3…2…1…go
Every society possesses a wide array of socio-economic issues, even those that the government proves incapable of fixing. Charities provide aid, and a means to an end, but sometimes an issue requires maximum man-power, to the degree of movement, in order to facilitate change towards a solution. Continue reading
Rating the Ratings: How Rating Agencies Dismiss Kantian Ethics
Last week in the Wall Street Journal, there was an article about how bonds of Exxon Mobil and Johnson and Johnson are trading with yields below those of comparable Treasurys. This is an indication that investors believe these Exxon and J&J bonds are safer than US Treasurys. The article indicated that if this trend continues, the country could face its second credit-rating downgrade following Standard & Poor’s cut below triple-A last year (McGee). After reading this article, I began questioning how credit rating agencies evaluate credit scores. How ethical and reasonable is this process? I understand that value of having a letter rating to give investors’ confidence in what securities they are about to involve themselves with, but how does one define that security of debt by a simple letter? I will research the history and background of credit-rating agencies and identify the ethical reasoning of these scores with Kant’s deontological theory.
Ever wondered if Patagonia is as moral/ethical as it makes itself out to be? Read on for the answer!
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Founded in 1993, Chipotle Mexican Grill is a popular restaurant chain that operates based on a very apparent set of values. The organization believes the idea that the quality of ingredients is the most integral part of the equation in the restaurant/fast food business. After dealing with criticism for some of its sourcing policies in 2010 Chipotle redefined its mission and focused on developing best practices for food sourcing. This newfound importance placed on food sourcing is evident in the way that the company handles animals, people, and the environment. It’s ethical approach to the fast food business has been extremely effective and has created a competitive advantage that sets Chipotle Mexican Grill apart from the competition. The business successfully demonstrated that employing ethical practices does not necessarily have to detract from financial gains and customer base. The revamped strategy was a huge success and reaffirmed that Chipotle would intend to only serve food with integrity. Continue reading
Today’s top stories too often read like a who’s who of corporate thugs- BP spills oil into the Gulf due to a lapse in safety regulations, Enron robs thousands of its own employees of their retirement savings, Nike exploits cheap foreign labor. These goliath companies err in ways that indirectly impact consumers around the globe. Seldom do we ever celebrate those companies that choose the ethical path. Aside from an annual list of ethically-sound organizations published by the Ethisphere Institute, little is known about the do-gooders of the business world. Of those companies acknowledged for their principles, Kellogg Company has been a constant fixture on the list. Its sterling reputation is solidified through continued efforts to improve various relationships with its stakeholders. Kellogg’s corporate actions are examined in order to understand Kantian categorical imperatives as something more than mere theoretical abstractions.
![Cover of "Dawn of the Dead [Blu-ray]"](https://i2.wp.com/ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51u5sGqoYqL._SL300_.jpg "Cover of \"Dawn of the Dead [Blu-ray]\"")
The first R-Rated movie I saw (or recall seeing) was the original Dawn of the Dead. I was 12 or so and I was definitely getting away with something by getting a friend’s older brother to rent it for us (on VHS tape) from the corner video store.
I think one’s first R- film makes an impact. What was yours? (add to comments!) Continue reading
