Nickname: garjam

Review: Good article from a personal perspective. However, for the research paper I'm doing, it would have bene helpful for the author to have identified what specific ethical principles he considered, or applied, to each of these situations he mentions. When moral character and virtues fail, what ethical principles can provide clear guidelines and accountability in creating an ethical organization.

Date reviewed: Sep 26, 2006 1:45 AM

Nickname: Prof.

Review: This article was found by a student that needed to report on ethics for their MBA Finance class. It is one of the few that I have read that states not just that a company should be ethical, it states as to the long term effects of doing so, and the problems that were sidestepped when making the right decisions. The most important idea that I hope that my students take is that mistakes will be made, but to ensure the life of the company you need to face them, learn and become stronger.

Date reviewed: Sep 2, 2006 4:14 PM

Nickname: Linda Hayes

Review: I know first hand this stuff happens, but I have to stick up for our VCs here: Austin Ventures, Crescendo Partners, and Cardinal Investments have been consistently ethical, supportive, and patient. It's just as important to give the good guys credit as to expose the bad.

Date reviewed: Dec 22, 2005 9:02 PM

Nickname: Reakha

Review: Excellent article! As a business owner that provides services to high-tech companies, it's reassuring to know that those of us who choose to run our companies in an ethical manner--even at the risk of growing slow--are not alone. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences.

Date reviewed: Nov 17, 2005 4:01 PM

Nickname: Victor

Review: Brilliant article. The writer makes some great points about the importance of ethics. The personal anecdotes add tremendous credibility. It is clear that this is not someone who is preaching something they don't practice themselves.

Date reviewed: Nov 14, 2005 5:51 PM

Nickname: Venu Padmanaban

Review: Vivek is sharing his experience with people like us is simply superb. I found all his articles aren't lesson through theory. All his articles are lesson from his practical experience. His experience helping us how timely decisions are important. If even a painful decision taken in time can be better than a good decision taken later. This is one of BusinessWeek's good articles. Thanks Vivek.

Date reviewed: Nov 11, 2005 8:11 AM

Nickname: Dale P

Review: Great article! I wish there were more like this. Not enough is written about ethics and integrity. We need more examples and role models. What the author said about venture capitalists is 100% right on also. I almost missed this article. You should highlight it on your Web site.

Date reviewed: Nov 9, 2005 5:47 PM

Nickname: Shel Horowitz

Review: Great article! It's important to note that every time Mr. Wadhwa was faced with the choice of maintaining his ethics or violating them for short-term growth, he chose ethics--and every time, his company benefited in the long term. As more businesses realize that high ethics are in their corporate self-interest, future Enrons could become as unthinkable as slavery.

Date reviewed: Nov 9, 2005 2:38 PM

Nickname: Rick

Review: Way to go, guys (the McGraw-Hill team). You are making a difference by posting articles such as this and others throughout your publishing empire (check out ENR.COM - this issue is all about ehtics in the construction industry). Other media machines need to follow your example. Keep up the good work!

Date reviewed: Nov 9, 2005 12:14 AM

Nickname: Putty

Review: Don't think for a moment that your experiences are unique, Wadhwa. I've faced similar dilemmas in all my years as a tech executive and have seen how normally ethical people do unethical things when the chips are down. Thank you, BusinessWeek for publishing something so thoughful and insightful. It is great to have someone who has been there and done that writing about their experiences first-hand.

Date reviewed: Nov 8, 2005 10:18 PM