Resisting The Urge For Questionable Business Practices

from the not-so-easy dept

A few years ago I was working with a tech company where the senior execs clearly stated that the company should do anything it could to increase it's top line revenue. They absolutely did not care about its effect on profit. It was this sort of thinking that had companies giving away dollar bills for $0.95. But, the problem was that everyone else was doing it, and how do you compete in that sort of world? The San Jose Mercury News has an article about one exec at a tech company who tried very hard to avoid the temptation to do questionably ethical moves in pumping up revenue numbers. Of course, some even question that exec's moves as well. The only good thing I can see coming out of this is that finally it seems that some execs may be recognized for good ethical behavior - which should provide some (if not much) incentive for others to follow their example.
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  1. identicon
    Robo-Tom, 6 Aug 2002 @ 10:12am

    Ethic's & Exxon - my amusing story ...

    It may not be ethical, but for several months last year I was able to make an automated gas pump unit pump more gas than I paid for ... significantly more. It all started one fine sunny day when I decided to purchase a pre paid 10.00 gasoline card. The gas station was designed so that no attendant was on duty and everthing was supposedly automated. Being the inquisitive person that I am I only filled my tank to 9.50 cents. I then turned off the pump. Reinserted my " lovely " pre paid 10:00 card and proceeded to do it a second time. Ahha what a thrill ! ... I could pump FREE gas ... camera's be damnded ! I found out that I could usually get a 10:00 card to provide me with about 29.80 worth of gas if I figured correctly & took along an empty 5 gallon container for overage. Over the course of time I even went so far as to show the manager how their system was faulty. Her reply was ( shoulders shrugged ) " Big deal ". I'm happy to report that this process lasted until shortly before I graduated college. I'de like to thank Exxon for their sheer stupidity of the system they designed and let them know that I've used my savings to supplement my technology degree and continue my education. On a karmic note, the Cadillac I was driving blew up shortly after school ended ( as did the free gas , 'cause they fixed the problem ) ... so yep, life has its ups & downs and everthing you do comes back to you ... ( it was still fun stealing the gas ... lol )

    link to this | view in thread ]


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