Religious Beliefs and Government Leadership Research Paper

Religious Beliefs and Government Leadership - Research Paper Example 1-2). Although Romney (2007) cites the influence of religion in the principles of America’s founders, he also states that times has changed, and the emergence of cultural diversity in America requires leaders to maintain their objectivity when making public policy. With his speech, it is evident that Romney supports the notion of Church-State separation, although he admits that his Mormon faith helped shape his values and perspectives in life. In analyzing the speech of Obama and Romney, one can say that both leaders support the separation of Church and State affairs, particularly in their presidential candidacy and in creating leadership policies. For instance, both leaders cite the necessity of providing state benefits and programs that will benefit the majority, regardless of religious beliefs. Thus, although religion influences the decisions of public leaders, politicians should exercise control over their personal opinions lest their opinions violate the beliefs and right s of the majority. However, considering Romney’s argument on faith as a source of one’s fundamental moral principles, one can say that religion, in one way or another, influences how leaders develop their strategies (p. 4). This idea is also evident in Obama’s (2006b) argument about the religious freedom through defining ethics in social interactions (paras. 18-23). Consequently, as a political leader, Obama argues that leaders should take concern of their policies, particularly in the way those policies affect the relationships of the majority. Considering the two speeches, one can say that leaders cannot escape from the influence of religion in their policies, and this is because of the innate tendency of human beings to draw conclusions from our... This paper stresses that the Church-State separation may be considered one of the most challenging aspects of the society, considering that one should maintain objective judgment on critical socio-political aspects. This is particularly true among political leaders, who have to face the challenges of leadership while aligning their values with their existing leadership policies and religious beliefs. For instance, the arguments of Obama, Romney, Cuomo, and Kenney illustrate the challenges of becoming a political leader, which is resolving a crisis while maintaining their diplomacy and religious neutrality. The author diclares that Church-State separation also regulates the power of both political and religious leaders wherein neither can advise the people on their political and religious preferences, particularly during elections. considering the potential biased portrayal of religious traditions in the current pluralistic American society, Obama states that leadership strategies sho uld focus on generating policies that strengthen diplomacy as this ensures objectivity. Relatively, as Obama focuses on the influence of religion on interactions, one can say that Obama’s view on his political office is merely a neutral ground wherein he can discuss policies without having to consider his religious opinions. This report makes a conclusion that Cuomo and Kennedy support the idea of isolating oneself from religious and political influence when creating public policies. Considering that legal enforceable rule on Church-State separation, one can say that presidential candidates should not be evaluated according to their religion. American citizens, regardless of religious beliefs, have the right to establish their political views without undergoing the same religious prejudice that they wish to eradicate in the society.

Chiquita Brands Inc Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Chiquita Brands Inc - Research Paper Example Corporate Ethics The strategy for business ethics in Chiquita Brands was begun in 1998 when the company engaged the professional services of SmithOBrien to craft and implement a CSR policy for the company. The first comprehensive CSR report was released in 2004. (SmithOBrien website). Chiquita Brands’ corporate commitment speaks of the corporate values of integrity, respect, opportunity and responsibility as the embodiment of what they are and what they do. The company defines integrity as ethical and lawful business communicated in an open and straightforward manner (Kotler and Lee, 2005). Respect is seen as fair and respectable treatment of people. They recognize that the growth and development of their employees is the key to the company’s success. They take pride in their services and make sure that these exceed customer expectations. As much as they uphold the primacy of their customers, they recognize that their accountability is to all stakeholders, including emp loyees, suppliers, shareholders, communities and the world. (Chiquita website). At Chiquita Brands, corporate social responsibility is an integral part of their global business strategy. They make it a point to live up to the requirements of SA 8000, one of the more credible and verifiable social accountability standards (developed by Social Accountability International), by regularly including the SAI assessment in their corporate responsibility reports. Their openness on issues about their social, environmental and financial performance is highlighted in these reports. (Chiquita website). As part of their pursuit of these corporate commitments, Chiquita Brands has implemented an anti-retaliation policy to encourage the reporting or raising of concerns about potential misconduct and other ethical issues. This policy is available in six key languages to make sure it is understood by employees, contractors and vendors in most Chiquita locations. (Chiquita website). CSR Issues Involvi ng Chiquita Brands Notwithstanding the implementation of a corporate responsibility policy sometime after 1998, a number of violations or infringements resembling CSR violations have been reported and documented involving Chiquita Brands. On of these was the conviction of Chiquita Brands in 2007 by a US court of illegal financial dealing with Colombian terrorists in the form of â€Å"protection money† during the period 2001-2004. $25 Million Fine The court slapped a fine of $25 Million and five-year probation, and was required to hire a permanent compliance officer. Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the fine would have been almost $100 Million, but the court rendered a much lesser penalty in consideration of Chiquita’s self-disclosure and full cooperation (Annual Report 2010). The situation in Colombia is atypical of businesses engaged in landed estates for their production, as in banana production. Where the country is under-developed and the econ omy is struggling, this would have been an ideal location to operate a wide-area plantation because of the low cost of agricultural work (Vellema, 1999). Protection Money Most such areas, however, are characterized by the presence of insurgents who are also members of the local community and who feed on instigating for peasant rights, as in Panama and the Philippines (Vellema, 1999). There is no way an organization