Profit, Power, and Policy | Business Ethics Insights

Sellers bombard us with messages to buy, buy, buy — and the resulting consumption culture drives America’s economy. Consumer spending makes up about 68% of our GDP, far more than in Germany, Denmark, or Canada. But here’s the catch: the top 10% of U.S. households account for nearly half of all that spending. What happens when the bottom 50–80% of households run out of room in their budgets? We may...

Some economists and business leaders remain (overly) optimistic about the economy. Here we bring look at diverse sets of data and conclude that consumers do not share that optimism and for good reason. Let us know what you think

In this episode we explore not just what Amazon has done to alter consumer behavior, which is considerable, but also what it might continue to do moving forward. Adam Smith worried about the ability of sellers to control or influence the market. Let us know what you think

In this episode we interview Brian Levine, a three-term mayor of a NJ town and former council member. Brian is a Republican who got elected and re-elected in a town that typically votes overwhelmingly Democrat. Good local government helps make our lives better. Let us know what you think

In this episode we explore the causes of inflation and the potential harm to consumers. We include a look at interest rates, which tend to be used as a tool against inflation. Let us know what you think

Here we look at the risks and limited reward of broad tariffs, the disfunction of an unclear tariff policy, and the usefulness of selected, shorter-term tariffs. Let us know what you think

In this episode we explore an aspect of private equity investments that have raised concerns regarding their impact on prices, employees, and communities. Let us know what you think

In this episode we explore the changing job outlook and the role of higher education.  Let us know what you think

In this episode we look at the impact of increasing income and wealth disparities and prices on consumer spending. For example, the top 10% of all US households now accounts for 50% of consumer spending and the average house price ($500K) is now six times median household income ($80,020). In 1955 the average house price was 2.5 times the median income. Let us know what you think

This episode digs into the current enthusiasm for government downsizing and disinvestment. Adam Smith, ever the pragmatist, wrote that in addition to providing a defense from external threats and a fair and effective judicial system, the government has a responsibility to create and maintain public institutions and public works.  Let us know what you think

We begin by looking at banking as the financial services industry impacts everyone. Then we look at a dominant manufacturer – Boeing. Each of these companies have had years-long legal and ethical problems while spending millions on lobbying and political candidates. We end by showing the growing economic and political dominance of very large companies. Let us know what you think