Task 2. Reading.
What makes a job ethical or unethical? This is not an easy question to answer, but most people would agree that there are some jobs which are clearly one or the other. Most accountants are honest and professional, but some are not. In 2001, Enron, a big American company, went bankrupt because its accountants cheated. They lied to investors and hid the truth about the company's debts. As a result, thousands of employees lost their jobs and their pensions. Some of the accountants were sent to prison for their crimes, but others were not. Is it right that they should be able to continue working as accountants? Some bankers earn huge salaries, even when the banks they work for are losing money. It seems unfair that they should be rewarded so much when others are suffering. On the other hand, many people think it is important that we have a free market system, where individuals can earn as much as they like, as long as they do not break the law. Car sales executives often work on commission, which means they earn a percentage of the price of each car they sell. This can give them an incentive to cheat. For example, they might pretend that a certain car has only had one owner when in fact it has had five. However, not all car sales executives are dishonest, and some people believe that it is up to the buyer to check the facts before buying a car. Civil servants work for government departments and are supposed to serve the public interest. However, some civil servants use their positions to get power and money for themselves. For example, in 2009, a British civil servant called David Mills was found guilty of accepting bribes. He was given a prison sentence of three and a half years. Dentists help us to look after our teeth, but not all dentists do a good job. Some dentists are more interested in making money than in helping their patients. They might give patients unnecessary treatment, or not explain the costs properly. However, most dentists are honest and professional, and it is possible to find out if a dentist has been stopped from practicing (because of dishonesty) by checking the dental register. Estate agents help people to buy and sell houses. Like car sales executives, they often work on commission, which can give them an incentive to cheat. For example, they might hide problems with a house, such as subsidence or noisy neighbours. However, not all estate agents are dishonest, and some people believe that it is up to the buyer to check the facts before buying a house. So what do you think? Which jobs do you consider to be ethical or unethical?
Read the following questions about ethical and unethical jobs and choose the correct answer:
10. According to the text who can work on commission?