Proper Business Ethics, Essay Example

The implication of business ethics is entrenchment of the moral philosophies into practice in business. The conception of what is right or wrong is prevalent in majority of organizations and it plays a crucial role in defining the culture of organization by business entrepreneurs through targeting employees’ awareness of their moral obligation as they conduct business (Brauer, 2013). My philosophy of proper business ethics entails creation of a culture comprising of honesty as well as ethical practices in business through a code of ethics that is created in the organization. This is based on the realization of the fact that, ethics is a fundamental requirement in any good organization and a solid ethical footing is the best starting point for a good company.

Most of business entrepreneurs usually overlook ethical behaviors by dismissing it as a mere chaos associated with daily business that obscure the philosophical aspects of the business. Ethics has been treated as a sermon at the top of a mountain by many business experts. An important consideration is the potentials of ethical behaviors to reflect on the smart practices of business and this is the secret behind the success of big organizations (Hoekveld & Needham, 2013). In this regard therefore, my philosophy of proper business ethics is rooted on critical elements that encompass ethical bedrock for success in the business.

Respect is one of the most important elements in this regard. Successful building of a business requires the greatest level of respect for one self as well as the people in the environs of the workplace. It is important to consider that, having a strong respect is not a direct implication of flying on an auto-pilot, but it is an important aspect in future business practices. Although it is prudent to trust people in the roles and responsibilities that they are obliged to undertake in the workplace, they need some coaching, direction as well as training. Additionally, avoidance of micromanaging these people can only be achieved through trusting and respecting them. People who cannot be respected or respect the owner of the business should never be hired in the business because they are the same people who will fail to respect their co-workers, venders, customers and even themselves. On realization of an imminent weak relationship in the workplace, a timely action is imperative. The most appropriate course of action in this regard involves rebuilding of the mutual respect, and in case such rebuilding proves futile, then the person behind the weakening of a relationship should be released to leave the organization.

My philosophy of proper business ethics is also anchored on honor. Honorable individuals in the workplace are fundamental to good ethics. Honorable people also play a crucial role as ambassadors of constructive actions for the benefit of entire business. Proper business ethics requires that the strong performers as well as those individuals who are able to exemplify a spirit of the business in the workplace are accorded special attention (Fine & Teram, 2009). My philosophy of proper business ethics also entails recognition of best achievers as well as producers in the organization. Acknowledging the people who have made noteworthy sacrifice for the success of the organization and those who have shown exemplary behavior in their execution of duty and expressing gratitude towards them is an indication of philosophy of proper business ethics. It is important to appreciate that the contribution of such individuals have played a pivotal role in achieving success and consequently, their contribution must be acknowledged as well as honored privately as well as publicly (Fine & Teram, 2009).

Integrity is an equally important element that forms a foundation of philosophy of proper business ethics. Any aspiration to achieve success in the business must be guided by a high echelon of integrity, acts of stealing, cheating, corruption and insincerity goes against the philosophy of proper business ethics and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible (Colistra, 2010). Bold and sturdy point of view that remains unchanged under any circumstances leads to a constructive philosophy of proper business ethics. Any wrong action undertaken must be accepted and remedial measures taken in good time. Treating people in a just manner is also encouraged as an integral aspect of integrity. People who lack integrity should not be hired or retained in the business because they cannot be trusted by employees, vendors as well as customers (Colistra, 2010). The absence of trust is similar to a virus and retaining such people in the business is encouraging proliferation of mistrust. Employees must be discouraged from executing inappropriate business deals in attempts of meeting the set quota and target. This is an action that is considered unethical as well as unprofitable for the business and entirely defeats the philosophy of proper business ethics.

Another important element in achieving the philosophy of proper business ethics involves customer focus. The ultimate objective of all business process is sales and this depends on the availability of customers. Inability of a business to produce to the expectations of the customer is a sufficient qualifier to conclude that the firm is invalid. All business practices must be executed with the needs of the customer in mind. Focusing on the needs of the customers augments the responsibilities of the business to the market. The decisions made at any one particular time has significant implication to all people including business partners, employees, investors as well as the customers (Brauer, 2013). Offering the right service to these groups of people is an important segment of ethical responsibilities. Poor service to customers is a potential risk to compromising individual ethics as well as a risk to the future practice and the long term health of the business.

Results-oriented attitude is another critical element in realization of philosophy of proper business ethics in business. A successful entrepreneur always focuses on results before actual execution of any policy arrived at after a careful decision making. This is a critical consideration for a business owner who is keen on practice for the future in the business. Achieving a competitive edge in the industry is determined on the competence in forecasting anticipated results of any undertaking in business. Most cases of business failure are attributed to aiming at results at whatever cost. Achievement of results within the limits of the values of the organization is an important consideration for proper philosophy of proper business ethics in business. The results anticipated in the business must be guided by production of goods and services that will ultimately meet the needs and desires of the customers. They too must be accessible to the customer at the most fair price that will benefit both parties mutually. Managers applying their philosophy of proper business ethics in business with regard to being result oriented are able to identify anticipated results as a stepping stone in assisting and supporting employees towards achievement of those results. The performance of employees must be acknowledged and timely feedback thus accorded so that employees can exploit their potentials effectively for the benefit of the business. Results and feedbacks are critical benchmarks as well as lessons to guide practice for the future and meeting the current goals.

At times, the results achieved may not meet the target that was anticipated. Such a situation warrants that another element of philosophy of proper business ethics in business come in to play. This is the right time to apply persistence, probably until success is achieved. If the products and services do not appeal to the customers, more passion is required whatever the magnitude of risk and hard work involved (Eskridge, French & McThomas, 2012).  Achieving success must be perceived as the bottom line in all business practices. Continuously focusing on the needs of the customer with integrity and honor makes the difference between success and failure in business. Persistence also involves taking sufficient time to align the human resources with the business mission and vision. Hiring and retaining the right talents in the workplace is a significant consideration in persistence with a focus on the practice for the future in the business. Creating awareness among employees about the need for persistence is a strategy on the right direction in achieving the future success of the business. An ethical standpoint is ultimately an appropriate philosophy of proper business ethics.

References

Brauer, C. (2013). Just Sustainability? Sustainability and Social Justice in Professional Codes of Ethics for Engineers. Science & Engineering Ethics, 19(3), 875-891

Colistra, R. (2010). No Bark and No Bite: When Addressing Ethical Code Violators, is the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Mute and Toothless? International Journal of   Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, 5(4), 311-329.

Eskridge, R. D., French, P. E., & McThomas, M. (2012). The International City/County Management Association Code of Ethics. Public Integrity, 14(2), 127-150.

Fine, M., & Teram, E. (2009). Believers and Skeptics: Where Social Worker Situate Themselves Regarding the Code of Ethics. Ethics & Behavior, 19(1), 60-78.

Hoekveld, G., & Needham, B. (2013). Planning Practice between Ethics and the Power Game: Making and Applying an Ethical Code for Planning Agencies. International Journal of Urban & Regional Research, 37(5), 1638-1653.