Is Business Bluffing

“Is Business Bluffing Ethical” by Albert Carr discussed how bluffing in business is similar to game strategy and is completely ethical. The article compared bluffing in business to a game of poker. In poker, all players know that bluffing is a part of the game, just as all individuals in business know that the complete truth will not be revealed. Therefore, it is completely acceptable not to tell the truth or deceive another in business. As long as the actions of the business are within the stated laws, even if it goes against one’s personal ethical view, the actions are not unethical. I found this article interesting and was surprised by its content. I expected the article to state that individuals should disclose the entire truth when dealing with others in business, but I understand Carr’s point of view. Business professionals know that others who they do business with will deceive or lie in order to keep their business relationship healthy. If they do not use these tactics, they could lose each other’s business to others who will. This is the Utilitarian view of moral theory. The Utilitarian view states that whatever has the greatest collective impact on the greater well-being of society should be done. Businesses provide jobs to employees and create goods and services for customers, so people can live happy lives in a way that they please. Also, most businesses are formed to make a profit and these profits are taxed by the government. These taxes are used to help others who do not have the means to help themselves. So, when a business bluffs in order to gain more profits, it helps the greater good of society. Therefore, ethical morals in business are different from ethical morals outside of business. I believe that there is one major flaw in Carr’s article. That is the idea that as long as a business acts within the laws of its industry, the actions of the business are morally acceptable. Just because something is a law, does not make it necessarily