Ethics and integrity at work place

In today's world, the confusion between right and wrong is increasing day by day. Businesses had to fight hard for their existence in this competitive market. The essentials of ethics and integrity are losing their existence in the business world. The easy but dishonest path to success can make businesses and entrepreneurs get quick money and fame but it will be short termed without any doubts. Any brand without ethics can't stretch its reputation for long.

To support the mentioned above we present here the world's famous and respected brands gaining their success and sustainability because of their ethics and customer's faith. Here is what these brand owners think on this.

Jack Ma, Founder Alibaba Group

Alibaba founded by Jack Ma is a legend in their own way. One of the giant of China worthing more than Facebook as Alibaba filed an IPO worth $25 billion. Combined order of eBay and Amazon can't compete with Alibaba standing alone. Jack Ma one of the legend and celebrity business leader shaped his view on ethics because of the dishonesty he faced from other businessmen at the starting of his business career.

Alibaba contract in its terms and condition clearly states that it is an offence to bribe while dealing with them. Here comes the clear-cut contract what Alibaba offers.

“Thank you for doing business with us. We hope that in our future business interactions, our employees cannot ask for bribes and you will not offer us bribes. If we discover any such situation, our group will never do business with you.”

Warren Buffet, CEO Berkshire Hathaway

Warren Buffet is the driving force behind the making of world's greatest brands and business named IBM, Apple, Costco and many more. Warren Buffet is the only one who can see the future of any business clearly. He says its the reputation of the brand that decides its future and longevity. As per Warren,

“Do nothing that you would not be happy to have an unfriendly but intelligent reporter write about on the front page of a newspaper. Lose money for the firm, and I will be understanding. Lose a shred of reputation for the firm, and I will be ruthless.”

Warren on many occasions has addressed his employees and stakeholders stating that "never compromise with integrity and the value of reputation."

“Integrity is a reputational advantage that others will weigh in subsequent dealings.”

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”

Azim Premji, Chairman Wipro Ltd.

Azimji is taken as an example by many of the businessmen for the success and sustainability that Azimji has achieved. He is the only men behind taking his FMCG family business into IT powerhouse as well. Not only in the business world but Azimji has also delivered socially by means of Azim Premji Foundation and University. His reputation as a corporate citizen and an employer is respected worldwide. Azimji's approach towards ethics has given him immense success and fame in the business world. As per the survey conducted by Ethisphere Institute, Wipro grabbed the award of World's most ethical brand in the year 2015.

Azim Premji says.

“The real threat to business is from within, from poor ethical standards and lack of integrity that can do incalculable harm. History has proven repeatedly that business ethics, shared value, and corporate governance determine the longevity of an enterprise. What is required is ‘capacity building’ towards deeper ethical behaviour. Employees must know compliance is not a tick-box activity and they ought to witness their organisations transcend compliance and infuse ethical practices into everyday action. They need to be empowered to thwart unethical action at work and appreciate the fact that business integrity is directly related to the future of the company, their families, and that it securitises their livelihoods.”

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Co-founder and CEO PAYTM

Vijay is a modern age internet entrepreneur, the men behind the building of PAYTM. Vijay promotes an open, positive and honest culture not only in his brand but also in the society. Vijay in many of his communications to the press says that he will finish corruption from its root. Vijay says.

“Corruption is nothing but cash-flow. We aim to build a cashless economy. No cash, No corruption!”

For Vijay, honesty and integrity should not be considered as choices but a must, like oxygen for our existence.

It is Vijay's non-tolerance towards unethical practices and dishonesty that Jack Ma raised a funding of $570 million to PAYTM.

PAYTM there in the world's '50 most innovative companies' for 2018 is self-explanatory for the values of ethics and integrity in the creation and long run of a brand.

Rosalind Brewer, CEO Starbucks

Rosalind think that leadership should be taken as a privilege by one. She also empowers and believes in ethical leadership. Rosalind believes in a leadership policy consisting of respect, transparency and candour.

Rosalind believes that these aspects of leadership go a long way in building strong teams and amazing companies. It creates a culture of trust within organisations, where bosses are no longer the enemy but a fellow teammate with shared goals. 

As per Rosalind, these policy ingredients helps in building amazing brands and star teams. The culture of trust and faith increases within the company and the bosses are no longer considered as an enemy by the team members. Rosalind Brewer says,

“Lead by example. Don’t ask your folks to do something that you aren’t willing to do.”

She thinks integrity is the only tool that creates great brands, as many leaders in the business history have proved this again and again.

Thanks,

Narendar Singh