Final answer:
The idea that managers are less ethical today than in the past is subjective. It overlooks societal shifts, the complexity of ethical behavior, and modern initiatives to promote ethical conduct in business.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that managers are less ethical today than in the past is a subjective one and not necessarily true. Ethical behavior in management, like all human behavior, varies among individuals and has been influenced by numerous factors over time. In the context of postmodern ethics, the twentieth century did see notable societal shifts, such as declines in religious practice and a wavering acceptance of morality based on Natural Law Theory. However, asserting a general decline in managerial ethics compared to the past may not take into account these complexities or the advent of ethical codes, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and increased transparency due to modern technology.
It is also important to consider that each era has its unique challenges and that different ethical issues may be more visible today due to the rise of global communication. Moreover, the increased focus on ethics training and awareness in business schools and corporations suggests that there is a recognition of the importance of ethical behavior in management.