The Ethical Dilemma

Ethics has become an extremely widely debated and interpreted aspect of business today.  The three criteria of ethics for us to examine and measure are:

Business ethics.   Every successful business should create a set of criteria or business ethics that it follows and delivers. Honesty is and will always be the best policy. Do you have a policy on it?  Quality, price, and service are all areas that you should examine in your business code of ethics and create a policy accordingly.  Unfortunately many corporations and businesses have created their own set of business ethics, which unfortunately has undermined the trust and faith of many people. It is now well stated and known that the company is not always right.

Social ethics.  In society, as in business, we must create rules and regulations, policies and procedures according to numerous doctrines, such as religions, up bringing, politics, ideals and social evolution. Because we are a constantly changing society, ethics change as we evolve.  This can have a tremendous impact on your business.  Your business should compliment your community ethics, otherwise you will face conflict, and conflict in business may create a disaster.  Create a list of social ethics you believe you need to understand within your community and industry and ensure they are acknowledged.

Personal ethics.  Ethics are often based upon our own personal beliefs, upbringing and guidance.  Personal ethics are most important of the three.  Remember the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  We each have our own set of rules we follow.  How can people sleep at night, knowing what they are doing is wrong?  The confusion often comes from our interpretation of ethics compared to someone else's.  Like the previous two, we each have a set of standards we adhere to. List them and measure them. 

A tip for those who "rip" others off, there are only so many first time clients out there. Any successful business builds on previous experiences.  Take heed, we are becoming more ethically wise.

Andy and Dick