Ethics
Small Business Ethics
Ethics in business has become big news over the past several years. We read about the escapades of the executives at Enron, WorldCom and other major companies and shake our heads in astonishment thinking, “How could that happen.” We marvel at the unethical behavior of these leaders while at the same time never considering our own behavior.
The truth is that business leaders, regardless of the size of the company, are faced with ethical pressures everyday. The scale or impact of the ethical decision may not measure up to the likes of an Enron, but nevertheless, they do exist. How a business leader handles minor ethical issues is a precursor to how larger decision will be made as the business grows.
Many of the ethical issues we may face are not clearly black or white. In fact, two people faced with the same issue could quite possible make contrary decisions, while believing they each have made the best ethical decision. Why? Because ethical decisions are based upon one’s moral character. When it comes to moral behavior, we each march to the sound of different drummers and as such will make different decisions on similar issues.
As a business owner you must set the bar on ethical behavior. Make integrity a core value, be honest with your customers and employees, always follow the rules, never compromise your principles, and remember that the right thing is not always the opposite of the wrong thing. Do these things and your customers will respect you and your employees will remain loyal, essential ingredients to a successful business.
To Your Success -
Rick is a recognized business advisor and consultant. He specializes in working with small to mid-sized business owners to strengthen their business processes and ultimately grow their business. Rick has been accredited by the Institute for Independent Business, an International accrediting body for senior executives. Rick holds an MBA from the LeTourneau University located in Longview, Texas. Rick Stephens is the Principle Advisor of the Consulting firm RG Stephens & Associates located in Plano, Texas. Rick offers business owners the opportunity to meet confidentially to discuss any business issue they may be experiencing. His initial meeting is always free and without obligation. Call him at 972-578-7895 or via his website at http://rgstephens.com to arrange for an appointment. |
Rick Stephens
Tags: Ethics, Business Ethics, Small Business, ethical decisions, Moral Charater, ChoicesSimilar articles
Post-Katrina Role Of Property Insurers Threaten Consumers Nationwide
?Prediction is very hard, especially when it?s about the future.? Yogi BerraGiven the focus on the recent one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by the media and government officials and its label as the most costly catastrophic disaster in United States history, there has been little focus on the nationwide impact the property and casualty insurance industry has started to impart on homeowners and businesses in a post-Katrina world. Read more →Reputation Reputation
Rumours have been abounding all week that another major competitor has just bitten the dust spectacularly but, until it's confirmed ? and maybe even afterwards ? Read more →Temptations, White Lies, Sales, and Seeing Eye Dogs
A man went into the local Big and Tall Man's store several times looking for a job. Finally, on his seventh visit, the store's owner told him, "I will tell you what. Read more →The Grit in Integrity
Igniting your workplace with a sense of integrity and joy- sounds lofty, huh? Truth be told the joy naturally follows from the integrity. Ever worked in a place that lacked integrity? Read more →Aphorism
You should invest in a business that even a fool can run, because someday a fool will.
Warren Buffett