Reflections on business ethics through 1992-2017

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide reflections on business ethics in the 25-year window from 1992-2017, and to then seek to examine some of the concerns for the future of which we all need to be cognizant.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper represents the reflections of a now retired academic who spent the period from 1992 to 2017 researching in the area of business ethics.

Findings

In the world of commerce, we are still seeing the same alleged behaviours by corporations from developed economies that have dogged business for so long. Have we moved forward and how far have we moved are difficult to determine.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on the reflections on 25 years of research in the area of international business ethics. The limitation is that the paper is based on the experiences of one academic.

Practical implications

The paper points to considerations that are required if the field of business ethics is to move forward in a positive manner.

Originality/value

The paper looks at many of the pertinent issues facing the field of commerce in respect to business ethics now and into our foreseeable future.

Citation

Wood, G. (2017), "Reflections on business ethics through 1992-2017", European Business Review, Vol. 29 No. 6, pp. 628-641. https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-07-2017-0144