Economically speaking, there’s no denying the fact that it’s a rough time. Many businesses are barely surviving in today’s competitive marketplace. So, it would be easy in today’s rat race, dog-eat-dog world to disarm our
consciences and disregard ethical principles in order make a buck or two. But, an action is not correct just because it is functional for our purposes. Therefore, in contrast to outright fraud with two sets of accounting books, customer over-charging and deceptive advertising practices that often escalate during economic downtimes, I am especially proud of you, our Accredited Businesses, because I know that your are surviving through thick-and-thin and yet still taking time to celebrate your commitment to ethical business practices.
Rather than resorting to unethical behavior, particularly in the wake of high-profile ethics scandals in recent years, our BBB Accredited Businesses are strengthening the bonds of trust and respect with a commitment to doing the right thing, even during a sour economy. Let me remind you that ethical business is not so much about whipping the competition as it is about maintaining consistent values, staying whole, being worthy of one’s own respect. It’s about being honorable as a life choice.
Wouldn’t it be better to earn a reputation of loyalty, trust and respect of one’s customers, employees and stockholders by demonstrating ethical virtues and values? If that happens, your bottom-line will certainly flourish. Virtue may be its own reward, but I believe that conducting business in an ethical manner also will bring many financial awards for companies.
The happiest people on earth are those who find purpose, meaning and self respect in a life guided by enduring ethical principles. They have learned that the quest for riches and financial insecurity can darken a sense of right and wrong. So, don’t forget that we make a mark not by what we earn, but who we are. Real ethics is not concerned with what others actually do, but with what is right and should be done.
Ethics is a code which guides our choices and actions and determines the purpose and course of our lives. Any blame for unethical business behavior is just an excuse, and the means hardly justifies the end. You can satisfy all the laws and comply with all the reforms, but when it comes right down to it, ethics is about being forthright even when the law might allow you to be less than that. Sure, it’s easier to companies to turn their attention to standards of conduct during the good times, but ethical business practices also should become even more important during a rotten economy. Though the demands of a depressed economy may test our character, it shouldn’t alter our ethical obligations. There is a big difference between what you have a right to do, and what is right to do.
Published with permission of the BBB of San Diego
