Ethical Business Activities
Ethical business activities are more than practices that follow a set of rules or standard of conduct. Business ethics comprises actions or behaviors that closely follow the principles of honesty and integrity. Ethical people not only follow the letter of the law, but they also follow the spirit of the law. Any activities conducted by groups or individuals inside or outside a business have the potential for building up or tearing down a company's reputation. Each employee must view himself as the corporate conscience of a business and act accordingly.
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Trust
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The definition of trust indicates the acceptance of truth or reliability without evidence or investigation. When an employee or company representative "takes someone at his word," it means people believe what he says to be unquestionable. Not many relationships, whether personal or business, enjoy that level of trust. Ethical business activities that create trust include keeping promises, delivering goods or services on time, and following through as promised. Customers build trust in a business based on their experiences with that business.
Honesty and Integrity
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Business activities that exhibit or promote uncompromising honesty and integrity are considered ethical. Such activities include those displayed by all employees, whether they are a low-ranking clerk or the CEO. If a high-level executive in a position of leadership lies or otherwise engages in an unethical personal or business behavior, other employees or representatives may feel they can do likewise. Ethical business activities start when everyone espouses an attitude of complete honesty with customers and coworkers. Honest people tell the truth regardless of the situation, circumstances or the inevitable consequences.
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Routine Activities
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Sometimes, seemingly unimportant, everyday tasks make up the motor that promotes ethical business activities. For example, accurately reporting sales numbers -- even when doing so will decrease next year's budget to make up for lost profit -- shows honesty and integrity. Other examples include not making outlandish promises to get a potential client's business and refusing to alter report results even if everyone else is doing so. Choosing honesty in these everyday, not-so-obvious activities promotes and encourages others to act accordingly. All honest activities will reflect well on the business and its representatives.
Community Service
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Activities that promote ethical business may include certain community service projects. A community that respects, admires and trusts a corporation or business is that business' greatest asset. Donations of time and money cannot create a perception of a company's business ethics, but they can further the fine reputation of a company that already practices ethical business behavior. Some corporations organize a league of community softball teams. Others work with charity groups to organize food drives at the local food bank, sponsor a group in the Special Olympics or encourage employees to volunteer their time preparing holiday dinners for disadvantaged people.
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