Business Ethics Expert Questions The Golden Rule

Might there actually be a problem with the golden rule? That is the unlikely suggestion put forth in a recent edition of The Weekly Ethics Thought", a free weekly ethics tipsheet written by business ethics training expert and consultant Dr. Christopher Bauer and available through his website, www.bauerethicsseminars.com.

(PRWEB) September 7, 2005 -- "There is certainly nothing wrong with the golden rule itself," says Dr. Bauer quickly, referring to perhaps the most widely known and respected behavioral guideline ever written. "In fact, if one is looking for an ideal general guideline for behavior, it's tough to go wrong with treating others in the way in which we wish to be treated ourselves. In the business world, however, there are ways in which the same reasoning can be applied that will lead to ethics problems all too easily."

To illustrate, he points out, "Suppose the ways in which you wish to be treated are based on problems with your personal or company's behavior. For example, what if you leave others alone simply because you wish or expect that in return for yourself or your business? Might that not lead, intentionally or otherwise, to inadequate feedback or oversight? If you 'cut others slack' out of a wish to be granted the same, isnt there a risk of contributing to a culture where accountability is undervalued? Those are, of course, problems that lead to ethical compromises time and time again."

"Clearly we are talking here about behaviors that fly in the face of the intended spirit of the golden rule. Nonetheless," continues Dr. Bauer though, "individuals and companies often misapply rules, even if unintentionally, until they stop long enough to be thoughtful about what the truly right thing is to do."

Does this mean that we need to throw out the golden rule? "Absolutely not!" says Dr. Bauer. "However, we all need to be sure that we are using the premise of the golden rule to promote integrity and not, however unintentionally, to compromise it."

Dr. Bauers latest book is "Better Ethics NOW: How To Avoid The Ethics Disaster You Never Saw Coming" from Aab-Hill Business Books. The central focus of the book is on how individuals and companies can quickly and easily improve their skills at preventing ethics problems.

Dr. Bauer works internationally with companies and associations who would rather prevent ethics problems than clean up after them. Information on his training and consulting programs as well as subscriptions to his free "Weekly Ethics Thought" are available at www.bauerethicsseminars.com.

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