Designed as a convenient, clearly written, and comprehensive desktop reference for executives and managers, Critical Issues in Business Conduct addresses the legal, ethical, and social issues that will dominate business in the 1990s. Based upon a research project in which 276 of America's most successful and well managed firms actively participated, the book explores topical issues arising from the relationship between business organizations and their external constituencies - consumers, government agencies, competitors, and others - as well as those which characterize relationships between businesses and their own managers, employees, directors, and shareholders. From the impact of AIDS and problems of drug and alcohol use in the workplace to financial accounting, employee rights, and sexual harassment, this unique resource provides both detailed discussion and practical guidelines for dealing with the most critical concerns of managers and executives today.The business issues selected for coverage are those that firms of all sizes must successfully address to remain competitive in the global markets of the 1990s. Separate chapters examine such topics as drug testing and treatment programs, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, workplace safety, protecting proprietary and confidential information, marketing and advertising issues, insider trading and securities laws, and more. Special care has been taken to incorporate the most current developments, including recent Supreme Court decisions that will affect business firms' responses in the areas of punitive damages, business speech, age and sex discrimination, the environment, and a myriad of employer and employee rights and responsibilities. Some 1,000 references are included, making this the most complete one-volume resource of its kind available. In addition to executives and managers, the book will also be of significant value to corporate attorneys and board members as well as to students in management and business programs.