Temptations in the Office

Sex, money, and power. Themes from the latest potboiler? No, these are key temptations in a place we all know well: The office. People work most productively in humane environments with high ethical standards. Management must set the tone by talking about, and embodying, values that promote decent behavior. But how? This book considers key workplace challenges—including sexual harassment, conflicts of interest, greed, and abuse of power—in which gray areas abound (It may be legal, but . . . ). There is hope. As Stephen Goldman shows in this book, companies can move in the right direction by combining clear thinking about right and wrong and an understanding of the requirements the law imposes on conduct. And his simple guidelines for behavior will stand companies and individuals in good stead when temptations arise.

Goldman draws on his experience as a corporate litigator, Oxford-trained philosopher, and businessperson to show readers how to lead organizations committed to behaving both ethically and legally in all situations. And he does it in a new way. Most books on business ethics take one of two approaches. On the one hand are books heavily laden with excerpts from the giants of moral philosophy. They are too abstract to be useful in solving day-to-day problems. On the other hand are anecdotal books that tell interesting stories. But they do little more than present conundrums, without describing any logical method business people can use to resolve the unique problems that they are sure to face in their careers. Goldman offers a different approach, one that combines illustration and principle. Covering such timely topics as sexual harassment, questionable accounting, discrimination, and ethically corrupt corporate cultures, Goldman shows readers how to recognize the distinctions between can and should, communicate and promote the organization's commitment to honesty and trust, and measure the rewards. Even better, the book offers methods for solving key problems businesses face day in and day out. The result? Readers will stay on the straight and narrow path—to a great company culture, satisfying work, and financial success.

Stephen M. Goldman is a lawyer, law professor, and business person. A graduate of Duke University and the University of Michigan Law School, he holds a Doctorate in Political Theory, with a concentration in Ethics, from Oxford University. He is on the faculty at the Catholic University of America School of Law, while also maintaining a law practice.