The hottest Business Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

A.I. as normal technology (derogatory)

Read Max • 6402 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Business Ethics
  1. A.I. is starting to be seen as just another common tool, like social media, rather than a groundbreaking technology. This means it's becoming normal to use A.I. for everyday tasks.
  2. Many people are emotionally attached to A.I. chatbots, using them for companionship and support. This dependency raises concerns about mental health and well-being.
  3. Companies like OpenAI are focusing on fostering user dependence, similar to what we've seen with social media platforms. This trend shows that A.I. development is following old patterns rather than creating truly innovative solutions.

The Ethics of Business with Niklas Anziger

Bet On It • 35 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
💼 Business Business Ethics
  1. Niklas Anziger discusses the ethics of business and how moral questions affect real-world commercial choices.
  2. The conversation emphasizes a pro-market, pro-business perspective, arguing that freer markets can lead to better outcomes.
  3. Prospera is used as a real-world example of experimenting with freer markets to illustrate how ethical business practices play out.

Stockholders vs Stakeholders

David Friedman’s Substack • 278 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
💼 Business Business Ethics
  1. Corporations are supposed to benefit stockholders but often face challenges in making sure that happens. Stockholders can vote out management if they're unhappy, but individual votes often feel insignificant to them.
  2. Stakeholders like customers and employees are already protected by market forces. If they don't like the products or the job conditions, they can easily switch to alternatives without needing special voting rights.
  3. Stockholders face unique risks because their investments can be tied up even if the company isn't performing well. Strengthening stockholder control and removing barriers to takeover bids could help ensure companies focus more on maximizing stockholder value.

The Bear Cave #248

The Bear Cave • 583 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Business Ethics
  1. Culper Research claims Zeta Global Holdings is involved in shady practices, including false data and deceptive websites to gather consumer information. They think Zeta's stock price is too high and expect it to drop soon.
  2. There have been several high-profile resignations among executives in various companies, highlighting instability in leadership. It's concerning when CFOs and CEOs leave, especially in such quick succession.
  3. Recent reports have raised concerns about financial discrepancies in VusionGroup, which may indicate larger issues within the company. The connection with a major Chinese partner raises further questions about its operations.
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Learning from Under Armor's failed Big Data push [Finance Friday]

Technology Made Simple • 159 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
💰 Finance Business Ethics
  1. Data-driven decisions and AI can be valuable, but they must serve a larger purpose to avoid financial ruin.
  2. Investing heavily in technologies like Big Data without a clear strategy can lead to disaster, as seen with Under Armor's failed Big Data push.
  3. Leaders should carefully consider the cost and benefits of implementing AI into their processes, ensuring it aligns with their overall goals and strategy.

Ralph Nader Looks Ahead, at Age 90. What He Sees Is Not What You'd Expect.

Breaking the News • 474 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Business Ethics
  1. Ralph Nader, at age 90, surprises with a new book 'The Rebellious CEO' showcasing leaders who use their influence for good in business, workers' treatment, and environmental policy.
  2. The book has a chatty and personal tone, highlighting the importance of individuals making a positive impact and how small groups can bring meaningful change.
  3. Rebellious CEOs featured in the book prioritize fair treatment of workers and consumers, environmental responsibility, clear communication, and excellence in business without overpaying themselves or whining about regulations.

How Fossils Fueled Philanthropy

Under the Hood: The Power of Principled Leadership • 58 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
💾 History Business Ethics
  1. John D. Rockefeller's philanthropy had a significant positive impact, despite his negative portrayal by the media.
  2. Rockefeller's principles included using money for good, running a tight ship, and prioritizing education and continuous learning.
  3. Revisionism is important to understand historical figures accurately, as seen with Rockefeller's misunderstood legacy.

Purpose wins. Who loses?

Thoughts on Writing • 359 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
💼 Business Business Ethics
  1. The advertising industry has heavily emphasized purpose-driven work in creative awards schemes over the past two decades, potentially losing touch with reality.
  2. Brand purpose, while important, can sometimes become a shield that is hard to challenge, leading to debates on whether it truly benefits causes or if it is a commercial strategy.
  3. The importance of creativity, craft, and ideas in advertising and branding is highlighted, suggesting a refocus on these elements over a strong emphasis on social purpose.

Kent Beck: Business

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2 HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Business Ethics
  1. Kent Beck learned from his grandfather that business can be about maximizing benefits for oneself at the expense of others.
  2. Kent Beck initially believed that by creating value for others, nature would provide for him, but he later realized he needed to actively create a path for value to return to him.
  3. Kent Beck's journey taught him that running a business doesn't have to mirror his grandfather's questionable practices; a business can be mutually beneficial for customers and himself.

[PQ] TWLO: Chief Legal Officer Resigns

Nongaap Investing • 2 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
💼 Business Business Ethics
  1. The Chief Legal Officer of TWLO has resigned unexpectedly. This kind of sudden change can raise questions about the company's situation.
  2. Such resignations can signal possible issues within the company, like internal conflicts or changes in direction.
  3. It's important to pay attention to who takes over next, as this could influence TWLO's future actions and strategies.

Acquisition Hubris: Over confident CEOs and Compliant Boards

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 04 Dec 12
💼 Business Business Ethics
  1. Overconfident CEOs often push for acquisitions without proper analysis, leading to potential value destruction for shareholders. It's important for decisions to be discussed and thoroughly vetted before proceeding.
  2. A compliant board of directors can fail to challenge a CEO's acquisition decisions, allowing unchecked authority that may result in bad deals. Good governance means the board should actively protect shareholder interests.
  3. Research shows that overconfident CEOs are more likely to pursue acquisitions, but those deals often receive negative reactions from the market. It's vital for investors to watch how boards function in these situations.