Can companies (and politicians) learn something about ethical culture from Hollywood?

Denise Atwood (Denise.Atwood@slfhc.org) is Director of Quality and Risk Management at Sun Life Family Health Center in Phoenix, AZ. Kaitlynn Wells (kaitlynnlovescats@yahoo.com) is a student at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ.

One would argue it is difficult to use the phrases “ethical business culture” and “Hollywood mogul” in the same sentence. Many would argue the Hollywood movie industry is not a business or a model for other corporations to emulate; however, there are others who would argue Hollywood acts as a closed business culture, and it has the opportunity to teach other businesses ethical business practices by its example. Hollywood sex scandals have been widely publicized this past year, and it brings up an important point for all businesses: What should be done about the apparent disregard for inappropriate sexual behavior, especially when it rises to the level of sexual harassment? Inappropriate sexual behavior may not be directly related to the act of sex, but can include any form of sexual harassment. “Harassment can include ‘sexual harassment’ or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature”[1] Moreover, sexual harassment can occur regardless of gender.

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