The Golden Rule

The golden rule 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you' (Mt. 7.12) is as important and applicable in business as any other walk of life. So much so that a number systems of golden rule management have appeared in book shops. It can be applied in every case. It is like a mandate. It is reflected in the basic managerial philosophies that have been developed over many years containing many pearls of wisdom. Conscientiousness, respect and trust, recognition of the gifts of others, giving credit where it is due, involvement and availability, fair and equitable treatment, staff and customer satisfaction and many more factors have proven to be effective.

Business ethics are no different to any other. It is the same moral framework applied in business and by which business is analysed and appraised. The practical and economic cost-benefit analysis utilitarianism of Bentham, altruism, the social justice and fair shares for all of Rawls, Hobbesian absolutism or human rights concepts of life and personal experience are practised in business as in anything else. The measure of them all is found in the attainment of goals. If you are doing the right things and doing them right it will be reflected in things like staff and customer satisfaction and of you are not in levels of absenteeism, sickness leave, staff turnover and poor timekeeping. Making the right decisions will open up the way to happiness and achieving the vision.