Today’s world is filled with controversy. Whether it be national or international relations, religious and nonprofit organizations should be allowed to choose how they operate in regards to the organization and its employees/members.
Many issues have left people scratching their heads wondering where it all went wrong. Or rather, they may ask themselves if the world will ever get it right.
The business world is no stranger to these controversies. While there are many who abide by ethical rules, some businesspeople have put their employees’ lives on the line in order to save a quick dollar. These issues are not new to the world. Philosophers have shared their views on cultural issues for centuries.
One individual millions are influenced by is Jesus Christ. Many people believe him to be the Son of God, while others see him as a Prophet who lived two thousand years ago. In this letter, I will explain that while Jesus Christ did not have a concept of business ethics, he taught that people should be ethical “at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Book of Mormon, MSH 18:9).
To perform a task consistently, one must do it both in and outside of the workplace. With that in mind, an individual must act the same way at work as they do around their spouse. Studies have shown that many organizations are starting to see the importance of spirituality in the workplace and believe that because of this their company is trending upwards.
“Similarly, Neal suggested that since a spiritual transformation is put into practice by an individual, he or she seeks to integrate that transformation by applying certain principles in key aspects of his or her life, including at work settings that one is particularly interested here. When the transformations are channeled to the right track, and individuals perform their role in accordance, they tend to feel engaged, self-realized, helpful, and happy” (Vasconcelos).
To act ethically or spiritually at all times may be difficult, but it is the desire to make the change and do the right thing that gets results individually and thus translates into success in the workplace.
“Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life” (Book of Mormon, MSH 18:6).
Jesus Christ’s intent was for all people to learn his word. He chose his disciples so that they could continue to teach after his death.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (King James Bible, Mark 16:15).
Jesus did not instruct the disciples to teach a business course, he told them to teach the educated, the non-educated, the young and old. He taught people to set goals that were centered on long lasting happiness rather than the accumulation of monetary wealth.
Jesus set an example of being a leader through serving others. This is a principle that can be applied to businesspeople, teachers and government officials.
Through leading by example, organizational leaders can create a culture that encourages ethical behavior from all employees from the top down. These values are attitudes that everyone must acquire and it may not be a quick fix.
If we as individuals can improve ourselves, the world around us will begin to look a lot brighter.
Corbin Gale
WSU Senior – Business Management
