Giving Voice to Values was published in 2010, a time when the business world was grappling with the aftermath of several high-profile corporate scandals that shook public trust in organizations and their leaders. Major financial crises, such as the 2008 global financial meltdown, were largely attributed to unethical behaviors within major corporations. Events like the Enron scandal and the collapse of Lehman Brothers raised additional concerns over the accountability of businesses. These crises brought to light how the actions—or inactions—of individuals within organizations could have far-reaching consequences, not just for the companies involved but for society as a whole.

In response to these concerns, there was a growing demand for a shift in business education and corporate governance, moving beyond traditional approaches to ethics, which often focused on identifying what was right and wrong in hypothetical situations. Organizations began seeking more practical approaches to instill ethical values in real-world settings, encouraging leaders to not only understand ethical dilemmas but also to take a stand when they encountered them.

Giving Voice to Values entered this landscape with the intent of providing a transformative approach to business ethics. The book diverged from typical methodologies that focused on ethical analysis, instead emphasizing action—how individuals can voice and act upon their values when faced with ethical challenges.