Charting the Course: Values for Navigating Life in the Marketplace [Paperback]

Dr. Bruce Howard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2, 2008

Why is it that the same economic forces that produce good things for us like penicillin and housing are just as effective at bringing us things like pornography and heroin? How can the same systems of production generate such a wide array of good and bad outcomes? Markets are morally neutral. But people are not. Markets recognize no moral difference between good and evil. Markets don’t inherently recognize any values other than those brought by men and women to the marketplace each and every day. At the core of the market system is a concept of value that says things are worth what I, the individual, say they are worth. We can have a deep respect for the power of markets to efficiently and effectively produce goods and services that increase society’s standard of living. But should we uncritically embrace a system that has as its most foundational principle, a concept of value that is so intensely humanistic, egocentric and relativistic?

There is a way forward. While it is true that markets have no values, they are wonderful mirrors for reflecting the values that people bring to the marketplace each and every day. If people bring the right values, then markets will produce the right outcomes. People from all walks of life have a shared vision for the economic world in which they want to live. We do know what is right. The task before us is to take what we know and apply these practical principles in daily economic life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Bruce Howard joined the faculty of Wheaton College in 1980 and currently serves as professor of Business and Economics. He holds a PhD in economics and a masters of administration in accountancy. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has also has worked with Tyndale House Publishers since 1980 and currently serves as a member of the board of directors. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Howard worked in the banking and health care industries.

Product Details

• Paperback: 185 pages
• Publisher: Authentic (June 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934068357
• ISBN-13: 978-1934068359
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,447,514 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any trader who wants to stay true to themselves, January 8, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charting the Course: Values for Navigating Life in the Marketplace (Paperback)

It's incredibly easy to lose touch with one's soul when dealing with the cutthroat world of the stock market. "Charting the Course: Values for Navigating Life in the Marketplace" is a guide to staying in touch with one's soul in the vicious marketplace. Ethics is the focus, and just because one is ethical and everyone else is not, does not mean success is impossible. With much advice and methods on plotting an effective, ethical strategy for trading, "Charting the Course" is a must for any trader who wants to stay true to themselves.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charting the Course Values for Navigating Life in the Marketplace, December 12, 2008

By 

L. B. Ring - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Charting the Course: Values for Navigating Life in the Marketplace (Paperback)

People are more important than things. Treat other people like you want to treated. Truth matters at all levels. Leave things better than you found them. Value vocation. Choices have consequences.

This is must read material for any business owner, manager, executive, or human resources department. Anyone wishing to leave a legacy that matters, to be a difference maker in life, occupation, community or home, owes it to themselves to read this book.

Dr. Howard is a story teller of truth, clarity, direction, and humor. He is a man community, family, humility and integrity. There are few men or families that I have met that have left a more profound impact on me as a person. I presume many former students of his at Wheaton would say something similar. I very highly recommend Dr. Howard's latest book, CHARTING THE COURSE values for navigating life in the marketplace. This is about simple, perspective changing truth written by a brilliant man. Well Done!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Resource For Ethical Behavior In The Workplace, October 27, 2008

By 

Stacey (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Charting the Course: Values for Navigating Life in the Marketplace (Paperback)

"Charting the Course: Values for Navigating Life in the Marketplace" by Dr. Bruce Howard is filled with timeless, sage advice. I was captivated from page one (okay, make that page three) by the wonderful writing. This book will guide you through thoughtful consideration of how to do what's morally right in the workplace. This could easily become the next "hot" book given to new employees at orientation!