Week 4 Discussion 2 A Culture of Ethics

Based on the readings for the week, would you say that Steve Jobs was an ethical leader?  State your rationale. Are you an Acolyte or a Rejector? Why?

SAMPLE RESPONSE FROM A FORMER STUDENTBased on the readings for the week, would you say that Steve Jobs was an ethical leader?

In the book Winners Never Cheat by Jon Huntsman, he provides excellent insight into ethical behavior when he states, “Which rules we honor and which we ignore determine personal character, and it is character that determines how closely we will allow our value system to affect our lives” (Huntsman, 2011, p. 41).  Based on The Story of Steve Jobs, I’m not sure he would concur with Jon Huntsman.  I appreciate Jobs attention to detail, innovation, and drive to be the best but not at the expense of demeaning people.  I understand having high standards and being demanding when needed to get things done but The Story of Steve Jobs tells  a different story when it states, “Jobs life has revealed the importance of sticking firmly to one’s vision and goals, no matter the psychic toll on employees or business associates” (The Story of Steve Jobs, 2012).  It seems ridiculous to me that you would sacrifice mental toll on employees in order to build a business, unless you had no regard for your employees.  In my assessment, I think Jobs sacrificed ethics, in order to call himself the best innovator in the world.

Are you an Acolyte or a Rejector? Why?

I would very much consider myself a rejector as it relates to Steve Jobs.  While Jobs created wonderful products that I use every day, I do not condone his use of language or treatment of employees.  I have not done much research on Jobs and have not paid much attention to his life story, however reading this article really turned me off on the guy.  I understand, sometimes you must challenge employees to get things accomplished but name calling and working around the clock have no place in my world.

References

Huntsman, J. D. (2011). Winners Never Cheat. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc

The Story of Steve Jobs: An Inspiration or a Cautionary Tale?  (http://www.wired.com/business/2012/07/ff_stevejobs/)