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The contemporary world is intricately entwined with computers, both within and beyond the confines of the classroom. Have you ever pondered about the originators of this revolutionary gadget? Questions like who created the computer and where it originated are explored in the movie "Pirates of the Silicon Valley." This documentary delves into the beginnings of Steve Jobs and Apple, as well as Bill Gates and Microsoft. Presented through the perspectives of those who collaborated with Jobs and Gates, the film unravels the struggles they faced in college and the inception of two tech giants.
While the movie offers insights into the technological innovations that shaped our world, it also sheds light on numerous instances of unethical behavior.
Business ethics, the moral principles guiding the conduct of a business and its employees, play a pivotal role in determining the righteousness of actions. Despite his brilliance in revolutionizing personal computing, Steve Jobs, as a human being and businessman, exhibited alarming ethical lapses.
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His verbal abuse towards employees, refusal to acknowledge his daughter, reluctance to provide child support, and the derogatory treatment of those around him painted a dark picture. This conduct fostered resentment among his employees, leading to his eventual expulsion from his own company.
Conversely, Bill Gates emerges as a figure with commendable management skills. Jobs' compromise on ethics is evident in his transformation from a laid-back individual, as depicted in the early scenes of the movie, to a leader consumed by the pursuit of wealth. He altered his treatment of employees, leading to a toxic work environment.
In contrast, Gates, though accused of unethical practices such as stealing the Windows operating system, displayed effective management, especially when compared to Jobs.
The movie also explores the ethical gray areas surrounding piracy and intellectual property. While Jobs transformed Xerox's graphical user interface (GUI), Gates allegedly stole the Windows operating system from Apple, deceiving both IBM and Jobs. However, the film posits that Jobs and Gates engaged in mutual piracy, copying and modifying each other's products. The debate arises on whether this practice, rooted in technological advancement, should be deemed unethical or a natural progression of innovation.
Business, portrayed as a harsh realm in the movie, demands decision-making in a gray ethical area. The CEOs of Apple and Microsoft navigated these complexities differently. Jobs exhibited a strong, charismatic leadership style, reshaping Apple's destiny with unconventional insights. On the other hand, Gates led with strategic decision-making, clarity in communication, and encouragement, fostering a positive working environment.
The movie underscores the distinct leadership styles of Jobs and Gates. Jobs, with his strong personality and unique vision, propelled Apple to unprecedented success. His charisma and unconventional thinking set him apart. In contrast, Gates displayed smart decision-making and effective communication, guiding his team with kindness and encouragement. Both leaders, though driven by financial goals, differed in their ethical approaches, especially regarding piracy.
In conclusion, envisioning oneself working for either Apple or Microsoft during the era depicted in the movie seems challenging. The higher management of both companies appears disorganized, with erratic temperaments and pervasive unethical practices. While acknowledging the transformative impact of these companies on modern operations, the ethical dilemmas portrayed in the movie raise concerns about the work environment. Ultimately, the film invites reflection on the ethical dimensions of success in the tech industry and prompts consideration of the complex choices faced by pioneers like Jobs and Gates.
Pioneers of the Digital Age: Ethical Dilemmas in Pirates of Silicon Valley. (2016, Sep 26). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/pirates-of-silicon-valley-paper-essay
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