Christian-Based Ethics in Business Ethics Having Strong

Christian-Based Ethics in Business

Ethics

Having strong ethics is vital to the success of an organization but often that component is bypassed in the name of profit. With a strong ethical foundation, an organization will perhaps face more obstacles but will also have a better opportunity for success and longevity. Society, particularly American society, has changed greatly within the past 50 years, and continues to evolve. And with those changes, value systems and the emphasis placed on them changes as well. At the same time, society has dealt with large technological advances. And of course, as knowledge and technology increase, new questions and situations arise to challenge society's morals and ethics. Inadvertent disclosure of information becomes more prevalent as more people become involved in document handling. And the more documents that are handled by more people, conflict of interest may arise, with the potential to threaten the organization.

Particularly in the recent past society has argued whether religion has any place in any business environment. Even for those who do support the idea of God in the business environment, there are many who believe that Biblical principles only equate to times gone by and are far too simple to work in today's complex world. Christians generally attempt to live by God's word in every aspect of their lives, believing the Bible gives guidance to us for every decision we will have to make in life. But as humans we do not always understand or follow God's ways. Christians believe in a parental relationship with God, with God as the Father and human beings are His children. Although parents are wiser than children, guiding them through life's perils because they themselves have been there before, children do not understand and attempt to do things on their own. That is precisely what people do in their relationships with God. And whether we wish to accept it or not, we need guidance from our Holy Father in all things, including business.

Every aspect of business is affected by an organization's ethics or lack thereof and whether knowingly or not the CEO is the one everyone looks to for leadership in this area. "The chief executive officer plays the most significant role in instilling a sense of ethics throughout the organization. The CEO has a unique responsibility: He's a role model. What he does, how he lives, and the principles under which he operates become pretty much those the rest of the corporation emulate" (Bagley & Savage, 2010, p. 24).

Harmeling, Sarasvathy, & Freeman believe "Whenever we analyze situations where complex individuals operate in businesses of any kind -- entrepreneurial or established, small or large -- contingencies will arise and individuals' responses to those contingencies will bring about changes in both value creation and values" (2009). Anticipating potential problems with conflicts of interest and devising a written policy to handle those situations is the first step in the line of self-defense for any organization. The policy should include a definition of conflict of interest that the organization will use, who in the organization is covered by this policy, and the process that will be followed for dealing with any situations that may arise. Following those steps will give an organization more confidence to deal with any conflicts of interest if they appear. Madsen states "Ultimately though, an organization should keep the importance of preserving the public trust foremost in mind when dealing with ethical problems" (2009).

At all times, but especially in troubling economic times start-up businesses need to be able to turn to someone they can trust. Lee states "Despite the evidence of how much small business drives our economy, these owners feel they are likely targets for increased taxes and regulation. But most of them aren't sitting there whining. They are looking for help on realistically addressing how change will affect them and their businesses. Good advice is at a premium right now" (2009).

Finances

Throughout the Bible are lessons about money and managing finances. But contrary to belief none of the money we have is really ours. It is all God's. We have the privilege and opportunity to be stewards of what He has given us. God entrusts us to care for all that He has given us on this earth, including money. Towns says "Your inner desires are as important as your actions" (2008). If our heart and desires are right and with God we will be able to handle whatever comes upon us.

McCuddy & Pirie write "Stewardship involves the sustainability of worldly resources -- humans making decisions and taking actions that effectively utilize, preserve, and renew the resources that God has entrusted to our care" (2007). If we are not responsible with what we are given, the Lord is more than capable of taking it from us and entrusting it to someone with more wisdom.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus told His disciples:

There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, what is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer. (Luke 16:1-2, NIV).

God expects us to use His wisdom and our own in every action we take, from choosing a mate to handling money. The Bible teaches us consistently to use money wisely for the glory of God, in helping others and providing for ourselves.