What’s a philosopher doing at the UQ Business School?

American Philosopher Professor Bob Solomon will join UQ MBA graduates tomorrow night (April 11) to introduce a special screening of Enron: the smartest guys in the room.

UQ Business School Head Professor Tim Brailsford said Professor Solomon’s 1992 book Ethics and Excellence in Business had a lot to say about the sort of corporate culture described in the Enron documentary.

“With the Enron trial continuing and CEO Jeff Skilling expected to give evidence this week, the screening is a timely reminder that business schools have a responsibility to contribute to the business ethics debate,” Professor Brailsford said.

Professor Solomon said the way business was described in everyday conversation and in disciplines like economics, finance, and accounting had a profoundly negative influence on business culture.

“If we continue to describe business as a jungle or battleground, we mustn’t be surprised if business people behave like guerrillas and saboteurs,” Professor Solomon said.

“Attempting to quarantine business from everyday life undermines the power of community as a moderator of human behaviour.

“I’m arguing for a more integrated view in which the individual, the corporation, and the community, self-interest and the public good, the personal and the professional, business and virtues all work together instead of against one another.”

The screening is one of a range of events for UQ Business School graduates. To be invited to future events, simply join the UQBS Alumni Association online at www.business.uq.edu.au

Media: Cathy Stacey (07 3365 6179, mobile 0434 074 372)