Post 10

Many would agree that companies and humans in general could do a better job of preserving and protecting the environment. There are many obvious benefits, which include natural resources, diversity of life, and a cleaner future. Many would also agree that often we give second preference about these things when money is involved. Most companies would probably want to make a profit rather than invest money in “green” technologies for the future. But what if a system was created that would promote business and a cleaner environment?

This idea seems unlikely to be passed in the near future in government due to bipartisanship and arrogance of both Democrats and Republicans to compromise and actually get something done in the House and Senate. However, companies can take it upon themselves to put in place a reward/consequence system. The system would ensure that employees and/or CEOs are rewarded for making decisions or innovating in a way that does not negatively affect the environment. On the other hand, if a decision is made that negatively impacts the environment, employees or CEOs could face pay cuts or receive no bonuses.

Another option would be to offer a greater workplace democracy as Woodhouse outlines in Chapter 8. Basically, if CEOs allowed workers to have a greater say in the day-to-day operations and big decisions of the company, disastrous events could be prevented. Most people understand and would agree that Microsoft’s attempt to provide competition to Apple and Samsung in the smartphone market did not work out. If Microsoft had perhaps listened to the employees before they entered the smartphone business maybe the company would not have had a hard fall and as a result their reputation suffered. To this day, many consumers are skeptical of mobile devices that run a Microsoft operating system, which is a direct result of failure to consult with company employees.

A combination of compensation and workplace democracy would bring about significant changes in corporate America and help preserve the environment. If the government could create some regulation or laws for this, it would further benefit all parties concerned. In fact, the government could give a tax break for potentially “responsible” companies, CEOs, and employees. Another reason why getting the government to create a law or agency that monitors companies’ activities is so that when companies are given a tax break, they are required to donate a certain percentage of the extra money they keep to a charity or similar foundation. This would greatly help the poverty situation across the world and address the wealth divide that we face as a world today.