Voices and Views

   CBS LINE

Volume 3.9 

DR.D.MAVOOTHU

Professor & Former Director, SMS CUSAT.
Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences,CUSAT.
Member of Syndicate, CUSAT.
Member of Court
Central University of Kerala, Kasargode

1)What does ‘business ethics’ mean in today’s world, and why it is important not just for big companies but also for ordinary people?

We develop ethical principles and expand our understanding of ethics in much the same way we advance scientific knowledge—through experience, reflection, and continuous improvement. This evolving approach is known as pragmatic ethics. Over time, significant progress has been made in areas such as equal opportunity, responsible product and service practices, tax compliance, and adherence to prudential regulations. These advancements have led to positive outcomes, and I believe this progress will continue. Overall, I remain optimistic about the future of business ethics.

2)What ethical responsibilities do businesses and leaders have in supporting women—especially those who left work—to return to careers or start businesses? What practical steps can make this inclusion fair and sustainable?

Today, it is increasingly common for women to take career breaks and successfully re-enter the workforce. We live in a gig economy where opportunities are more democratized and accessible than ever before. Government policies and programs have become more transparent, enabling individuals to better recognize and take advantage of available opportunities. Regulatory frameworks for starting a business have been made more flexible, encouraging more women to step forward as entrepreneurs. Technology has played a key role in empowering women, simplifying access to resources and markets. Additionally, the processes for business entry and exit have become less complex, further supporting women's participation in entrepreneurship.

3)In today’s flexible world, where restrictions are reducing, we still see rising cases of workplace stress and even depression. Do you think this is linked to a lack of ethical business practices? What are the main reasons behind this, and what solutions do we need?

In my opinion, we often fail to identify the root of a problem and, as a result, do not arrive at the appropriate solution. For instance, job reservations are an economic response to a problem that is fundamentally social - discrimination. Similarly, dowry is a social issue that is frequently treated as an economic one. To create meaningful change, we must align solutions with the nature of the problem: economic solutions for economic issues, and social solutions for social challenges.

We should promote both positive rights (entitlements such as education and healthcare) and negative rights (freedoms from interference), while ensuring that these rights are not misused. Ultimately, the real solution lies in mutual recognition, self-awareness, self-esteem, and striving to improve oneself - what we might call self-competition. True empowerment is not about absolute independence, but about interdependence-recognizing our shared responsibility and connection with others.

 

With Dr D Mavoothu , Professor & Former Director, SMS CUSAT.

4)What is your opinion on awareness of today’s generation about sustainability?

Today's generation is increasingly aware of the Triple Bottom Line—Planet first, People second, and Profit last—a sustainability framework that encourages businesses to measure success not only by financial performance but also by their social and environmental impact. In today’s business environment, many owners have already built lasting wealth, employees are compensated fairly, and customers are treated with care and respect. As a result, there is a natural shift in focus toward environmental responsibility, with the planet becoming a top priority.

5)What is the critical ethical value students should follow in daily life?

What many of today’s students lack is critical thinking. While the internet has democratized information and AI has democratized knowledge, critical thinking remains the one essential skill that has yet to be fully democratized. My suggestion to modern students is to actively cultivate and promote critical thinking. In an age where information is readily available and knowledge is easily accessible, the real value lies in using these tools to think deeply, question assumptions, and make wise decisions.

I strongly believe that students should apply information and knowledge toward developing critical thinking - especially to navigate ethical dilemmas and make thoughtful, values-driven decisions. By combining wisdom, insight, and intuition, we can move toward building a society that is not only transformative but also transcendent.

Fathima Sana P & Sriranjani M