Maclagan is concerned with the encouragement of critical thinking by people in organisations rather than on the substance of particular managerial dilemmas and starts from the assumption that most people in most organisations are well-intentioned (contrast this with the views presented by Jackall). In Part 1 of the book Maclagan is concerned with the relationship between ethical thinking and management practice. This necessitates some examination of ethical theory and this is done in a clear and concise manner, linked to managerial practice.

Maclagan first explores the sources of personal and managerial values and is concerned with the concept of a ‘moral orientation’ which is not just moral reasoning but action which involves qualities such as courage, strength of will, tolerance and assertiveness.

Maclagan goes on to examine traditional ethical theories and argues that context needs to be considered and judgement exercised. He argues that a rational approach to ethical decisions is not how managers actually approach such decisions. Rather four elements in a ‘judgemental mode’ are required:

1. apprehension – the recognition of prima facie duties
2. conceptualization – making sense of the specific situation
3. reasoning – drawing on theory to examine the issue from different perspectives
4. judgement – which permeates the whole process

Maclagan recognises the pluralist, political nature of organisations. Thus, whilst recognising that different ethical approaches may lead to conflict, what is also required is attention to the processes or methodologies which can be used to manage such conflict. Maclagan argues for a ‘dialogic mode’ of managerial ethics which takes account of social interaction and language.

Part 2 of the book examines moral issues in organisations. In particular it explores the nature of trust; work, employment and motivation; equality and the management of differences; the attribution of responsibility; moral dissent, loyalty and politics.

The chapter on trust exemplifies the approach shown throughout the book. The chapter explores the concept of trust drawing upon the theoretical and empirical literature; it locates the concept within a wider societal setting; it relates the concept to organisations; it gives a practical example of trust operating within that organisational context. Running through the chapter, and indeed the book, is the assumption that managers have some discretion in choosing how to act, they need to exercise judgement.

Part 3 of the book returns to the theme of a developmental approach to organisational and managerial ethics and discusses the role of organisations within society, organisations as moral communities and developing people within organisations. Thus, corporate social responsibility, issues of governance and stakeholder theory are examined. This leads on to the notion of organisations as moral communities which is examined through informal organisational culture and through more formalised approaches of codes of conduct, audit and scrutiny committees. Finally, the book examines how individual moral development is addressed, drawing upon the work of Kohlberg and others.

Maclagan concludes that:

"The key to managerial ethics is the development of individuals so that, ideally, they will possess the moral attributes required for the apprehension, appreciation and handling of ethical issues and dilemmas. To say this is to emphasize a human potential for independent moral judgement, rather than any need for enforced organisational rules or codes…Finally, it may also be argued that at least some people are inherently amoral or even unethical. If this is the case then it becomes a societal concern; for governments, parents and educational institutions as well as organisational leaders. Moral development is, after all, a lifelong process." (p185)

Maclagan has written an excellent book. It is thought provoking, clearly argued and should be on any reading list. The discussion of difficult philosophical concepts is extremely good, eg the discussion of justice in chapter 7. In Business Ethics texts the presentation of ethical philosophy is often either very dry or rather simplistic. Maclagan has avoided both and his presentation of the philosophical issues should satisfy both those wish to engage with these issues at a theoretical level and those who are interested in their practical relevance.

Maclagan passes a critical eye over the way in which business ethics is taught. For those who might be seeking to develop a course in this area, a more prescriptive approach would be useful.

(Sage, London) pp212 ISBN 0-803907680-1 (pbk)

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