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'''Honesty''' is defined as being [[truth]]ful or having [[integrity]]. Because these characteristics are generally regarded as desirable, honesty is considered a cornerstone for any social interaction. Its [[value]] is especially conspicuous in business because commerce requires a network of transactions between suppliers, consumers, employees, and the [[public]]. For a company to thrive, it must have the [[trust]] of all these entities, something that is possible only if they have confidence in the company's honesty. Indeed, a reputation for honesty is crucial to a company's sustainability and success.

'''Honesty''' is defined as being [[truth]]ful or having [[integrity]]. Because these characteristics are generally regarded as desirable, honesty is considered a cornerstone for any social interaction. Its [[value]] is especially conspicuous in business because commerce requires a network of transactions between suppliers, consumers, employees, and the [[public]]. For a company to thrive, it must have the [[trust]] of all these entities, something that is possible only if they have confidence in the company's honesty. Indeed, a reputation for honesty is crucial to a company's sustainability and success.

[[Evidence]] that this is widely understood is found in many business practices. Employers often attempt to screen employees for honesty by, for example, checking on the [[fact]]s included in a résumé or even requiring a lie detector test. Companies routinely include a [[commitment]] to honesty as part of their code of [[ethics]] or mission statement. Contracts can also be understood as a legal tool for enforcing honesty in transactions.

[[Evidence]] that this is widely understood is found in many business practices. Employers often attempt to screen employees for honesty by, for example, checking on the [[fact]]s included in a résumé or even requiring a lie detector test. Companies routinely include a [[commitment]] to honesty as part of their code of [[ethics]] or mission statement. Contracts can also be understood as a legal tool for enforcing honesty in transactions.

 

The impact of dishonesty on the fortunes of companies and [[individual]] employees is also clear. Employees are most likely to be dismissed and companies are most likely to be embroiled in scandal when they attempt to deceive supervisors, the public, shareholders, or regulators about a problem. In one recent example, the chief executive at Hewlett-Packard was obliged to step down after it was discovered that the company had attempted to plug [[information]] leaks by pretexting or using false pretenses to obtain personal information about reporters and members of the company's own board of directors.

The impact of dishonesty on the fortunes of companies and [[individual]] employees is also clear. Employees are most likely to be dismissed and companies are most likely to be embroiled in scandal when they attempt to deceive supervisors, the public, shareholders, or regulators about a problem. In one recent example, the chief executive at Hewlett-Packard was obliged to step down after it was discovered that the company had attempted to plug [[information]] leaks by pretexting or using false pretenses to obtain personal information about reporters and members of the company's own board of directors.

*First, is there an alternative to dishonesty? If there is an honest way to avoid the unwanted harm or produce the desired benefit, it is preferable.  

*First, is there an alternative to dishonesty? If there is an honest way to avoid the unwanted harm or produce the desired benefit, it is preferable.  

*Second, what are the moral reasons for dishonesty? [[Clarity]] about the principles that might justify dishonesty is crucial because then they can be weighed against the benefits of honesty.  

*Second, what are the moral reasons for dishonesty? [[Clarity]] about the principles that might justify dishonesty is crucial because then they can be weighed against the benefits of honesty.  

*Finally, will the dishonest act pass the test of publicity? Lies are often motivated by self-interest that will not be persuasive to other interested parties such as employees, stockholders, the press, or regulatory agencies. [[Individuals]] and companies that apply these tests may, indeed, conclude that honesty is the best policy.  

*Finally, will the dishonest act pass the test of publicity? Lies are often motivated by self-interest that will not be persuasive to other interested parties such as employees, stockholders, the press, or regulatory agencies. [[Individuals]] and companies that apply these tests may, indeed, conclude that honesty is the best policy.

==Further Readings=

 

==Further Readings==

*Bok, S. (1999). Lying: Moral choice in public and private life. New York: Random House.

*Bok, S. (1999). Lying: Moral choice in public and private life. New York: Random House.

*Ekman, P. (2001). Telling lies: Clues to deceit in the marketplace, politics and marriage. New York: Norton & Co.

*Ekman, P. (2001). Telling lies: Clues to deceit in the marketplace, politics and marriage. New York: Norton & Co.