4 ms·
(disclaimer: I used to work at Microsoft) There's an important lesson here: while reasonable skepticism is always good, it's important to remember that a polic
by Analemma_ 7y ago
(disclaimer: I used to work at Microsoft)
There's an important lesson here: while reasonable skepticism is always good, it's important to remember that a policy of "never forgive, never forget" actually creates moral hazard. If people/companies think they will never be forgiven for current misdeeds even if they get better, then there's no incentive to get better and they might as well keep being horrible. Allowing people (or companies) to turn over a new leaf incentivizes good behavior.
- zarkov99 7y agoOne could also argue a policy of always forget/always forgive creates its own set of moral hazards by reducing the deterrence against bad behaviours.
- GhettoMaestro 7y agoIt’s not one or the other.
- zarkov99 7y agoExactly.
- lotsofpulp 7y agoI don't think it is reasonable to expect people completely disconnected from the negative effects of their actions to "turn over a new leaf", especially when they stand to make hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. From all the examples I can see, "ask for forgiveness, not permission" is how many of the largest companies have become economically successful.
- deleted 7y ago[deleted]
- ekianjo 7y agoAt least you would like to see such companies publicly admit they did wrong in the past if they expect any kind of forgiveness.
- dvfjsdhgfv 7y agoThe point is, managers don't think in moral terms. They think in terms like risk vs. market opportunity. I've never heard a phrase like "But wouldn't it be immoral?" during a board meeting. So, if they feel no wrong was ever done, what should they ask forgiveness for?
- oska 7y agoThis is flawed reasoning when you understand that some people and some companies are sociopathic. They will never 'turn over a new leaf' because they are incapable of doing so.