2.1 Discuss why the following statement is too idealistic (i.e. why it is not realistic or practical):
“The mission of ethics officers in a company should be to work themselves out of a job.”
This statement is too idealistic because it assumes that there will come a time when ethics officers are no longer needed within a company. In reality, ethical issues and dilemmas are constantly evolving and new challenges can arise at any time. Therefore, it is not realistic to expect that ethics officers can completely eradicate unethical behavior within a company and ultimately work themselves out of a job.
Furthermore, the role of ethics officers is not solely to prevent unethical behavior, but also to educate employees, provide guidance on ethical decision-making, and ensure that the company's ethical standards are upheld. These responsibilities are ongoing and require continual monitoring and oversight.
Overall, while the goal of promoting ethical behavior in a company is important, it is not practical or realistic to expect ethics officers to completely eliminate the need for their role within a company. Their work is essential in maintaining a culture of ethics and compliance within an organization.