Foreword

This book, Professional Ethics, Social Responsibility, and Sustainability , written by Shuchi Agrawal , provides a much-needed contribution that will be valuable to both students and researchers, particularly philosophers studying ethics in contemporary global society, as well as scholars in the field of business ethics. There is a long-standing joke across continents that the words “business” and “ethics” are contradictory terms, thereby implying that, to succeed in business, ethics is frequently compromised. This book thoroughly analyzes cases of ethical lapses in corporate business, government projects, and the healthcare industry from a balanced perspective.

Professor Agrawal’s study and analysis of cases of corporate lapses in ethics span over four decades. These landmark cases, such as the Bhopal gas tragedy and controversies involving Enron, Johnson and Johnson, and Wells Fargo, show that this book proves that corporate and professional lapses in ethics are a global phenomenon. However, it seems unfortunate that so many instances of ethical lapses originate in the United States and India. One cannot help but wonder if there are similar occurrences that are not publicly reported in countries that do not have freedom of speech laws.

The philosophical framework of this book combines ancient Indian philosophy with major thinkers of the Western philosophical tradition to address the need to maintain ethical behaviors in business and professional settings. Professor Agrawal has related the tenets of the Bhagavad Gita to the writings of Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Hobbes, Locke, and Rawls. This book is especially noteworthy in that it has combined philosophical traditions with recent, socially relevant theories, such as those on diversity, equity, and inclusion, to address the need for ethical treatment of marginalized groups in business and professional settings. She has included information on workplace requirements for the countries in which the cases have been discussed. Professor Agrawal’s methodology and in-depth analysis are very sound.

Professor Agrawal’s book may be considered a textbook for courses in Business Ethics in India and may also be used as a recommended work of reference for courses in Ethics taught in departments of philosophy, both in India and in other countries. This work may also be used as a required reading for degree programs in healthcare management. For early career faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and doctoral candidates, this book provides an excellent model for structure, organization, thorough research, and a very balanced approach to a difficult and complex topic.