Papers Dealing with Ethics
The Countdown:
(24) "The Secret of Wealth and Success: Lessons to Be Learned from Proverb's ‘Woman of Valor’"
By H. H. Friedman and T. Birnbaum
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2317019
Abstract: We live in a time when the importance of corporate social responsibility and ethics is apparent. Sadly, it is obvious that most leaders are more interested in making money than doing the right thing. The “Woman of Valor” described in Proverbs shows us what it takes to be successful: industriousness, entrepreneurship, honesty, kind-heartedness, devotion to family, and devotion to spiritual values.
(23) "The Second ‘Golden Rule’: Caring for Society's Disadvantaged"
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2339611
Abstract: The Bible is concerned with the plight of disadvantaged members of society. Many of its precepts deal with various categories of downtrodden individuals: the impoverished, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. This paper examines the meaning and implications of these precepts and pays particular attention to the stranger. This paper posits that the stranger includes all kinds of oppressed and exploited individuals such as: the foreigner, members of other races, unattractive and/or overweight people, the handicapped, those wearing strange clothing such as a hijab or turban, and those of different sects or religions. Furthermore, the prosperity of a nation is contingent on embracing of all kinds of strangers in its midst. A society built on selfishness, intolerance, and greed cannot sustain itself.
(22) “Ethics of the Fathers: A Tool for Improving the World.”
By H. H. Friedman and D. Fischer
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2267122
Abstract: Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot) is a remarkable document; it consists of sayings of Jewish sages who lived from 300 BCE to 200 CE as well as many anonymous sayings. It is indispensable to anyone who wants to learn how to be ethical. It also provides valuable life lessons for children as well as leaders of countries and even corporate executives. Avot teaches people how to attain wealth, honor, fame, longevity, wisdom, courage and even happiness. It also provides a vision for countries or organizations that wish to prosper.
(21) "Lessons in Ethics, Character, and Leadership from Psalms"
by H. H. Friedman and J. Lynch
Available at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2194175
Abstract: It is becoming quite obvious that there has been a serious erosion of moral values in this country which has affected the corporate, academic, and political worlds. Something has to be done or we will continue to face crisis after crisis, possibly even worse than the Great Recession of 2008. There is a growing belief that education – K-12 as well as higher education – has to focus on teaching students values, intellectual virtues, and character education. These values include integrity, conscientiousness, curiosity, determination, resilience, and self-confidence. The authors demonstrate how Psalms with its inspiring and rousing hymns can be used to teach important values to people. This paper examines several of the most powerful statements in Psalms and demonstrates how they provide guidance and inspiration for all, including and especially for those in positions of leadership.
(20) “The Talmud as a Business Guide”
Multidisciplinary Journal for Applied Ethics. 2012, 1(1), 38-48.
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://mjae.ffdi.hr/download/MJAE_1st_Issue/7%20-%20PAPER%204%20FRIEDMAN.pdf
Abstract: Purpose: There is a great deal of interest in discovering the secrets of business success according to the Talmud. This interest is satisfied in the present paper by listing and explaining some principles, stories, and cases from the Talmud.
Approach: The topic is approached in the manner of analysis of the Talmud as a business guide and as a set of stories and cases (part seven).
Findings: Some of the Talmudic sages were indeed quite wealthy (introduction). This paper demonstrates that the Talmudic approach to becoming wealthy (part two) involves respecting hard work, leading an ethical life, being charitable, treating employees well, going beyond the strict requirements of the law, and caring for others (parts three to six).
Implications: There are some indirect (conceptual) and some direct (in terms of principles and cases) implications of the Talmud as a business guide (as shown in part seven).
Methodology: Conceptual approach with addition of some Talmud stories as case studies.
(19) “Moral Capitalism: A Biblical Perspective.”
American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 2011, 1014-1028.
By H. H. Friedman and W. Adler
Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1536-7150.2011.00800.x/abstract
Abstract: We argue that laissez-faire capitalism in its current form is unsustainable, and that if it is to survive, we need to develop a new moral capitalism. An underexplored source on the subject that may provide insight into current difficulties is the Hebrew Bible. We explicate four basic principles of the Hebrew Bible and Talmud on economic affairs, and show how these ancient ideas can be used to create a more moral economic system.
(18) “Ideal Occupations: The Talmudic Perspective”
In Toward a Meaningful Life. 2011. Brooklyn, N.Y.: Rohr Jewish Learning Institute. 111-118. Reprinted from JLAW.com (2001)
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/idealoccupa.html
Abstract: Choosing the ideal occupation is not a trivial decision. The profession one chooses can affect the amount of time available for spiritual duties, one’s earnings, and whether an individual remains honest. This paper explores the views of the Talmudic sages regarding the ideal profession.
(17) “Respect for God’s World: the Biblical and Rabbinic Foundations of Environmentalism”
International Journal of Business and Globalisation, Vol. X (2010), 4:2, 129 -200.
By H. H. Friedman and Y. Klein
Available at: http://www.inderscience.com/dev/search/index.php?action=record&rec_id=30668
Abstract: The ancients faced many of the same environmental issues that society is facing today. This paper demonstrates that the Bible and the Talmud are the ideal starting points for those interested in raising moral standards for business and society when it comes to the environment. Issues of concern to the ancients included conservation of resources, waste, pollution, animal rights, beautifying the environment and appreciating the world and improving it.
(16) “How Virtuous is Your Firm? A Checklist”
Electronic Journal of Business Ethics and Organization Studies, 2009, 14, 14-20
By H. H. Friedman and L. W. Friedman
Available at: http://ejbo.jyu.fi/pdf/ejbo_vol14_no1_pages_14-20.pdf
Abstract: Scholars are noting a change in the way business is being conducted. Many firms --one scholar estimates the number at 15%-- are concerned about values rather than focusing exclusively on maximizing profits. This new kind of capitalism considers factors such as societal needs, quality, needs of employees, and environmental sustainability in business decision making. In addition, a large number of consumers (approximately 70 million Americans), known as values-driven consumers, prefer doing business with companies that have values. This paper provides a checklist that can be used by firms to determine whether or not they are indeed virtuous; if they are not, the authors provide reasons why they should change.
(15) “Ethical Imperatives of CEOs: Creating the Virtuous Corporation”
Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics. December 2008, 4(3), 31 - 41
By H. H. Friedman, L.W. Friedman, and F. Kass-Shraibman].
Available at: http://www.jbsge.vu.edu.au/issues/vol03no4/Friedman.pdf
Abstract: Companies that are going to thrive must have a soul. Those that are only concerned with “maximizing shareholder wealth” or maximizing profit” will find themselves going the way Enron went. CEOs will have to lead the revolution and should be the ones exhorting executives to make spiritual values and virtue, not just profit, the core values of a firm. A true measure of corporate performance is multidimensional and has to include the short-term, the long-term, risk, environmental issues, society, employees, customers, suppliers, and government. This paper shows a firm can acquire a soul and even be profitable doing it.
(14) “Can 'Homo Spiritualis' Replace Homo Economicus in the Business Curriculum?”
e-Journal of Business Education & Scholarship of Teaching, December 2008, 2(2), 1-11
By H.H. Friedman and L. W. Friedman
Available at: http://www.ejbest.org/upload/FriedmanFriedman.pdf
Abstract: The authors suggest that it is time to incorporate spiritual values – rather than just ethics – into the business curriculum. The traditional approach to teaching economics and business, one that instructs students that “economic man” acts with perfect rationality and is interested in maximizing his/her self-interest, may be contributing to the destruction of capitalism. About 80% of students are interested in spirituality. Spirituality is not religion so there are few problems with discussing this in a class. Spiritual values include making work meaningful, respect for the creativity of employees, behaving in an ethical manner, and improving the world.
(13) “Human Dignity and the Jewish Tradition”
Jewish Law, July 2008
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/HumanDignity.pdf
Abstract: This paper demonstrates how fundamental human dignity is to Jewish law. What is especially interesting is how a theistic religion in which love and fear of God is paramount, does not minimize the importance of human dignity. In many cases, human dignity trumps even divine law.
(12) “The Power of Remorse and Apology”
Journal of College and Character, 2006, 7(1), 1-14.
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://journals.naspa.org/jcc/vol7/iss1/16/
Abstract: Showing remorse is a skill that every individual, especially leaders, must develop. It allows individuals and nations to move on and grow; it can repair relationships that have been long thought to be dead.
(11) “Conflict of Interest: The Common Thread Underlying Ethical Lapses”
Electronic Journal of Business Ethics and Organization Studies, 2005, Vol. 10 (1), 4-8
By Robert I. Bell, H. H. Friedman, and L.W. Friedman
Available at: http://ejbo.jyu.fi/pdf/ejbo_vol10_no1_pages_4-8.pdf
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine various industries for examples of conflicts of interest, and the resulting harmful ethical and managerial effects. All of these examples are well known, having appeared in various news sources. However, each incident has been viewed as an isolated case with no common lessons to be learned. The authors posit that, were it not for the presence of conflict of interest, these abuses might never have occurred. Even the most ethical of people might succumb to temptation when the potential gains are large. It may be impossible to eliminate all conflicts of interest but reducing them will certainly enhance the chance that people will do what is right. Organizations that are truly concerned about ethics must first ensure that there are few conflicts of interest present. Of course, the same may be said about textbooks discussing ethics; first explain the concept of conflict of interest and show how it often produces unethical behavior and then talk about ethics.
(10) “Should Moral Individuals Ever Lie? Insights from Jewish Law”
Jewish Law, July 2003,
By H. H. Friedman and A. C. Weisel
Available at: http://jlaw.com/Articles/hf_LyingPermissible.html
Abstract: Dishonesty and deception are serious crimes in Jewish law. The Torah explicitly demands that one should "Distance himself from a false matter." There are, however, situations in which Jewish law permits or even demands that one engage in deception. This paper will discuss when it is permissible in Jewish law to prevaricate and deceive.
(9) “Creating a Company Code of Ethics: Using the Bible as a Guide”
Electronic Journal of Business Ethics and Organization Studies, Vol. 8 (1), 2003
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://ejbo.jyu.fi/articles/0801_1.html
Abstract: The Bible has had a profound effect on billions of people, both believers and non-believers. This paper shows how it can be used to develop a code of ethics for a firm. Some ethical principles that can be derived from the Bible include the importance of caring for the stranger, the poor, employees, the environment, and animals. In addition, a firm interested in following the values of the Bible will not give bad advice to others, will be extremely honest, will not attempt to hurt competitors, and will behave in an aboveboard manner. Finally, its code of ethics will recognize the importance of going beyond the requirements of the law.
(8) “Improving Employer-Employee Relationships: A Biblical and Talmudic Perspective on Human Resource Management”
Management Decision: Focus on Management History, Vol. 40(10), 2002, 955-961
By G. Cohn and H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/economic/friedman/employee.htm
Abstract: The authors demonstrate that the Bible and Talmud provide many insights as to how employers ought to manage human resources. Issues discussed include employee theft, motivation (providing an honest day’s work and providing employees with meaningful and dignified work), compensation (paying wages on time), providing benefits for employees, and ethics in negotiations.
(7) “Geneivat Da'at: The Prohibition Against Deception in Today's World”
Jewish Law, August 2002,
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/geneivatdaat.html
Abstract: The literal meaning of geneivat da'at in Hebrew is theft of one's mind, thoughts, wisdom, or knowledge, i.e., fooling someone and thereby causing him or her to have a mistaken assumption, belief, and/or impression. Thus, the term is used in Jewish law to indicate deception, cheating, creating a false impression, and acquiring undeserved goodwill. Geneivat da'at goes beyond lying. Any words or actions that cause others to form incorrect conclusions about one's motives might be a violation of this prohibition. One does not have the right to diminish the ability of another person, Jew or Gentile, to make a fair and honest evaluation, whether in business or interpersonal relations. This paper discusses situations that would be prohibited because of geneivat da’at.
(6) “The Simple Life: The Case Against Ostentation in Jewish Law”
Jewish Law, July 2002
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/againstosten.html
Abstract: While Judaism sees nothing wrong with wealth, it does frown on ostentation. Flaunting wealth has the following deleterious effects: (1) It makes one conspicuous and arouses the envy of others, including enemies of the Jewish people, (2) ostentation can cause people who are not very wealthy to become ashamed of their lack of means, and (3) it can make one arrogant. The purpose of wealth is to help others, not to show it off.
This paper will address the attitude of Jewish law towards ostentation. Is one permitted to live an extravagant, opulent, and excessive lifestyle? This paper will demonstrate that a showy, overly materialistic lifestyle is not considered an appropriate lifestyle by Jewish authorities. While it is true that Judaism has a very positive attitude towards wealth and does not generally admire an ascetic way of life, neither does it condone an ostentatious lifestyle.
(5) “Placing a Stumbling Block Before the Blind Person: An In-Depth Analysis”
Jewish Law, July 2002
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://www.jlaw.com/Articles/placingstumbling.html
Abstract: The seemingly simple verse prohibiting the placement of stumbling blocks before the blind is actually a succinct statement encompassing many important rules of ethics and morality. It is an admonition not to take advantage of the weak and the helpless or to place temptation in the path of those who may be morally weak. It is also a call to action demanding that society and people do everything possible help the weak, the vulnerable, and the helpless. It is a fundamental principle of business ethics and is on par with such essential principles as "The stranger who resides with you shall be treated the same as the native-born and you love him as yourself" (Leviticus 19:34) and "loving your fellow human being as yourself" (Leviticus 19: 18).
(4) “Biblical Foundations of Business Ethics”
Journal of Markets and Morality, Vol. 3:1, Spring 2000, 43-57.
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://www.marketsandmorality.com/index.php/mandm/issue/view/26 and http://ethics.rabbinics.org/Bible%20-%20Friedman.pdf
Abstract: The Hebrew Bible is replete with precepts that deal with business ethics and thus can be used as a starting point for those interested in developing higher moral standards for business. Some of the issues discussed in this paper include: environmentalism, caring for the poor, not discriminating against the stranger, fairly treating employees, paying wages and rents on time, providing fringe benefits for employees, maintaining honest and stable prices, ensuring accuracy in weights and measures, honesty in selling and negotiations, acting in a manner that ensures one is above suspicion, and providing an honest day’s work. The author concludes that Scripture makes clear that individuals and organizations that act ethically will achieve ultimate success.
(3) “A Framework for Organizational Success”
Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 7, 1988, 219-221.
By H. H. Friedman and L. W. Friedman
Available at: http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/25071745?uid=3739256&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&sid=21101003970723 and http://rd.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00381871
Abstract: The contention of this paper is that the marketing concept is but one aspect of a philosophy of business referred to by the authors as the framework for organizational success. This framework maintains that the marketing concept must work together with good management approaches and with ethical business practices in order to satisfy the needs and wants of the various publics of the organization - customers, employees, suppliers, society - and, in the long run, ensure the satisfaction of the needs of the organization itself. The authors propose that focusing on one concept, and ignoring the other two aspects, is not likely to promote organizational success.
(2) “Ethical Behavior in Business: A Hierarchical Approach from the Talmud”
Journal of Business Ethics, Vol. 4, 1985, 117-129
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/economic/friedman/hierarchy.html
Abstract: The Talmud, the compilation of Jewish oral law, is over 1500 years old and includes extensive discussions of business ethics. This paper presents four levels of ethical behavior in business gleaned from the words of the Talmud. At the lowest level, an individual is just barely inside the law; the highest level is "the way of the pious". The author has attempted to relate the ethics in ancient business situations to business practices today.
(1) “Ancient Marketing Practices: The View from Talmudic Times”
Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 1984, Vol. 3 Issue 1, p.194+
By H. H. Friedman
Available at: http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/4586280/ancient-marketing-practices-view-from-talmudic-times
Abstract: The Talmud, completed approximately 1,500 years ago, is the compilation of Jewish oral law. In it, we find reflected many of the marketing practices of ancient Babylonia and Israel. This paper demonstrates that many of our current business laws and practices had their counterparts in ancient times and that, in some areas, Talmudic standards were stricter than ours are today.
These papers may also be of interest.
(5) “Workplace Diversity: The Key to Survival and Growth”
Business Quest, 2002,
By H. H. Friedman and T. Amoo
Available at: http://www.westga.edu/~bquest/2002/diversity.htm
Abstract: In this article the authors discuss why workforce diversity might be vital to ensure success in today’s knowledge economy. Contended is that firms that want fresh ideas, strong growth, a positive company image, fewer discrimination lawsuits, and an enhanced ability to hire qualified workers should be aggressive about workforce diversity.
(4) “The Use of Information Technology to Create a Better Workplace for Individuals with Disabilities”
Management Online Review, August 18, 2008,
By R. F. Adler, H. H. Friedman, L.W. Friedman
Available at: http://www.morexpertise.com/download.php?id=101
Abstract: Computer and information technology has made it increasingly easy for disabled people to join the workforce. This paper describes how computer technology can play a role in accomplishing this goal and it examines new and existing technology that can be used to accommodate individuals with particular disabilities, specifically, visual impairment, hearing impairment, speech impairment, learning disabilities, autism, mobility impairment, the elderly, and those with mental health problems - in many cases, promising examples of possible future assistive technology are presented. The disabilities market consists of 750,000,000 people worldwide and is growing rapidly. About 20% of the population of the Unites States is disabled; 25% of the population of the European Union is disabled. Moreover, every demographer is predicting that there will be huge labor shortages in many countries in the near future. It is crucial for firms to find ways to hire more disabled employees since, for one thing, they can be the engine for generating and developing new product ideas for this important group. The diversity we seek to achieve in the workplace includes not only gender and ethnic background, but disability as well.
(3) “Frontiers in Multicultural Marketing: The Disabilities Market”
Journal of International Marketing and Marketing Research, February 2007, 32(1), 25-39.
By H. H. Friedman, T. Lopez-Pumarejo, and Linda W. Friedman
Available at: http://direct.bl.uk/bld/PlaceOrder.do?UIN=201392572&ETOC=RN&from=searchengine
Abstract: The multicultural segment that is the disabilities market consists of 750,000,000 people worldwide and is growing rapidly. About 20% of the population of the Unites States is disabled; 25% of the population of the European Union is disabled. The authors argue that all firms should study this market carefully. It is crucial for the corporate world to make their products disabled-friendly, run advertisements that show the disabled using products, and create new products for this growing market. Firms that ignore the disabled market are being myopic and foolish.
(2) “The Largest Minority Group: The Disabled”
Business Quest. August 2006,
By H. H. Friedman, T. Lopez-Pumarejo, and Linda W. Friedman
Available at: http://www.westga.edu/~bquest/2006/disabled.pdf
Abstract: The disabilities market consists of about 54 million people and will probably double in size within 15 years; it has an aggregate income of over one trillion dollars. Many firms treat this market as they would a charity case, or worse, totally ignore it, when it is in reality a very significant market. The authors discuss the role of corporate diversity in marketing to the disabled and note that disabled employees in the workforce can be the engine for generating and developing new product ideas for this significant part of our population.
(1) “Student Perceptions of the Ethics of Professors”
Electronic Journal of Business Ethics and Organization Studies, 2005, 10(2), 10-15.
By H. H. Friedman, J. Fogel, and L.W. Friedman
Available at: http://ejbo.jyu.fi/pdf/ejbo_vol10_no2_pages_10-15.pdf
Abstract: Ethical violations are becoming common in the business world. Teaching proper ethical behavior can begin in college. In this study, we surveyed 350 students to determine what affects students’ perceptions of the ethics of professors and to determine whether or not taking a course in ethics changes this perception. The most important factor in determining whether or not a professor is ethical is “fairness in grading.” Surprisingly, there was no statistically significant difference between students who took a course in ethics and those who did not in their perception of what makes a professor ethical or unethical. There were some differences, however, between males and females in these perceptions. By learning ethical principles at the college-level, there may be an impact on ethical behavior when in the business world.