What place does ethics have in business?

Just Recruitment Group Ltd Director Peter Foy reflects on the value of morality in contemporary commerce.

Most people working in the business world tend to believe that companies are there to make money.

    When the communities in which we operate thrive, we thrive. When they suffer, we suffer.  

Put simply, a company’s primary business is business. It needs to generate wealth for its shareholders. If it performs some good deeds in the process – a bit of positive Corporate Social Responsibility work here, some charitable giving there – all well and good. But the bottom line is, well, the bottom line.

I want to challenge that wisdom. I don’t think money-making is the full story for contemporary commercial operations. Yes, it’s important. But unless businesses contribute to healthy communities, they stand very little chance of flourishing.

Why communities matter

Just consider for a moment. It is from our communities that we draw employees, customers, champions and critics. If we’re not surrounded by a vibrant grouping of people with a clearly defined sense of the common good, we may as well not be trading.

When the communities in which we operate thrive, we thrive. When they suffer, we suffer. We are wedded to our neighbours and they to us. Our destinies are entwined.

That explains why businesses that don’t look out for the people around them so often fail. We rely on our neighbours, as they rely on us. To use a phrase that was unfortunately hijacked by politicians a decade or so ago, we’re in it together.

Expert opinion

These sentiments have been well articulated by businesspeople such as Marc Benioff and academics like Professor Atul Shah, who works at the University of Suffolk.

The message is simple: business needs to be rooted in community. Greed isn’t good. Mutuality and other-regard are.

Of course, the notion that business should take account of ethics is by no means novel. Adam Smith, the man often cited as the father of the laissez-faire economy, stressed the need for Corporate Social Responsibility. The market is right but the market needs management. Individual greed must not be allowed to damage the common good.

Benioff, the founder of Salesforce.com, is eloquent in his belief that businesses need to be generous with their profits and talents to develop the communities in which they trade. He argues forcibly that this generosity should continue even when times are hard. When communities suffer, so do corporations. They need to stand alongside one another.

Professor Shah approaches the issue from a slightly different angle. As an academic, he is concerned with how our future business people, i.e. his students, are equipped to enter the market. His major thesis is that commerce needs to be rooted in a lived ethics: for business to prosper in an acceptable fashion, its practitioners must have a societal framework from which they can draw an ethical pattern.

Knowing right from wrong

In other words: business people need to know right from wrong and feel compelled to act accordingly.

The Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) regularly publishes surveys of the general public’s perception concerning the morality of businesses. You can see Just Recruitment’s summary of some of its most recent findings by clicking on the video above. The understanding of what is ethical in the survey is divided into two categories:

1) Legal

  • Financial probity
  • Discrimination
  • Prejudice

Cross these lines and you break the law. So, speak out.

2) Subjective

Are you, as an employee, happy with the environment you are working in?

In its own ethical guide, the IBE states:

“We recognise that this Guide cannot cover every challenge that you might face in your work. In these situations, we trust you to use your personal judgment to make the right decisions.”

      ...business needs to be rooted in the community. Greed isn’t good. Mutuality and other-regard are.  

Forming judgments

This, I think, is the rub. Because, for a person to have trustworthy judgement, they must have some understanding of right and wrong. And that’s why companies need to have ethical practice hardwired into their operations. Ethics should be in every business’s DNA.

How else will employees calibrate their moral compass?

The challenge

Here’s my challenge to the business community: we should consider how to enshrine morality in our companies, not only so that we’re committed to doing the right thing at a corporate level.

More important even that is to shape the dispositions of our people, so they know how to live, and flourish, in the world.

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

Published: 12 December 2019

If you liked this article you may like to read: Ten of the most common “neuromyths”

You may also like to read: The knowledge: find out what you stand for

Jobs currently available

New job
TIG Welder
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £13.00 - £14.00 per hour
Location: Haverhill
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAV-TW-1124
About the role

Just Temps has an opportunity for experienced TIG Welders to join a company based in Haverhill, Suffolk.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Salary: Starting at £13.00 + per hour (depending on experience).

Key responsibilities:

  • Perform precise TIG welding on a range of metals and materials.
  • Follow technical drawings and specifications accurately.
  • Inspect welds to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.
  • Maintain and operate welding equipment safely.
  • Collaborate with team members to meet production goals.

Role requirements:

  • Previous TIG welding experience is essential.
  • Ability to read and understand engineering blueprints.
  • Strong attention to detail and focus on quality workmanship.
  • Good communication skills and a team-oriented mindset.
  • Reliable with a strong work ethic.

What’s on offer:

  • Starting pay at £13.00+ per hour, with room for increase based on skills and experience.
  • A temp-to-perm opportunity with the potential for a long-term role.
  • A supportive and friendly working environment.

If you have experience in TIG welding and are looking for a new challenge in Haverhill, we want to hear from you!

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
TIG Welder
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £13.50 - £14.00 per hour
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAL-TW-1124
About the role

Just Temps has an opportunity for experienced TIG Welders to join a company based in Halstead, Essex.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Salary: Starting at £13.50 + per hour (depending on experience).

Key responsibilities include:

  • Perform high-quality TIG welding on various materials.
  • Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
  • Ensure welds meet specifications and industry standards.
  • Inspect and maintain welding equipment for safety and efficiency.
  • Work effectively within a team to meet project deadlines.

Role requirements:

  • Proven experience in TIG welding (minimum 2 years preferred).
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Reliable, punctual, and a team player.
  • Own PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is an advantage.

This role offers:

  • Competitive hourly rate starting at £13.50 + with the potential to increase based on experience.
  • Opportunity to move from a temporary position to a permanent role.
  • A supportive work environment with room for professional growth.

If you are a reliable TIG Welder looking for a stable opportunity with potential for a permanent role, we’d love to hear from you!

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Goods In Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913546
About the role

Just Recruitment has an excellent opportunity for a Goods In Operative to join a fast-growing company based in Chelmsford, Essex.

The company offers ongoing progression and training opportunities.

Duties will include:

  • Booking and accurately recording all incoming stock
  • Processing customer returns requests
  • Ensuring stock is all placed back in the correct location
  • Making sure all areas of goods are always kept organised and are compliant with health and safety rules
  • Basic testing of returned goods to identify any faults or defects
  • Assist with any warehouse tasks required – picking and packing orders, undertaking stock checks etc.
  • Updating Warehouse Management System (NetSuite)
  • Using a handheld scanner

Skills required:

  • Previous experience within a logistics distribution and supply chain company is preferred
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Basic understanding of computer systems
  • Able to lift stock of varying size and weight
  • Work effectively within a team environment
  • Forklift licence is preferred but not essential as training will be provided for the right candidate (bendi, counterbalance or reach)

Benefits:

  • Performance-based bonuses
  • 23 days annual leave
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Career progression opportunities
  • Friendly and supportive work environment

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £26,000.00 - £26,769.60 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JRG913600
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a transport and logistics business based on the outskirts of Colchester - looking to add an Administrator to its existing team, due to internal promotion.

The key element of the role is to assist the customer journey throughout the organisation, ensuring that it is as smooth as possible, dealing with any issues as they arise and preparing all required documentation. You will be providing all admin support competently and confidently.

Key duties include:

  • Carry out the data entry of information onto the relevant system, identifying and resolving any discrepancies and preparing all documentation relating to the movement/transportation of goods accurately and efficiently to deliver high customer service levels.
  • Communicate effectively and promptly to all relevant external and internal clients to maintain the key flow of information.
  • Answer and direct queries promptly and in a professional manner providing accurate information to ensure excellent customer service is being delivered.
  • Complete general administrative duties efficiently and effectively to deliver a world-class service.
  • Maintain relevant system by accurately inputting the required data, in addition to checking and reconciling data where appropriate and identifying and resolving any discrepancies to ensure 100% accuracy.
  • Update, produce and communicate all business KPI’s to monitor service delivery levels.
  • Work as part of a team and participate in cross-training initiatives to provide effective cover in a colleague’s absence.
  • Operate a high standard of general housekeeping and work in a safe manner complying with all health and safety regulations to maintain a clean, safe and tidy working environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a business offering a competitive package, further training and development and free parking is available on-site.

Due to the nature of the business - working hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm - some flexibility if offered.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £11.50 - £12.10 per hour
Location: Bury St. Edmunds
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913542
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Warehouse Operative on behalf of a company based near Bury St. Edmunds.

You will be responsible for carrying out warehouse tasks as required by the Line Manager/Supervisor.

You will have qualifications to operate PPT (Pivot Steer, Counterbalance, VNA preferred).

Shifts available:

  • 6.00am to 2.30pm at £11.50 per hour.
  • 8.00am to 4.30pm at £11.50 per hour.
  • 2.30pm to 11.00pm at £12.10 per hour requiring a PPT licence.

Duties include:

  • Operate MHE safely and effectively according to requirements.
  • Unloading goods in.
  • Checking in goods.
  • Putting away products and keeping the warehouse tidy.
  • Picking products as per customer orders.
  • Checking orders and ensuring accuracy.
  • Packing orders to ensure safety in delivery.
  • Loading deliveries.
  • Undertaking any other duties as may be required.

Qualifications and skills required:

  • Good level of numeracy and literacy.
  • Basic PC skills.
  • Knowledge of company health and safety policy.
  • Housekeeping awareness.
  • Qualifications to operate PPT (Pivot Steer, Counterbalance, VNA preferred).
  • Physically active.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Toolroom Machinist
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913541
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a stable engineering business based in Clacton-on-Sea with a bulging order book—looking to add a Toolroom Machinist to its team on a permanent basis.

The purpose of the role, is to work with the wiser business team, operating and setting machines, in order to fulfil and meet business production targets.

Key requirements and duties include:

  • Working within company health, safety and environmental policy and practices.
  • Machining in preparation for the manufacture, service and repair of tooling as instructed by the department supervisor.
  • Working within all company quality procedures to ensure tooling meets customer requirements every time.
  • Ability to read and understand technical drawings.
  • Ability to problem solve with an analytical approach.
  • Assessment of tooling following any unplanned downtime.
  • Basic understanding of tool design and associated software packages.

Type of equipment you will be expected to work with includes:

  • Mills
  • Lathes
  • CNC
  • Grinders

Working hours are: 8.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.00am to 3.30pm on Fridays.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more