What's P.Green, thinks it's black and white, and is really grey?

The current case of P.Green and the demise of BHS provides an example of the whole purpose/ point of business ethics.  Green says he has done nothing unlawful so it’s a pretty black and white case from his perspective.  Unfortunately his past decisions and behaviours have placed him in the murky-grey and uncomfortable area, just outside what’s legal, where the spirit, rather than the letter, of the law begs the question “and is it ethical?” 

The Milton Friedman view of business that Green clearly propounds, that its only purpose is profit, has been losing favour over recent years as shareholders, customers, politicians and the public demand a wider view and consideration of all stakeholders, including pensioners.  But perhaps what should be really questioned is at what stage of cognitive moral development the British business leaders like Green are at (see Kohlberg’s CMD theory)?  It seems apparent that many are at level one where decisions are made essentially for personal reward.  It is probably unrealistic to hope that future leaders develop to stage three, where they do “what’s right” both personally and for society but it would be good to know that they were at least getting some training in ethical decision making.  But possibly the much more challenging issue is that first they need to accept that they fall short in this area - undoubtedly a much bigger task.,