From: Spudboy100@aol.com
Date: Sun Jan 27 2002 - 07:21:03 MST
Mr. Bishop quoted:
<<"What collectivists refuse to recognize is that it is in the self-interest
of every businessman to have a reputation for honest
dealings and a quality product. Since the market value of a going business is
measured by its money-making potential, reputation or
"good will" is as much an asset as its physical plant and equipment...." [pp
118] >>
What came immediately to mind is the love-affair of the German businessman,
during the 3rd reich with business practices that that were both collectivist
and based on reputation. This may have nothing to do with todays business
mentality, or it may be a warning that human behavior is not so maleable.
<<"Government regulation is not an alternative means of protecting the
consumer. It does not build quality into goods, or accuracy
into information. Its sole "contribution is to substitute force and fear for
incentive as the "protector" of the consumer. The euphemisms of government
press releases to the contrary not withstanding, the basis of regulation is
armed force. At the bottom of
the endless pile of paper work which characterizes all regulation lies a
gun...">>
Yes. Perhaps a substitute is the (collectivist?) mobilization of the consumer
against the production of inferior goods and services. This would require
people purchasing such en mass, as to damage a corporation sufficiently to
either destroy the corporation or to force change. Color me dubious, on this
particular proposal.
<<Other methods may be brought to bear, as in a barroom brawl.
Thus, treating others with the modicum of respect that characterizes
civilization is more than simply a homily to good manners.>>
Glorp! I disagree. The rerason is (even though I am unqualified to be an
economist or a financial analyst) I distrust the inherent wisdom of
corporations. When the recent downturn began, the corpration managers seems
to have dusted off their olf business plans, on what to do for a recession.
The 1970s and 80's answer: layoffs! Unfortunately while Motorola and Cisco
(for example) were covering their asses, in this manner, they merely
deepended the downturn into a recession. Collectively, these companies
successfully disemployed so many people, that less have discretionary income
to purchase goods and services.
Anyway, lets see if the behaviorist study gets quoted and repeated. It might
illuminate the way forward, or it might make fantastic birdcage liner. Let us
see.
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