Watch Wall Street 20th Century Fox 1987 125 Minutes Answer
Watch Wall Street 20th Century Fox 1987 125 Minutes Answer Th
Watch Wall Street (20th Century Fox, 1987, 125 minutes) — Answer the following questions in as much detail as possible. Include references to characters and situations in the movie as necessary. (Suggested length: 3-4 pages) a. What are the ethical and legal issues depicted in the movie, Wall Street? b. Describe Gordon Gekko’s and Bud Fox’ decision-making processes and identify the various factors and outside stakeholders who influenced those decisions. Which of these influences appears to have had the strongest impact? c. Provide a brief update on the events depicted in the film. What consequences (penalties, costs, and public relations issues) did the company and principal characters ultimately suffer? What benefits did they gain? • Must include an introductory paragraph with a brief synopsis of the movie. • The body of the paper must include the following: Three to four specific academic concepts in relation the questions from the movies as set out in the sample format above. Each concept must be addressed in the following way: Reference an academic concept gleaned from classroom or reading experience during the course of this module. Use APA style as outlined in A Writer’s Reference to document all sources.
Paper For Above instruction
The film "Wall Street," directed by Oliver Stone and released in 1987, is a compelling portrayal of the complex morality and legality surrounding the high-stakes world of stock trading and corporate finance. The movie centers around Bud Fox, an ambitious young stockbroker, and Gordon Gekko, a ruthless corporate raider, whose intertwined decisions highlight critical ethical and legal dilemmas in the pursuit of wealth. This narrative explores themes of greed, deception, and the ethical boundaries that entrepreneurs and traders navigate in the pursuit of success. The film not only illustrates the temptations of illegal activities such as insider trading but also examines the moral compromises made by individuals within the financial industry.
Analyzing the ethical and legal issues in "Wall Street" reveals a landscape rife with misconduct. Legally, the movie depicts insider trading, securities fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty—illegal activities that undermine market integrity and investor trust. Ethically, characters grapple with questions of honesty, integrity, and responsibility. Gordon Gekko epitomizes greed-driven unethical behavior; his famous mantra, "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good," encapsulates a philosophy that prioritizes personal gain over moral standards. Conversely, Bud Fox’s decision-making process evolves from naive ambition to moral awareness, illustrating a conflict between personal success and ethical integrity as he is tempted to participate in Gekko's illicit schemes. These issues raise profound questions about the moral responsibilities of individuals and organizations in financial markets.
The decision-making processes of Gekko and Fox are influenced by various factors, including personal ambition, peer influence, and the allure of wealth. Gekko's ruthless pursuit of power is motivated by his desire for dominance in the market and his belief in capitalism's primacy. Bud Fox's initial decisions are shaped by admiration for Gekko and a desire to succeed, but he is also influenced by external stakeholders like his family and colleagues, who embody societal expectations of ethical conduct. The strongest influence appears to be Gekko himself, whose charisma, persuasive rhetoric, and clearly demonstrated success persuade Fox to adopt Gekko’s ruthless approach. External pressures, such as the potential for career advancement and financial reward, also play significant roles in decision-making.
In the aftermath of the film’s climax, the consequences faced by characters and their organizations are severe. Gekko is convicted of securities fraud, fined, and serves time in prison, reflecting the legal repercussions of his actions. Bud Fox's career is tarnished, and he faces moral restitution by adopting a more ethical stance. The companies involved suffer financial losses and damage to their reputations, with public relations issues exacerbating their downfall. However, they also gain certain benefits, such as financial gains during the scheme and insights into the hazards of unethical conduct, which serve as lessons for future corporate behavior. The film’s update shows tighter regulations and increased scrutiny of insider trading, influenced by the scandals depicted, emphasizing the importance of ethical compliance and legal adherence in maintaining market integrity.
Applying academic concepts enriches this analysis. Firstly, the theory of ethical decision-making, which emphasizes moral reasoning and the role of personal values, is evident in Gekko and Fox’s choices. Gekko’s utilitarian perspective prioritizes maximizing wealth, regardless of legality or morality, while Fox’s evolving stance reflects Kohlberg’s stages of moral development, moving from self-interest to social contract orientation. Secondly, agency theory highlights the conflicts of interest between company managers and shareholders, especially evident in Gekko’s exploitative practices. The propensity for managerial self-interest to override fiduciary duties exemplifies agency problems. Lastly, stakeholder theory underscores the importance of considering all relevant stakeholders—investors, employees, the public—in decision-making. Gekko’s actions neglect stakeholder interests in favor of personal gains, undermining trust and sustainability.
In conclusion, "Wall Street" serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unethical behavior and the importance of adhering to legal standards in financial markets. By exploring the decision-making processes, external influences, and consequences faced by characters, it underscores the need for integrity, transparency, and responsible conduct within the corporate world. Incorporating academic concepts from ethics, agency theory, and stakeholder management reinforces the understanding that sustainable success depends on balancing profit with moral responsibility, ensuring market fairness and societal trust.
References
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