Ethics and Values in the Workplace

The cultural expectation for ethical decision-making in the workplace is often low. At the same time, new efforts to garner the strength of ethical decision-making into corporate policy and political will are often negotiable in a climate of sensitivity and awareness. As the consumer generally becomes better informed in the process of making value choices relating to products and services, there arises a consciousness of choices bringing opportunity for ethical discussion and attentiveness.

One example is the association of some product manufacturing with child labor abuses. Publicity citing incidences of such abuse typically create political and social debate that ultimately affects at some level the processes being used for making such choices at the level of suppliers and distributors. Those with a conscience about such matters will in turn modify their business decisions to reflect their values.

Equally important is the capacity of consumers to affect the market when they too join in ethical actions relating to marketplace decisions. The “Green” business revolution is coming of age in the growth of industry that reflects positive stewardship toward the environment and in the manufacturing processes utilized. Also evidenced in current trends are choices regarding renewable resources versus non-renewable resource use.

Energy choices that impact the environment negatively may be modified to utilize newer technologies and improved stewardship of the environment. Values education that grows from a theological perspective typically orients an appreciation for creation with the responsibility toward others to multiply “good works” that respect ones fellow human beings and the needs of future generations.

Equally important to the ethics and values exercised in the workplace are those that are sensitive to issues of justice and truthfulness. Market strategies that have as their underlying intent a deception of consumers or an appeal to inappropriate desires or behaviors should be curtailed and effected by the cultural demands for better. A significant reality that must be understood is the “lowest common denominator” of acceptability in practices and actions. In China, tax evasion can carry a death sentence. That fact curtails abuse to a significant degree. Cultural expectations of a rampant consumerism tend to be lowered by the “buyers beware” assumption. Better business practice that provides accurate product claims and presentation, accompanied by a high level of quality and service associated with the distribution and serviceability of the products lead to greater confidence and greater value to the consumer.

Generations of high quality effort could transform the culture to provide a generation of goods that are useful for a lifetime of service and a service mindset that sets standards of excellence that can be multiplied throughout the culture.

When Jesus implied that actions toward “the least of these” were equivalent to actions toward him, it raised the standard for us all. We should be compelled to act in good will and good witness in the workplace and beyond to share an intent to honor Christ as his followers with every opportunity, with every action, and with every future decision.