Business ethics essay
Why business needs ethics - or why it’s important to stay human
We all deal with business every day. Yup, even if you don’t own a company. You buy groceries, pay rent, go to work – you’re selling your time and skills. And chances are, you’re selling or buying something regularly.
When things go smoothly – the job’s good, the pay’s steady, and the products or services you get are solid – it’s easy not to think about it. But when something breaks? You can lose more than just money. Your reputation, health, job, or even freedom can be on the line.
That’s why business isn’t just about money. It’s also about how people treat each other – and how we affect each other and the world around us.
Business ethics isn’t idealism. It’s common sense - if you want to stay in the game long term.
1. Responsibility to workers and customers
Even if you’re not a business owner, you’re a boss sometimes. Call in a plumber? You’re now responsible for how you treat them: warn them about risks, pay fairly, be honest.
A good business is one where:
- People are paid decently.
- Women, minorities, and vulnerable groups are hired and respected — not just for show, but for real.
- Workers aren't replaced during a strike.
- The workplace is safe.
- Employees are treated as people, not “resources.”
You can't expect loyalty from people if you don't treat them like human beings.
And customers have responsibilities, too. Be respectful to those serving you. Don’t support companies that clearly mistreat their staff.
Meanwhile, businesses must:
- Not sell dangerous or low-quality products.
- Not mislead in ads - especially when it comes to kids or vulnerable audiences.
- Protect the personal data of both clients and employees.
- Respect intellectual property.
2. Responsibility to owners, society, and the planet
It might seem like big companies “won’t notice” if you cheat them a little. But that’s not justice – it’s just an excuse.
Businesses have a duty to their owners – to operate honestly, avoid waste, and stay away from shady practices like insider trading.
But more importantly, they have a responsibility to society and the planet.
- Don’t pollute.
- Don’t feed corruption.
- Don’t exploit workers in unsafe or unfair conditions.
- Don’t use loopholes to dodge taxes.
If you're dumping waste in a river, you're not a businessman - you're a criminal.
As a buyer, you choose who to support – ethical businesses or the ones you’d rather not know too much about. As an employee, you decide if you’ll work somewhere that goes against your values.
3. Why It all matters
Sure, some folks still believe that the purpose of business is to make money – period. But the truth is more complicated. Not everything profitable is ethical. And not everything ethical is unprofitable.
Actually, when a business is built on respect – for people and the environment – it becomes stronger and more trustworthy. Which often leads to more profit, not less.
Ethics isn’t a brake on business. It’s the engine of trust.
Bottom line: why it’s all worth it
Business isn’t just about cash. It’s about people. Relationships. How you treat others – your team, your clients, your partners.
When you act with integrity, people feel it. They trust you. They come back. They respect you. And that’s the kind of business others want to work with – whether you’re running a company, buying groceries, or working a 9-to-5. Your choices still matter.
Ethics is easy: just be a good person, even when no one’s around.
Sure, cutting corners might feel easier sometimes. But that only works short-term. When you build on respect and honesty, it lasts. It feels right. And it works – for people, and for you too.
At its core, business ethics is just about staying a decent human being, no matter what. And that’s always worth it.
Your questions answered
Profit matters, but how you earn it defines long-term success. Ethical companies:
Grow 2x faster (McKinsey)
Avoid scandals that cost 30% stock drops
Example: Patagonia’s $1B revenue from sustainability
Vote with your wallet:
Boycott brands exploiting workers (e.g., fast fashion)
Support Fair Trade/B-Corps (look for certifications)
“Would I want my family working in their factories?”
Whistleblow safely (use anonymous channels)
Demand transparency (e.g., sustainability reports)
“A team that quits over values costs more to replace than it saves”
Critical! Ethical SMEs:
Build local trust → repeat customers
Avoid lawsuits (*e.g., wage theft = $3B/year fines in US*)
Tip: Adopt a 1% profit pledge to community causes
Ethics = long-game advantage:
78% of Gen Z pays more for ethical brands (Nielsen)
Unethical firms face 4x higher turnover
“Play chess, not checkers – they’ll burn out”
Red Flags:
Vague claims (“eco-friendly” with no proof*)
No third-party certifications (e.g., B Corp, Fair Trade)
Test: Ask “Can they share their supply chain?”
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