Reference

Marvin Bower, a pivotal figure in the development of McKinsey & Company and the broader consulting industry, emphasized several key ethical principles throughout his career. Here are some of the notable ethical principles he advocated:

1. Integrity: Bower placed a great emphasis on integrity. He believed that integrity was fundamental to the success and reputation of both individuals and firms. Maintaining honesty and fairness in all dealings was critical (source: Bookey).

2. Professional Conduct: He wanted McKinsey to be distinctive and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. This meant acting ethically even when faced with difficult choices (source: What Would Marvin Do?).

3. High Ethical Standards: Bower ensured that McKinsey was held to extremely high ethical standards, which differentiated the firm from many others in the industry (source: Reddit).

4. Duty-Based Ethics: Bower’s principles were aligned with duty-based ethics, focusing on universal and absolute principles of right and wrong, akin to Kantian ethics (source: Quizlet).

5. Obligation to Dissent: He believed that leaders and consultants had an obligation to voice dissenting views when necessary. This principle was aimed at ensuring the best possible outcomes and ethical decision-making within the firm (source: Harvard Business Review).

These principles not only helped shape McKinsey & Company but also left a lasting legacy on the consulting industry and business ethics at large.