Wojciech W. Gasparski, Social Responsibility and Business Ethics in Polish Economic Life

Wojciech W. Gasparski

Regarding ethics and social responsibility, the way business is done in Poland leaves a lot to be desired.  Furthermore, the dominant stereotype that business is unethical sums up the general criticism towards business in this country. Numerous anti-business populists thrive on such opinions, unfortunately thwarting constructive criticisms aimed at improving the ways business is done.  There dominates a false conviction that "what the law does not prohibit, is allowed."  However, in many cases the mere fact that something is not prohibited does make doing it proper, much less-just. Such wilful misinterpretation of tenet seems to be spread (popularised) mainly by the notorious "heroes" of bad business practices seeking excuse for their behaviour.

Inappropriate behaviour of business, which we are witnessing, is not caused by the fact that businessmen are less ethical than other people but by the fact that not enough attention is given to developing ethical business organisations, where employees may work in an ethical manner. It is argued that unethical behaviour is often structural in its nature.  Ethical people can go astray by working in bad (i.e., unethical) businesses whereas in good businesses even people of questionable reputations could become better or at least are kept under control.   Where professional conduct is concerned, the introduction of an ethics infrastructure for business is required at three levels (which will be spelled out later).  It would be helpful in successfully implementing this infrastructure (of ethics) to present what has already been done concerning this issue in more developed counties.  [whole text...]