a matter not only of doing the right thing but also having the right desires and emotions” (Hartman
In this essay, the author
- Quotes hartman's article, "can we teach character? an aristotelian answer," about how one can improve another’s ethics by teaching them about good characters.
- Analyzes how hartman discusses the concept of teaching and defining what a good character is.
- Opines that being honest and generous is the key to good characters.
- Analyzes how hartman answered the question of whether a good character is teachable. business ethics courses help students think critically about their values and realize them in practice.
- Analyzes hartman's argument that if we understand the act incorrectly, and fail to apprehend the morally salient features of the situation, it is considered as character flaws.
1081 wordsRead More - Faith Intergration -- Characteranalytical essayWhile making business decisions based purely on character and not the bottom line can be tough at times, it’s been shown that businesses exhibiting strong character typically make better ethical decisions which results in improved marketing, higher employee satisfaction, increased customer loyalty, and lower legal actions.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the character displayed is an important factor in the amount of success that can be achieved. businesses with a strong moral compass will make ethical decisions that result in betterment of employee’s lives and the community.
- Explains that they rewrote this opening many times trying to express their feelings about the term character and what it entails.
- Opines that if they had a tough time making small decisions that affected only themselves, they can only imagine the amount of pressure he or she must face.
- Explains that corporations are profit ventures that are expected to produce gains for the individuals who invested in them. ceos could feel pressure to take short cuts in order to maintain their success.
- Explains that unethical behavior in u.s. business is not a recent phenomenon. corporations were charged with substantial misdeeds by both government and society leaders.
- Analyzes how rockefeller secretly joined forces with the railroads to lower costs, increase company profits, and hurt the competitor's bottom line.
- Analyzes how honest tea is a great example of what can happen when business owners instill their character into company business practices.
- Explains that businesses exhibiting strong character make better ethical decisions, which results in improved marketing, higher employee satisfaction, increased customer loyalty, and lower legal actions.
596 wordsRead More - The Evolution of Creationismanalytical essayReetz, L. J., & Jacobs, G. M. (1999). Faculty Focus on Moral and Character Education.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the evolving issue of teaching creationism in schools is important to all of us; it gives us the perceptions of both sides: the scientific and the religious.
- Opines that a never-ending debate between evolution and creationism, until now, isn't being settled and decided on. the main origin of this unending issue is an "intellectual war" between science and religion.
- Explains that creationism should be taught in schools since it is one of the most possible reasons why we exist.
- Explains that both creationism and evolution are concepts or theories wherein requires a strong faith on the part of their adherents.
- Explains that christianism is widely spread and accepted in the world. almost all countries have their own religion, so they have the right to representation.
- Argues that darwin's theory of evolution has never been proven by a scientific view. some have claimed that because no one was there to see evolution occur, it cannot be scientific.
- Argues that science cannot explain everything, giving creationism a stand for explanation. if science could not defend it, it would be better for students and children to learn about it.
- Explains that there are some creationists who believe that creationism and other stories from the holy bible should not be taught in school because it is not considered as a scientific book.
- Opines that teaching creationism in schools together with evolution does not mean that the bible is false. educational curriculum doesn't focus on science; teachers and professors believe that it's important to address moral and character issues to their students.
- Argues that creationism should be taught in school since it is one of the most possible reasons why we exist, providing more options to believe in for different kinds of people.
- Cites haught, j. f., and isaak, m. (2001). what is creationism?
882 wordsRead More - Kudler Fine Foods Case Study: Personal Valuesargumentative essayThe Author’s Values: Developing positive Character traits are essential to the success of any organization and the EAI results provided valuable insight to my management style. After personally completing the self-assessment test, the following details are the results: The ethical perspective most likely aligned with is Character; and the ethical perspective least likely aligned with is Equity. Character by d...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that aristotle believed that ethics is common knowledge. he taught and practiced virtues and ethics.
- Explains that the williams institute ethics awareness inventory (eai) identifies four core ethical perspectives to determine the effect of one’s decision-making.
- Explains that developing positive character traits is essential to the success of any organization and the eai results provided valuable insight to their management style.
- Analyzes how kathy kudler, owner of multiple gourmet food stores, applies the three components of ethical decision-making, awareness, articulation, and application.
- Explains kathy's approach to ethical issues tends to focus on two main traits, effective communication, and leadership skills. the decision to hire managers to run the day-to-day operations enabled kathy to work on other business ventures.
- Concludes that people must consider their actions regarding ethics carefully. kathy kudler demonstrates leadership and positive ethical behavior to her customers and staff.
- Cites the merriam-webster online dictionary for character quotes - do you have the best character?
985 wordsRead More - In the book, If Aristotle Ran General Motors, Tom Morris argues that the teachings of the ancients can and should be applied to today's corporation. His message is that the four virtues - truth, beauty, goodness, and unity - form the foundation of human excellence. Putting them into practice leads not only to self-fulfillment, but ultimately to an open, nurturing, and ethical workplace that is more productive and successful in the long-term. The purpose of this essay is to examine how Morris treats the system of ethics in relation to these four virtues.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how tom morris' book, if aristotle ran general motors, argues that the teachings of the ancients can and should be applied to today's corporation.
- Analyzes how morris defines morality as that aspect of our nature which strives for goodness. he concludes that most people's attitudes about ethics and morals are basically negative.
- Opines that morris' statement has a great deal of merit. he infers that this type of query is actually involved with "self-interest, which is not the same thing as selfishness."
- Explains morris believes that spiritual health is at the heart of ethics. spiritually healthy people create socially harmonious relationships just by doing the right thing.
- Explains that people in today's world seem to have thrown away manners and have forgotten that common decency, basic kindness, concern, respect and courtesy can not only open doors of opportunity, it literally defines their character.
- Explains that they have worked in companies where employees are treated like cow ponies and are only useful for "culling" customers from the herd of the world's people.
- Explains that the bible predates karma, which is a biblically-based system.
- Explains that unethical behavior affects truth, beauty, and unity. it destroys unity, division, suspicion and fear, annihilating corporate spirit by creating distrust.
- Opines that corporate excellence is produced by people who believe in what they are doing. behaving ethically and morally insures long-term success because it plants the seeds of truth, beauty, goodness and unity.
1257 wordsRead More - This paper will introduce the definitions of Character and integrity. Then I will examine how Christ modeled these leadership defining qualities, How we can make them applicable to ourselves.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that character is the sum of what makes the attributes of a leader; it is who you are; how you act and the choices you will decide to make in life.
- Introduces the definitions of character and integrity, and examines how christ modeled these leadership defining qualities.
- Explains the importance of character in leadership. the us army has over twenty-three character traits that define what a leader is.
- Explains that having strong character in leadership is important because those around us will look at us and see what morals and values we hold and do. integrity is a trait that supports your character.
- Analyzes the character of christ as a person rather than an historical context. while his disciples were sleeping in the garden of gethsemane, christ dug deep into himself and held fast to the convictions and the purpose he had come to fulfill
- Analyzes how jesus demonstrated character even when it was not popular. he preached on his power to forgive sins and to heal the sick.
- Analyzes how this kind of teaching threw the entire religious sect into uproar but we see christ remain true to his original calling and not his unwillingness to submit his character to reproach.
- Opines that satan's torment and malicious treatment isn't worth it. god casts down and stands on the resolution of his character.
- Describes world vision, an evangelical organization that supports children by getting supporters. after some debate and taking some flak, they announced that they would support children.
- Opines that the shift in theology caused division. the community that supported world vision thought they were supporting a staff that backed their beliefs and had strong character.
- Opines that the decision should have reflected the character of god. not hate the minority group but to take a stand for the right thing.
- Explains president harry truman's approval rating sunk to twenty-two percent, but his rulings made it possible for the cold war to come to an end.
- Concludes that we should keep the choices we make to build character, to remain in christ.
- Opines that we need sacrifice popularity as christ did at times, but to be in check to make sure we are in line with scripture when we make an unpopular choice.
- Explains that jesus demonstrated character in the fact he set his mind on the things of heaven.
- Explains that christ came here born of a man in flesh, but fully god. jesus knew that his mind is capable of shaping our character.
- Opines that we must turn to god and let his holy spirit come down and empower us to persevere. jesus even prayed father let this cup pass from my hand.
- Reminds christian leaders that they are not here for their own agendas, created for a purpose, but not to follow what they want to see come to pass.
- Opines that in order to develop the peers around us that we wish to affluence to christ, we must show we care more about the work of the kingdom, which is selfless.
- Explains why character matters to maintain a high performing team; leadership is about leading groups of people in any context. how your organization or ministry will flourish is entirely dependent on you, the leaders character.
- Narrates how they worked under kevin during their day shift at levy restaurants at kiawah island during the pga finals.
- Analyzes how kevin demonstrated good work ethic, and had a solid understanding of our warehousing systems and the fastest ideas on how to efficiently get the food to the places on the island.
- Analyzes how kevin's outfit mimicked his behavior. people who had solid character and respect began to do things i wouldn't have considered them doing.
- Opines that character damages an organization's reputation and erodes team member well-being, confidence, performance, and discretionary energy.
- Explains that character keeps an organization or ministry healthy and high performing.
- Explains that not having character can erode team members' well-being and stress. their father donald knutson worked under a boss who lacked respect for women. respect is one of the many parts of character.
- Analyzes how lack of character erodes confidence when we trust in something and then we find a crater of inequity.
- Explains that the catholic church's sex scandals have destroyed the trust that once existed between their leaders and their congregation.
- Explains that they have lost the confidence of many people through the result of some of the actions in their life and it was because they made a choice that was unethical.
- Explains that they have to work and strive to be better than what they allowed themselves to become and restart the process of regraining their character and the confidence of the leaders and people in their life.
- Analyzes how having a lack of character demolishes the image and reputation of your organization, the one you represent, or even yourself.
- Explains that people judge character by the people they surround themselves with. their grandfather, david norris, served in the air force for 10 years.
- Opines that we have to be careful with ourselves because our actions will make or break the company or organization we support. we also need to protect our character by using wisdom in every choice.
- Opines that integrity should encourage healthy evaluations of our character, not claims of self righteousness.
- Opines that before we can embrace the concept of integrity, we need to have the capacity to intellectually discern with the urgency to absolve away our underlying faults and the natural consequences.
- Explains that the chiseling process that is the development of our character requires strong courage and transparency to this true form of integrity emerge.
- Recommends transparently telling our stories, and sharing how our character has been reshaped and enforced, to help influencers see beyond the false impression that a person's integrity can only be as strong as the secrets they choose to keep.
- Opines that unless we are fully transparent with ourselves, we will never have transformed our character. we cannot ask jesus to fix us when we lie to ourselves to improve our self-esteem and image.
- Concludes that character is a big part of all culture. it doesn't confine itself self in way shape or form, but some places do it because their bosses are micro-managing them.
- Opines that character is something that you choose to throw away. it dictates our mood, attitudes, future, relationships, salvation. without character, we cannot expect any good thing to come our way.
- Explains alphonse karr's quote about character: "every man has three characters—that which he exhibits, that which he has, and that he thinks he has." to develop this core, we must work and forge ourselves into it.
- Opines that they desire to be a leader of people and to set people free from addictions as they have.
2773 wordsRead More - Compromising Integrity: Aritotelic View of Leadershipanalytical essayAccording to Aristotle, integrity can be defined as the “particular quality men acquire by constantly acting in a particular way”. It is the sense of honesty and rectitude, towards our moral and ethical principles. We’ve discussed at length how compromising integrity can damage our reputation, how people decide to act against integrity for personal benefits, and ultimately cause irreparable damage among followers. So is it really worth compromising integrity for a big paycheck? Is losing reputation worth the money? Throughout the essay, numerous examples of compromised integrity will be discussed focusing on the Aristotelian view of Leadership. The philosopher’s Seven Virtues will ultimately allow us to understand and reach to a conclusion regarding such doubts.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how donnie smith's integrity was challenged by his superior, who realized the unethicality of his actions, which led to change in the food preservation process.
- Opines that they have had moments where their integrity was challenged, and there had been several times that personal benefit didn't seem like a bad fit after all, but they ended up turning themselves back to their ethical values that guide them through correct decisions.
- Describes how they were humiliated by their professor's strict and demanding class on electrical circuits, which led to them being suspended for a semester.
- Opines that compromising integrity is an illusion, a mirage in the path of success that later vanishes by reality. lance armstrong and bobby petrino are examples of leaders who have failed in keeping rectitude in linskys' "faces of danger".
- Analyzes how kolp and rea's leading with integrity explore the aristotelian vs. the unethical approach in leadership.
- Analyzes how aristotle defines integrity as the sense of honesty and rectitude towards moral and ethical principles. lance armstrong's doping scandal illustrates the negative consequences of defying integrity.
- Analyzes how aristotle's seven virtues, if worked as a whole, can enhance the pursuit of happiness, while separate dominance can ultimately lead to failure. successful leaders have all something in common, their actions speak louder than their words.
1676 wordsRead More - Examples Of Virtue Ethics Essayopinion essay1.Virtue ethics is the most important concept I learned in class. I learned that the commitment to being a good and virtuous person is the key to an ethical life. Having this said, in order to have an ethical life I need to dedicate myself to being an excellent person. My virtues will be the face of whom I am. Many of these virtues will come from my early childhood and from home. If one day I will come a manager, I will embrace to have a good character by doing the right things based on my ethical principles rather because following the rules. Having a good character will imply being good in any situation that I will come across, in other words being virtuous all the time. Having a good character matters, this will defined me as a virtuous person, which will lead me to be a better person overall. For example, I will not steal from my coworkers because that’s just something I don’t do, rather than I won’t steal of my coworkers because I could get in trouble.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the importance of applying the golden rule to everyday life. after graduating, they hope to find a job related to their career.
- Opines that managers should avoid problems related to the golden rule. they will respect people's personalities and beliefs.
- Opines that the way the class interacts in the classroom is something different than other classes. the only thing they would change in this course is the strictness on the apa format requirements.
- Opines that a semester won't change them to become an expert writer, but it will certainly lead to the right track.
- Explains that virtue ethics is the key to an ethical life. being a virtuous manager will lead to human flourishing and eudaimonia.
1405 wordsRead More - The Importance in Having a Mentor for Becoming a Better Leaderexplanatory essayThe insights I gained from this exercise on the development of a leaders’ moral character is that through hard work, ethics, and determination anyone can be successful at being a leader. We must learn from mistakes and reprimand ourselves when we fall behind our best performance. Malinda states "The development of a leader of moral character must include confidence, charisma, determination, wise, detailed, organized and patience." I concur with this statement I exhibit many of these traits. A verse on moral character is one Corinthians 15:33 in the English Standard Version Bible which states “Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” In addition, seeing Mrs. Potier in her work atmosphere enables me to see how she solves problems in the workplace. Mrs. Potier breaks down the problem and comes up with several options before choosing one. If she feels dissonance then she asks another supervisor for their input. This shows insight on the leader’s moral character. A leader’s morals are very important it is those values that have enabled that leader to be successful in that organ...
In this essay, the author
- Explains malinda's insights on the development of a leaders' moral character, which includes hard work, ethics, determination, wise, detailed, organized, and patience.
- Explains that the experience they had through week two and four reports helped them understand what they needed for the final mentor report. they also found that mrs. potier answered the questions similar to their own.
- Explains that this exercise has enabled their leadership skills to evolve as well as their moral values/character.
582 wordsRead More - Integrityanalytical essayTo prosper as individuals, it is essential to control a sense of honesty, in simple hopes of maintaining humane, respectable standards and boundaries. This honesty, however, is often asked of extension, now presumed to mature into a component well known as integrity. Learning, consequently, is inhabited through these expectations of strict dedication and independence. And although learning is accomplished abundantly, there is only a certain extent of upholding this righteous behavior. Though teachers, bosses, parents, or companions may be satisfied with the efforts of their lesser, they fail to realize that the request of integrity has not been fulfilled. Integrity, being the unflawed ability to completely dedicate one’s personally believed morals is a specific, well-rounded trait, difficult to be entirely possessed by a faulty being.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that to prosper as individuals, it is essential to control a sense of honesty, in simple hopes of maintaining humane, respectable standards and boundaries.
- Analyzes how a person's attempt at integrity is temporary, whether it be long or short term, and does not develop into the fully suitable virtue.
- Explains that integrity is a complex characteristic expected to easily be in the reach of humanity's grasp.
- Analyzes how perfection is a god-like way of being, based on the patterns in examples and simple facts of mankind.
- Explains that the absence of a favorable virtue does not make it meaningless, but rather increasingly meaningful. with the ability of imperfection, there is time for mistake and room for progress.
634 wordsRead More