Introduction
In corporate leadership, the lines between legality and morality often blur. The ethical principles highlighted in Joseph Weiss’s book Business Ethics, specifically in chapter 2, “Ethical Principles,” provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating the behavior of corporate leaders. This essay will analyze two such leaders, one who acted legally but immorally and the other who acted illegally but morally, to illustrate the dichotomy between legality and morality.
Martin Shkreli: A Corporate Leader Acting Legally But Immorally
Martin Shkreli, former CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, is an example of a leader whose legal actions were widely regarded as immoral. In 2015, Shkreli made headlines when his company acquired the life-saving drug Daraprim and immediately increased its price from $13.50 to $750 per pill overnight. This action was legal as there are no regulations in the United States that control the pricing of pharmaceuticals (Weiss, 2021). However, it was widely considered immoral due to the significant impact on patients who relied on Daraprim for treatment. Shkreli’s actions contradicted the ethical principles of fairness and benevolence, as described by Weiss, as he prioritized profit over the welfare of patients.
Edward Snowden: A Contractor Acting Illegally But Ethically
On the other side of the spectrum is Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor. Snowden acted illegally when he disclosed classified information about the NSA’s global surveillance programs. Although Snowden broke the law, his actions can be viewed as ethical (Weiss, 2021). He believed the public had a right to know about the infringements on their privacy, reflecting the moral principles of transparency and honesty. Snowden’s actions, albeit illegal, showcased a commitment to the greater good and protection of individuals’ rights.
The Relationship Between Legality and Morality in Corporate Leadership
The actions of Shkreli and Snowden illustrate the complex interplay between legality and morality in corporate leadership. Shkreli’s actions, while legal, were driven by self-interest and lacked empathy, underscoring a significant breach of ethical conduct. On the other hand, Snowden’s actions, though illegal, were motivated by a desire to uphold the public’s right to privacy and transparency, reflecting a strong ethical stance (Federman, 2021).
The cases of Shkreli and Snowden highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of legality and morality in corporate leadership. Leaders must understand that legality does not necessarily equate to ethical conduct, and they have a responsibility to consider the moral implications of their actions. Furthermore, leaders must be prepared to face the consequences of their legal and ethical actions and be willing to stand by their decisions in the face of scrutiny.
The Relationship Between Corporate Leadership and Ethics
The examples of Shkreli and Snowden also provide valuable lessons in corporate leadership and ethics. From Shkreli’s case, we learn the importance of aligning business strategies with ethical principles. Legal operations should not be the only consideration in corporate decision-making. Moral implications should be factored in to ensure fairness, benevolence, and respect for stakeholders (Federman, 2021).
Snowden’s case teaches us the value of ethical courage and transparency. Despite the legal risks, Snowden chose to prioritize the ethical principle of disclosure to uphold the public’s right to privacy. This example prompts a broader discussion on the potential need for legal reforms that protect individuals who expose unethical practices in the interest of public welfare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Martin Shkreli’s and Edward Snowden’s actions underscore the intricate relationship between legality and morality in corporate leadership. As gleaned from Weiss’s Business Ethics, legality does not always equate to morality, and leaders must strive to uphold ethical principles even when they conflict with legal boundaries. The lessons from these examples highlight the critical role of ethics in corporate decision-making and the potential implications for stakeholders and society.
References
Federman, S. (2021). Corporate leadership and mass atrocity. Journal of Business Ethics, 172, 407-423.
Weiss, J. W. (2021). Business ethics: A stakeholder and issues management approach (7th ed.). Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
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