Author: southwerk

I am a 53 year old teacher. I have double major in Speech and Criminal Justice resulting in a Bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and a law degree.

Blockbuster Files For Bankruptcy Protection

On By southwerkIn business ethics, Capitalism, ethics, Philosophy of Business

Are cable companies next? All over America, the little red boxes and the home computer are building market share. The old ideas, once new and exciting disappear.

I can hope (and my hopes get dashed regularly) that this new environment will actually feature competition. For in America, the free market is like Christianity, a great idea that we haven’t quite got around to yet.

I would like to see the day when the exorbitant rates charged by cable for “packages” designed to maximise their profits while providing dozens of channels no one wants is all a thing of the past. Customer satisfaction and product excellence are also much discussed and preached concepts. Not only a shallow religion but once again not often practiced.

James Pilant

He’s Back! Like Hannibal Lector, He Just Keeps Going!

On By southwerkIn business ethics, Capitalism, Corporate Social Responsibility, ethics, Government Failure, Philosophy of Business

I’ll let the picture speak for itself.

From Australia, via Facebook: The raw impact of workplace bullying (via Minding the Workplace)

On By southwerkIn Uncategorized

David Yamada blogs regularly on the subject of workplace bullying (among other issues). I very much respect his work and this piece is particularly eloquent and I recommend it to your attention.

I would like to praise the article but the power of the article and its raw emotional power is beyond my poor powers of description. You should just read.

James Pilant

Beyond Workplace Bullying Australia is one of the many Facebook (FB) pages that have formed in response to workplace bullying (more links here). A few days ago, I began noticing a series of short, wise, and plaintive posts from that page, obviously written by one person. The honesty, emotional intelligence, and pain expressed in these posts struck me as a form of raw testimony about the destructiveness of workplace bullying and just how much work … Read More

via Minding the Workplace

From Australia, via Facebook: The raw impact of workplace bullying (via Minding the Workplace)

On By southwerkIn business ethics

David Yamada blogs regularly on the subject of workplace bullying (among other issues). I very much respect his work and this piece is particularly eloquent and I recommend it to your attention.

I would like to praise the article but the power of the article and its raw emotional power is beyond my poor powers of description. You should just read.

James Pilant

Beyond Workplace Bullying Australia is one of the many Facebook (FB) pages that have formed in response to workplace bullying (more links here). A few days ago, I began noticing a series of short, wise, and plaintive posts from that page, obviously written by one person. The honesty, emotional intelligence, and pain expressed in these posts struck me as a form of raw testimony about the destructiveness of workplace bullying and just how much work … Read More

via Minding the Workplace

Optimism Leads to Delusions? (via Sonia Jaspal’s RiskBoard)

On By southwerkIn business ethics, Philosophy of Business

For around 400 years, the Western mind has struggled attempting to solve problems by logic using facts. It has not caught on. We still read horoscopes and to my continued astonishment often believe that if we thing hard enough “positively,” it will be so.
When we make decisions, the facts and an accurate assessment are our best allies. But in the United States, there is a perception that only positive, optimistic, emotionally intelligent people are the ones to be emulated.
It’s all nonsense. Read the article, it’s somewhat in line with what I am saying. I will elaborate further in a later article.

James Pilant

Since birth, the mantra taught to us about life is optimists do better in life as they think positive, are surrounded with positive people and generate positive energy. The example of the glass filled with some water typifies our thinking. Here are three examples of the statements people make and the general opinion formed by the public regarding the statements. First person Statement: The glass is half full. Opinion: Give the guy an immediate pa … Read More

via Sonia Jaspal's RiskBoard

Optimism Leads to Delusions? (via Sonia Jaspal’s RiskBoard)

On By southwerkIn Uncategorized4 Comments

For around 400 years, the Western mind has struggled attempting to solve problems by logic using facts. It has not caught on. We still read horoscopes and to my continued astonishment often believe that if we thing hard enough “positively,” it will be so.
When we make decisions, the facts and an accurate assessment are our best allies. But in the United States, there is a perception that only positive, optimistic, emotionally intelligent people are the ones to be emulated.
It’s all nonsense. Read the article, it’s somewhat in line with what I am saying. I will elaborate further in a later article.

James Pilant

Since birth, the mantra taught to us about life is optimists do better in life as they think positive, are surrounded with positive people and generate positive energy. The example of the glass filled with some water typifies our thinking. Here are three examples of the statements people make and the general opinion formed by the public regarding the statements. First person Statement: The glass is half full. Opinion: Give the guy an immediate pa … Read More

via Sonia Jaspal's RiskBoard

What is Fair Trade? (Part 3) (via Get Aktiv)

On By southwerkIn business ethics, Capitalism, Corporate Social Responsibility, Economic measurement, ethics, Philosophy of Business

The third part in a series. I recommend you read all three. This is a different way to handle the issue, one that is sustainable and provides an actual human touch to capitalism.

The World Fair Trade Organization defines “Fair Trade” as –

“a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of marginalized producers and workers…”

James Pilant

[This is the final post in a 3 part series by guest contributor Natalie Armstrong, from Bachhara. Click here for Part 1 and Part 2] Fair trade organizations are not perfect, nor do they claim to be. There is still much work to be done and there always will be. It requires continual development and ongoing reassessment. The key however is that fair trade organizations show commitment to the preservation of these principles. Without a doubt, there … Read More

via Get Aktiv

I’m Back

On By southwerkIn Uncategorized1 Comment

I’m back. I’ve had the flu and this has been followed by bronchitis. I have a prescription for antibiotics but thus far my insurance doesn’t want to pay for that particular one, so we’ll see what happens.

I deeply appreciated the “get well” messages from you. It’s good to be appreciated.

James Pilant

My Friends! I’m Down With A Sinus Infection – Be Back Writing Soon JP

On By southwerkIn business ethics2 Comments

Thanks for following my work. I deeply appreciate it. I’ll be back as soon as I can. jp

CASE STUDY: Sankofa – Fairtrade and ethically sourced products (via Get Aktiv)

On By southwerkIn business ethics, Capitalism, Corporate Social Responsibility, Economic measurement, Philosophy of Business2 Comments

Is this the future? – Businesses not just devoted (or not devoted) to profit but to social change or just fairness? My good friend at Get Aktiv has a long, well written article going into considerable depth about a particular business. I would like you to read it. I am trying to work out in my mind how businesses are likely to change over the next twenty years. I think he is discussing a movement with great potential for changing the way we think about business and, in particular, corporations.

James Pilant

CASE STUDY: Sankofa - Fairtrade and ethically sourced products With ever-increasing awareness of global poverty and the appalling conditions many billions of people struggle through their entire lives, ethical and Fairtrade retailers seem to be burgeoning all over the place. We're usually happy to select a Fairtrade product over a non-Fairtrade alternative because we know it's going to guarantee fair r … Read More

via Get Aktiv