Some thoughts in the wake of a discussion on resignation in protest:
Many people resign in protest over a policy or practice that they believe is unethical or unwise. Although it is nice to see a person who is willing to take a stand, the question of whether a resignation is the most ethical course of action is debatable.
By resigning, the individual may have simply surrendered the field to the villains. Upper management will express regret, the person will leave, and unless there is some publicity or whistle-blowing, few people outside of the inner circle will know the real reasons for the departure. A more pliable replacement will be found and the unethical or unwise policy or practice will be implemented with increased vigor. The employees who remain and who agree with the now-former co-worker may feel abandoned.
On the other hand, it is extremely easy to justify staying when a resignation is the best course. "I’ll change the organization from the inside" is the usual rationale, although in my experience there is little likelihood of such reformation. Indeed, the odds may be greater that they will change you instead of the other way around. Compromise on your principles today and it will be easier to do so tomorrow.
The test that I would suggest is simple: Will your remaining on the job send a signal that you approve of the policy or practice and will others who respect you interpret your continued presence as a sign that a serious ethical line has not been crossed? Just as there is guilt by association, there can also be innocence by association. If your presence and participation will be perceived by those who respect you as a stamp of approval for ethically deficient associates, then it is time for you to go.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Be Prepared
Via U.S. News & World Report, Harvard Medical School's disaster preparedness steps.
And a fine list it is, except they forgot the beer, the Pop Tarts, and the 12-gauge shotgun.
P.S. Oh yes, and a generator so you can rewatch The Omega Man.
And a fine list it is, except they forgot the beer, the Pop Tarts, and the 12-gauge shotgun.
P.S. Oh yes, and a generator so you can rewatch The Omega Man.
F-150 Hog
Ford has combined an F-150 truck with Harley-Davidson.
I clicked hoping to see an extraordinary cycle but apparently the blend is more cosmetic.
I clicked hoping to see an extraordinary cycle but apparently the blend is more cosmetic.
Paste in Another Candidate
A candidate for mayor of New Orleans poses in what is supposed to be the French Quarter but turns out to be New Orleans Square at Disneyland. See the sad story here.
It looked too well-scrubbed to be the French Quarter.
It looked too well-scrubbed to be the French Quarter.
I Want the "Twinkie Defense"
Do criminal defendants have the right to a particular attorney? Read the questioning by the Supreme Court Justices in this recent case.
Justice Scalia tweaks the government's lawyer by saying that if he were a defendant, he'd want a more than competent lawyer.
[Hat tip: Althouse law blog ]
Justice Scalia tweaks the government's lawyer by saying that if he were a defendant, he'd want a more than competent lawyer.
[Hat tip: Althouse law blog ]
World-Changing Books
The Independent has issued a list of the "12 British books that changed the world."
It includes ones such as The King James Bible, The Origin of the Species, The Wealth of Nations, the Magna Carta, and Shakespeare's folio.
Which American books changed the world? Since The Independent counted the Magna Carta, let's say that you can count the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Which other titles would make the list? And how many of those would be about business or management?
[HT: www.tompeters.com ]
It includes ones such as The King James Bible, The Origin of the Species, The Wealth of Nations, the Magna Carta, and Shakespeare's folio.
Which American books changed the world? Since The Independent counted the Magna Carta, let's say that you can count the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Which other titles would make the list? And how many of those would be about business or management?
[HT: www.tompeters.com ]
Succession Planning and Generational Differences
Tamara Erikson and Bob Morison have examined generational differences in the workplace and caution that one assumption of succession planning programs might not hold up: the belief that younger employees will want promotions.
I wonder if this may be due in part to the leveling of perks and distinctions in some firms. Being a manager or even an executive isn't as ego-satisfying as it once was but the demands have easily tripled. The role model may no longer be the bold leader, but the specialist.
And specialists can have easier life styles.
I wonder if this may be due in part to the leveling of perks and distinctions in some firms. Being a manager or even an executive isn't as ego-satisfying as it once was but the demands have easily tripled. The role model may no longer be the bold leader, but the specialist.
And specialists can have easier life styles.
Rising China
This article sees China surpassing the United States as the economic superpower by 2045.
Of course, it doesn't factor in the significant internal problems faced by China: pressures for human rights, corruption, overpopulation of men, regional differences, and maintaining a competitive edge in a closed society.
Of course, it doesn't factor in the significant internal problems faced by China: pressures for human rights, corruption, overpopulation of men, regional differences, and maintaining a competitive edge in a closed society.
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