Archive for the ‘business’ Category

• How to make an unethical decision

  Date: 2009.04.04 | Category: business, ethics, Loooonnnggggggg, mclear, unethical | Response: 0

  Most of you that read this article will know what I’m talking about as it’s been eating at me the last few days. For those that don’t, it is probably best kept under wraps as to not upset anyone.
  In a nutshell, making an unethical decision with long term ethics in mind is the best way of making short term unethical decisions. To do this one must understand the long term impacts of short term decisions and ensure that there is a long term commitment to fulfilling the objectives outlined.

  Outlining the objectives should be easy, ultimately (and this is the case now) they should have already been outlined in an organizations or companies mission statement. This highlights the importance of a mission statement.  
  Dealing with the short term consequences of making an unethical decision is all about damage reduction. Firstly ones conscience needs to be “shelved” temporarily or “persuaded”. Either approach will work however the latter is the best as then the conscience develops an understanding through the decision making process and does not regret or resent the decision. Of course is a counter argument to this – Could it possibly be that the conscience develops an acceptance of making small unethical decisions and inevitably becomes accepting of unethical circumstances.
  Secondly, those who are affected by the short term decisions should be compensated or communicated with fully as to not cause any friction or tension. The afflicting party should be mindful of any short term backlash and prepare as such. The mission statement should be made clear to anyone who may suffer negatively and explained with a professional understanding of the intentions of the decision and the long term goals intended.
  None of us have a crystal ball, but we all get reminded from time to time that there are bigger forces working in the world than just the individuals we deal with on a daily basis. Some times the greater good is not always the short term objective.

• Growth in a non growth market

  Date: 2009.02.11 | Category: business, ICT, it, mclear, Primary School, primary technology | Response: 0

  
  We currently employ 20 people who work purely in the public sector, specifically education. So, good times right? Well I guess so but there are some things I want to touch on.

  Firstly, we don’t have a pick of good quality ICT technicians, that’s just not the case, the non public sector companies who have to make redundancies tend to get rid of the less skilled, less employable people. I would like to be able to say I could employ some and train them up however the company quality of service policy doesn’t allow any room for any unskilled engineers.

  To be able to function effectively we would need a healthy financial backing that is safe, IE my personal cash flow to be safe.

  So, bearing in mind I’m now 26, about to buy my first house which is going to put me into a whole world of debt I don’t think now is the time to be taking risks on my company business model. This is reflected by the fact we are already losing money on new products/services (i.e. primary email) which have international scope but a lack of drive in the international market to adopt new technologies.

  So what’s our plan? It’s a pickle. We want to grow, we want the confidence in the market but it simply isn’t there.

  Thankfully, Sparky would say “Insha’Allah”, we are in a reasonably safe place with enough money being available to help Primary Technology’s core services grow, the question we are asking now is how much more time can we bleed money from non profit making services that are seen as “new technology” before cutting our losses and consolidating?

  I hope Gordon has the answers…