Amitabh, I also feel that there is an urgent need to introduce a formal course on ethics. Many a times we face confusing situations in life. Relying purely on intuition may not be the best thing is such scenarios for the same reason that judges rely more on laws than on intuition. Generic guidelines about the various scenarios that we face in life could be taught in school. Ethics and etiquettes on road also need to be formalized.
In addition to the courses on ethics, standards of ethics should also be decided for various professions such as IAS, IPS, ministers, secretaries, judges or other professionals. These standards should be designed in way that it helps the individual in complex circumstances and at the same time portrays a non-partisan image of the profession. For example, there could be a standard that a judge dealing in a corporate case should not own any shares of the concerned company or even the competitor's company. We can have similar standards for the finance ministry, where men on the top should not be allowed to have any direct investments in any companies. GOI can think of creating a black-box investment vehicle for such people who have very restricted investment opportunities. In short, the ethical standards for professions should aim to avoid any potential conflicts of interests. We Indians may be highly proud of our history but today's truth is that Indians have become very intolerant and disrespectful to others and others views. The problem is usually not with our intentions but simply our inability to handle situations. We are taught science and maths in schools but similar focus is never given on our behavior. Kids should be taught to debate politely and also the manners to confront opposing views. Regards Amit ________________________________ From: Amitabh Thakur <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Sat, October 31, 2009 10:57:11 AM Subject: [bm] ethics as a subject Friends, One subject that often crops up for discussion during the MBA studies is that regarding the teaching of "Ethics in Management". While there is one group that feels that ethics can not be taught and it is something intrinsic. Hence, there is no point in teaching ethics as a subject. But there are others who feel that teaching of the subject does have a sublime effect, which though not apparently felt, has insidious effect no doubt. The same kind of dilemma grips the Police training curricula as well. Does the group feel that a subject like "Ethics in Policing" in the training program of IPS, State service officers and other subordinate levels has any relevance and can have any effect in making substantial effect on the policing system? Or for that matter introduction of such subjects in other curricula like law, medicine, engineering, social service and so on ? Amitabh Thakur IIM Lucknow # 94155-34526
