This question has been worrying me for some time. I say worrying, not because I personally have no doubt that business and ethics can and should coexist for a company to achieve success. I say this because the reality shows that despite the fact that most of the companies in the world of enterprises have their so-called "Code of Ethics", only some of these companies really go by it. Meanwhile, more and more companies and individuals find excuses for their behavior unethical, and thus putting those who continue to believe in ethics in a difficult situation, in which the latter group has to compete against those who are less principled. Unfortunately, people often lose ethical in their fight against those who would do anything to get what they want. As a matter of fact, in today's world, it has become more the rule than the exception for ethical people to fail in their careers and their corporate life simply because they have to compete with the most common type of people in the market today, namely the unscrupulous, or that many prefer to call "smart".
Almost every day, we are faced with situations where we have to make a decision and choose between something ethical and another that is less than ethical, with the latter almost always it appears as the most rewarding. It is hung on profit and the desire to be successful most people unfortunately choose the latter, in order to achieve their immediate objectives.
There are many examples of unethical decisions that are made in the business world. Two examples come to mind. At the corporate level, I can think of situations in which a business takes a ruthless approach to eliminate the companies or individuals competing in their path, instead of going with them in an honest competition; At the individual level, I can think of a situation where a greedy employee targeted by a competitor and is paid a bribe or commission in exchange for confidential information that can help the competition snatch a business opportunity employer. The sad part is that most people, nowadays, instead of condemning such behavior, they describe it as a smart move, and added, "You can not be a sheep among wolves." They say, as if joining the wolves is the only way to survive in today's world.
I wonder! When did it become acceptable to be dishonest, cunning and downright bad? Because they are honest people considered naive, or even more important because they lose their chance to win against the more cunning and less ethical? Who made this the number one rule of success? It is a threat to the financial viability of a company or a person worth sacrificing your values and ethics of allowing her to go out the window?
In my book, you do not have to be this way. Good business ethics can and should be part of a successful business. unethical companies can be profitable in the short term, but they can never be truly successful. A business without ethics is a business without integrity. This business might realize immediate profitability but will definitely address the long-term failure. This rule applies to every aspect of our lives. This is true, not only because customers like dealing with companies based on the value, but also because an unscrupulous business is like a rotten house destined to collapse at the hands of their in-grown termites. Just it does not have a solid foundation on which you can stand against the many storms that will have to face in her life.
So, what do you do to make ethics the thread that weaves the fabric of your company?
1-lead by example. Inspire your employees and customers to do what is right.
2-to encourage employees to do the right thing, and reward them for it.
3-not tolerate corruption or unethical behavior in your company,
4 No matter how profitable you may see a partnership or a business relationship, do not take it if it means teaming up with a company immoral or individual,
5 finally, remember that fight the good fight to win the race is much more satisfying, regardless if you win or lose, to win at the expense of someone else.
To live and lead by example, because when all these days are behind you, and you are sitting in your rocking chair telling your grandchildren stories about your successes, you will not only feel proud to tell the story of your honest life struggles, but you will also teaches them how to live an honest and righteous life. Only then, your short trip in this world would make a difference, and your life would not have been in vain.
Miranda Conyers
President / CEO, Arabic-English Services, Inc.
http://www.arabictranslationservices.net
July 12, 2010
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