Reader Jerome A. Schmitt’s (Voice, Oct. 5) heart bleeds and aches at what he perceives as the prospect of a “meaner work environment” looming on the horizon. He quivers in fear as he anticipates what will happen because students at the University of Chicago applauded Sam Zell’s theory about business: “Social responsibility of business is crap.”
Well, it is just that. Business is not to assure a sweet PR image for itself. It is to do business and thereby assure a living for its employees. Calvin Coolidge said, “The business of America is business.”
If that is true, a more fulfilled work force develops. If business itself is taken seriously, it creates mutual loyalty and respect. When business is obligated (by politicians, the media and advocates of socialism) to enhance its reputation by “being nice” and granting handouts to society (i.e., jazz fests, marathons, midnight basketball), the needs of employees and efficiency are hampered, diminished or ignored.
The result of this emphasis on PR is that the companies may have a kinder, gentler image, but are in reality less solid and worthy, less trusted and respected in the eyes of their most loyal employees.
