·       Based on what you read in the first two pages (pages 3 and 4), why are virtue and integrity so vital to an economy?

The economy is driven by private investors in private individuals and corporations’ goods and services. If private individuals and corporation leaders are honest with their dealings then the economy will be good, otherwise it will be bad for everybody since there is no trust in the process. If these leaders put the wealth or growth of their society a priority and not their own personal monetary gain first, then they will be a great trustworthy bunch of leaders since the markets is connected the employers and employees.

·       According to Charles Handy, what is the “real justification” for the existence of businesses?

Keeping the business going so that it can keep growing into something better or become something more than just collecting profits.

 

·       What are two solutions proposed by Handy that you agree with? Why?

1.     “If a company takes seriously the idea of itself as a wealth-creating community, with members rather than employees, then it will only be sensible for members to validate the results of their work before presenting them to the financiers, who might in turn have greater trust in the accuracy of those statements…it seems only fair that dividends be paid to those who contribute their skills as well as to those who have contributed their money…”

I agree with the above statement that if a company put “wealth-creating community” a priority then everyone will be treated fairly with respect, the process will be fair to all parties involved and everyone will be happy. The public will trust this kind of transparency, and this encourages people with talents and skills to work.

2.     “If the contemporary business with its foundation of human assets is to survive it will have to find better ways to protect people from demands of the jobs it gives them. Neglecting the environment may drive away key members of the workforce…It would help for companies to see themselves as communities whose members have individual needs as well as individual skills and talents…”

I agree with this statement, the health and progress of an individual or employee is as important as the jobs they perform. The healthier and happier they are the better their performance in the workplace. The quality of their work is directly related to their health and their level of happiness.