2 PRACTICAL GUIDELINES FOR RESOLVING TRUTH-TELLING PROBLEMS

The news reminds us almost daily that the ''truth'' is apparently not highly valued by many in business. This paper develops two prescriptiv e standards - the Expectation and Reputation guidelines - that may hel p businesspeople avoid violating clearly accepted truth standards. The guidelines also assist in determining whether truth is required in ci rcumstances where honesty seems in conflict with the practical demands of business. A discussion of why, when and how these guidelines may b e applied to facilitate truth-telling by business organizations follow s, along with illustrative examples.