 Business Ethics
are Personal
by
Flora Morris Brown. Ph.D.
Copyright 2005
All rights reserved
Unless you've been hiding underground without access to modern communication for the past few years, you've heard about the ethic violations committed by large corporations. As huge corporations and high profile celebrities have been brought under the blinding glare of the news camera and sometimes the judge, small business owners should take note.
When you began your business you developed a plan to obtain financing, or perhaps just to set your course. Did you write your code of ethics as well? Perhaps you felt you didn't need a code of ethics. After all, company ethics are just an extension of the owner's ethics. Just as your mission statement and company goals are critical in guiding you toward your success, so are your ethics. The rules of conduct for your business begin with you, the boss, and permeate every department of your company.
Although your ethics are ultimately revealed by your behavior, it's vital for you and your employees to commit your ethics to paper. Here are a few of the things to consider in drafting your ethics code:
1. Are you in compliance with the laws governing your business?
2. Did a potential client ask you to provide alcoholic beverages in his gift baskets, for example? In most places in the country the answer is "no" if you don’t have a license to sell alcoholic beverages. What about in your area? Are you selling alcohol in violation of this law?
3. What about taxes? Are you charging taxes on your entire gift basket, or just the nonfood items? What does the law in your state say about this?
4. Do you bad-mouth your competitors? After all, they make such easy targets. What harm is it to urge a potential client to use your service by pointing out the flaws of the competition?
5. Do your employees know your ethics code, or do they have to guess? Your ethics code must be in writing and in the hands of all employees. Of course, your behavior is their most telling guide.
Give attention to your ethics now. You’ll be glad you did. |
