In Chapter 2 on the heroic spirit of capitalism, authors Mackey and Sisodia (2014) suggest that “changes and challenges offer great business opportunities, but they cannot be effectively addressed if we use the same mental models we have operated with in the past. “Business as usual” will not work anymore. We need a new paradigm for business, a new philosophy to lead and work by” (p. 30).
For your initial post this week, offer your thoughts and perspective on the quotation above. Develop your post by addressing the following aspects:
1. What “business as usual” practices are no longer valid, and why?
2. What should be the new philosophy and paradigm for business, and why?
3. What organization today exemplifies either the “business as usual” or the new paradigm, and what practices of that organization make it stand out?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Embracing a New Paradigm for Business: Moving Beyond “Business as Usual”
In their work, Mackey and Sisodia (2014) advocate for a shift in the traditional mindset of business operations, emphasizing the need for a new philosophy and paradigm to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of commerce. The notion that “business as usual” is no longer sufficient resonates strongly in today’s dynamic environment, where changes and challenges present unprecedented opportunities for those willing to embrace innovation and new ways of thinking. Let’s delve into the implications of this assertion and explore what it means for businesses today.
Outdated “Business as Usual” Practices
The concept of “business as usual” refers to conventional practices and entrenched mindsets that inhibit adaptability, creativity, and resilience in the face of change. Some practices that are no longer valid in the current business environment include:
1. Rigid Hierarchies: Traditional top-down management structures stifle agility and hinder effective decision-making in a fast-paced world where quick responses are key.
2. Resistance to Change: Businesses that cling to outdated processes and technologies risk falling behind competitors who are more adept at embracing innovation and disruption.
3. Short-Term Profit Maximization: Prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability can lead to missed opportunities for growth and relevance in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The Call for a New Philosophy and Paradigm
To meet the challenges of today’s business landscape and seize emerging opportunities, a new philosophy and paradigm are essential. This includes:
1. Purpose-Driven Leadership: Embracing a purpose-driven approach that goes beyond profit maximization to focus on creating value for all stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, and the environment.
2. Agile and Adaptive Strategies: Adopting agile methodologies that enable rapid iteration, experimentation, and learning to respond effectively to changing market dynamics and customer needs.
3. Sustainable Practices: Prioritizing sustainability, ethical business practices, and social responsibility to build trust, enhance reputation, and drive long-term success.
Exemplary Organizations
An organization that exemplifies the traditional “business as usual” mindset is often characterized by its adherence to hierarchical structures, resistance to change, and profit-centric decision-making. On the other hand, companies like Patagonia stand out as champions of the new paradigm for business.
Patagonia has established itself as a trailblazer in sustainable business practices, with a commitment to environmental conservation, social responsibility, and transparency. The company’s philosophy revolves around creating high-quality products while minimizing its environmental footprint and advocating for social causes. Patagonia’s bold stance on issues such as climate change, fair labor practices, and supply chain transparency sets it apart as a leader in the new era of conscious capitalism.
In conclusion, the quote by Mackey and Sisodia underscores the imperative for businesses to break free from outdated mental models and embrace a new philosophy that prioritizes purpose, agility, and sustainability. Organizations that embody this new paradigm not only stay relevant in a rapidly changing world but also contribute positively to society and the planet. The shift towards this new way of doing business is not just a choice but a necessity for long-term success and impact in the modern business landscape.
