W06 Reflection

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

 

Virtue and integrity are vital to an economy because they are both based off of truth.  When you have virtue and integrity, you are more honest and hold higher standards.  I tend to disagree with a lot of what Charles Handy said in the first two pages.  My Dad is from Scotland, my Mom is from England, and all of my siblings were born in both of those countries as well.  I am the first in the family to have been born in America.  My parents immigrated here because of the job opportunity here.  He earned the highest degree in education he could at Strathclyde University and he couldn’t pass up the opportunities that arose from America.  They never looked back and have now been here for over 35 years. 

 

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

 

According to Charles Handy, the “real justification” for the existence of businesses is explained as “not to make a profit, full stop. It is to make a profit so that the business can do something more or better. That “something” becomes the real justification for the business.”  Again, I disagree.  Yes, a business is great if it provides something that makes the world a better place, but not every business owner is going to think this way.  Some very wealthy people are all in their business for the money.  Also, employees are working for these very wealthy people because they choose to.  I can understand the point of view that owners of companies are selfish to the point that if their business goes under, they are responsible for the loss of the whole company.  The employees are not holding the risk and are able to get a job elsewhere. 

 

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

 

 Two solutions proposed by Handy that I agree with are seeing the employees who have individual needs and skill sets.  In knowing this, the employees would feel more recognized.  However, this would sometimes be hard to do depending on the size of the company.  The other solution I agree with is in regards to the honesty of the reporting of a company. 

 

·       What is your attitude toward money?

I feel that my general outlook on money is positive.  I have never been in debt and have never had a payment due that I didn’t have money for.  My husband and I make sure that we provide a nice and safe place to live for our family, and we set aside money for retirement savings and also money for vacations.  I have always been taught that money has always been something that is good to have and I have always had positive experiences with it.  It is not something I take for granted or go spending freely, I am always aware where my money goes and what I put my money towards. 

 

·       How can your view of money affect the way you live?

 

My view on money can affect the way I live in a positive or a negative way.  It has been positive for me, but I can see if people spend more than they make, or spend money that they don’t have, that could be a negative experience.  What you choose to do with your money, how you choose to spend it, and how you choose to help others can make a big impact. 

 

·       What rules are recommended for prospering?

 

The rules recommended for prospering are: “Rule 1. Seek the Lord and have hope in him Rule 2. Keep the commandments that includes the temporal ones, tithing and fast offerings. Rule 3. Think about money and plan how you can become self-reliant. Rule 4. Take advantage of chances for learning so you will not be ignorant of these matters. Education, as President Hinckley has taught us, isthe Key to Opportunity. Rule 5. Learn the laws upon which the blessings of wealth are predicated. Rule 6. Do not send away the naked, the hungry, the thirsty or the sick or those who are held captive.”