An organizational impression management perspective on the formation of corporate reputations

Researchers have only recently turned their attention to the study of corporate reputation. As is characteristic of many early areas of management inquiry, the field is decidedly multidisciplinary and disconnected. This article selectively reviews reputation research conducted mainly during the past decade. A framework is proposed that views reputation from the perspective of organizational impression management. Corporations are viewed as social actors, intent on enhancing their respectability and impressiveness in the eyes of constituents

CONSUMER PROTECTION, EDUCATION AND INFORMATION: A CONSUMER INCENTIVES PERSPECTIVE

Research evidence concerning product characteristics, consumer characteristics and product purchase situations is examined. Assumptions underlying consumer policy strategies directed at enhancing the ability of consumers to protect themselves and those strategies aimed at product quality control are analyzed in light of the evidence. Alternative policy strategies are analyzed for consumer incentives and with respect to product characteristics, consumer characteristics and product purchase situations. Recommendations regarding consumer protection policy strategies and for research concerning alternative policy strategies are provided. Illustrative policy strategies are included. Copyright 1983 by The Policy Studies Organization.

The domain of professional business ethics

This article attempts to further the discussion of Iain Mangham's (1995) consideration of Alistair MacIntyre's reflections on the moral character of the manager in Vol. 2(2) of this journal. In the same volume, Anthony suggests that, after the denigration of this moral character effected by MacIntyre and his ilk, both professors and practitioners of business management `need new ethics' (Anthony, 1995: 293). Other contributions by Rundles (1995), Goodpaster (1995), Deetz (1995) and Nash (1995) go some way towards satisfying that craving. They have brought us back to earth from the celestial heights of MacIntyre's panoramic vision of the moral malaise he claims afflicts the management world below. Following that lead this down-to-earth article specifically addresses the question: what are the constitutive requirements of a professional code of business conduct comparable with those of other professions? The objective of this exercise is to locate the absolute presuppositions of the moral obligations of business management in a free market economy and to spell out the logical requirements of their practical satisfaction