Topic > The case of Jim Balassone's reference request...

Embracing the maxim that asks "what if everyone could do it?" in this case the solution is clear to the entrepreneur and that is not to advise him only in a positive light. The businessman would recognize his problematic work ethic and any work-related problems caused by his drinking habits. As the German philosopher Immanuel Kant stated, “Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will it to become a universal law” (“Categorical Imperative,” 2015). If all employers made misrepresented recommendations and followed the wishes of their employees, no business would succeed and there would be worker inadequacy in the workforce, potentially jeopardizing business operations and negatively impacting stakeholders. Another question to ask is “whether the entrepreneur would be comfortable seeing his decisions published on the cover of the newspaper?” what is known as “The Globe and Mail Test”. In this situation, misrepresentation of the employer's recommendation would undoubtedly spark embarrassment and potentially destroy the company's reputation and future talent search. Therefore the solution of a categorical imperative approach is clear: the entrepreneur should provide a recommendation that is faithful to the facts and independent of any personal or