Why do we use a microphone in the logo for Ethical Houston? As a matter of fact – there has been much discussion about that among the organizers of our group. Initially we envisioned using a 3 legged stool (to represent moral, ethical and responsible) or a compass (to represent our moral direction). Here below is some of the discussion we had –
I like the microphone because as a smal business owner I feel that the context in which I operate has changed dramatically over the 12 years. It used to be that my ‘ethical’ decisions were between me and prayer and sometimes my family. But now, especially in the past 5 years, every decision I make is up for public review. There are regulations that force me to behave a certain way towards people who work for my company – and those regulations often present results that are different from what my inside moral boundaries would ask me to do. There are customers who aren’t right for my company, and that 6 years ago I could politely ‘fire’, but these days, I cannot because they may decide to air the decision on facebook. I must weigh every thing I do as if it is broadcast on twitter, facebook, CNN, the Houston Chronicle, Houston Business Journal, in the pulpit on Sunday morning… all at once, and additionally as if it is put in front of a government agency like the IRS, ICE, Texas Workforce for review.
This is I think a common experience for professionals, and perhaps even more so for younger professionals. My Dad used to say “don’t do anything you don’t want to discuss at the table with your family”. That still holds true. But today, I also have to be willing to live with a public discussion at a public table.
That’s why the image of the microphone sums it up for me. My compass is actually pretty good. It is making my compass public that is tough.
From Bob Gower -
When I read historic books, I realize that there was a time when ethics were considered as not important, when the goal was just to create the best arrangement for oneself. And it appeared that everyone understood this, both those being unethical and also the ones who were impacted by the unethical behavior.
And I know that many would argue that some version of this is still the case. It may be for periods of time. But it is seldom that someone can get by with unethical business conduct over the long haul. They often will become ensnared by the legal apparatus of our country, as is evident with so many business executives currently serving prison time for violations of law. But, even more likely, they will be caught and censored by their own companies. Most companies strongly discourage unethical conduct.
Being ethical is the right thing to do. We all know that. But, when the culture of the business seems to be different, it can be difficult to stay with our beliefs. But it has never been more important to emphasize that high ethical standards are critical to business success. With all the methods of rapid communications and with the difficulty of keeping secrets, we should all assume that our actions will be known at some point. It is like living in front of a live microphone.
Allison Gower
nilknarf1940
To me, the mike represents amplification. Our thoughts are amplified through the words we speak. I betterbe careful that what I say matches what I do.
I strongly believe that our large, public corporations should assume that all their actions will be known at some point, and I agree that it is like living in front of a live microphone. I also think that is as it should be.
When I started my career in the corporate world, actually “eons” ago, I was molded by one of my first bosses. He was one of the most ethical people that I encountered during my career. I must admit that some of his personal behavior, morally speaking, at least early in his career would not have been acceptable to many church-going folks of that time. He had been through divorce and remarriage. While single he had been a very aggressive ladies man and loved to party! But when I met him he only had stories, probably enlarged, of that era of his life. However, I do recall that extra sound-prouffing had to be In his business life, he was always very outspoken about business behavior by other employees in front of other employees and even management. I soon learned that some of the other department bosses would send their newer employees to him in order for him to assess a new project that these younger employees had been assigned. After going through his gauntlet and listening to his sometimes vulgar language about what their actions would do hurt others, they would return to their bosses and fellow employees enraged by how they had been treated. By the smiles and some laughter, they soon realized that this had been a part of their initiation as new employees. The importance of those encounters was the ethical mark it left on those young folks for the future. For they now understood that there were people in the company who would always speak out against anything that looked or even “smelled” like unethical behavior in the company’s business dealings. This man became an unforgettable character and a strong moral and ethical example within the entire company. One must remember that these were the days before employees were encouraged to take matters to an ethics committee of outside directors whenever a chain of management refused to act. They were also protected by the board by doing so. That written procedure would come much later as would many other written policies providing for ethical behavior. Certainly many came because they were required by law, but there were others that were not required but suggested by company lawyers. I cannot prove that my company was perfect, but I can say that I never felt hesitant about expressing a concern about an ethical or moral issue. My views were not always accepted. I was not always right, but I was always allowed to express my opinion. Only in one case did a supervisor say, “Jim, you need to put your Bible back in your pocket now.” But he was joking.
It is important that employees speak out and stand up for what is right.
I appreciate your new organization and blog. Thanks for letting me tell this story and express some of my views.
Twenty Unethical Practices to Avoid
“Taking God to Work: A Biblical Path to Sanity, Productivity and Spirituality”
Daniel 1: 3-20
1. Misleading claims about products and services.
2. Misrepresentations in reporting or business control procedures.
3. Reneging on negotiated terms, whether verbal or written.
4. Establishing policies that are likely to cause employees to lie to get the job done.
5. Disloyalty to the company.
6. Knowingly producing poor quality.
7. Showing favoritism in hiring or promotion.
8. Unethical use of the internet.
9. Knowingly allowing unsafe practices.
10. Failing to speak up when an unethical practice occurs.
11. Price fixing.
12. Suppressing people’s rights to free speech and choice.
13. Failure to address bigotry, racism, sexism, or ageism.
14. Humiliating or bullying people at work.
15. Lying by omission to employees for the sake of the company.
16. Abusing corporate benefits, expense accounts, and perks.
17. Making fiscal decisions that put the company at unnecessary risk.
18. Making corporate decisions that do not take the community and the environment into consideration.
19. Failure to take responsibility for injurious practices, whether intentional or not.
20. Neglecting one’s family and/or personal needs for the sake of the company.
submitted by, Rev. Jim Jackson
HHIS I should have tuhoght of that!
Great posts, I strongly believe that our large, public corporations should assume that all their actions will be known at some point, and I agree that it is like living in front of a live microphone. I also think that is as it should be.
thanks for your comments. keeping posting.