J seven deadly sins Seven deadly sins – a Gandhi series Business should be run in accord with honest, decent, ethical standards – avoiding the mere pursuit of power or profit John Gallaher Commerce without morality eriodically we see scandals Commerce without Morality pays. But, fter 30 years in the commercial emerging somewhere in the as the 18th century Scottish moral world, I believe that a moral commercial sector, as yet again philosopher Adam Smith stated, “self- foundation is fundamental Psomeone in a position of trust has interest leads to the common good Ato creating successful economic (and succumbed to greed and self-interest. only if most people in society have political) systems. The degree to which As a result many would say that “the internalised a general moral law as a the capitalist model continues to be more things change, the more they stay guide for their behaviour”. successful is not, in my view, because the same”, and there is an absence of “self-interest leads to the we are all profit-driven to the exclusion ethics, of a defined moral code in the of everything else. It is because we behaviour of these people. common good only if people recognise that in order to create and maintain a successful business we need Very often the organisation which have internalised a general to ensure fairness between all parties employs them will have a mission and have a very clear understanding of or values statement as part of their moral law as a guide the consequences of our actions. corporate philosophy. Ideally this is for their behaviour” designed to provide a touchstone for The capitalist model in its simplest form employees, a statement of morality And yet, time and time again we is a system of voluntary relationships that they should embrace. But all too see individuals and Corporates inside a legal structure that protects often this is given lip service, as the rationalising their exclusively profit- the rights of the individual. Since pursuit of power and profit dominates driven behaviour. No one is denying capitalism is based on freedom of absolutely. the need for businesses to be successful, choice, it can promote morality and but when the pursuit of profit becomes character development, but it cannot I well recall a 1987 movie Wall Street the most important focus of businesses guarantee a moral society. that revolved around one character, large or small, morals (or ethics) are Gordon Gecko, whose catch-cry very often disregarded, or reinterpreted It is in this context that the ‘seven was “greed is good”. In other words to suit the desired outcome. deadly sins’ as enunciated by Mohan- 18 Tui Motu InterIslands J das Gandhi have so much relevance I suggest this is a case of the means to our everyday conduct, in our justifying the end. It is a pretext business and personal lives. To my for ignoring the moral imperative. mind the word conduct is the key. We need to get rid of the belief that In the same way that the duty of a because something is permissible, by Trustee is to be prudent, one can definition it is proper – or because it is easily argue the same test for anyone legal, therefore it is ethical or moral. working in the commercial sector. According to Trustee Law, prudence Equally we need to understand and is a test of conduct, not an absolute embrace what morality means to us. measure. Our ability to pursue As I reflect on this, I realise that this commerce with morality should be is a substantial challenge. Morality seen in the same light. is the quality of being in accord with standards of right or good conduct. One of Gandhi’s many quotes provides For us to define morality, we will most Adam Smith (1723-1790) a very clear insight into his thinking. likely use the rules of right and wrong 18th Century Scottish moral philosopher. His philosophy is founded on his faith that we follow everyday. He is regarded as the ‘father’ of free market in the power of the individual; he economics states: “As human beings, our greatness But these will be interpreted according understanding of consequences of one’s lies not so much in being able to to our cultural and religious beliefs. actions or inaction. remake the world – that is the myth In the final analysis, the value is in of the Atomic Age – as in being able to simplicity. A system of standards that If this is able to be embedded in the remake ourselves”. we can use to produce honest, decent corporate culture, then integrity in and ethical results, I would argue, all aspects of the business becomes a Therein, I believe, lies the challenge to should be considered as moral, thereby reality, the win-win philosophy has each of us as individuals to interpret defining our morality. meaning, and our behaviour includes the seven deadly sins in the context of the desire to act in a fair and mutually today’s fast-moving and self-centred The test will be – can we conduct beneficial manner. world. The answer lies within us, each ourselves in a commercially successful in our own way, to change the course environment in a morally acceptable Is this overly idealistic? No, I don’t of history if we can embrace the natural manner. Yes, I believe we can, but it believe so. n balance, the elegant simplicity that each requires a shift in focus away from the John Gallaher is Dunedin Manager of of the seven social sins represents. profit at any cost motive and a very clear Forsyth Barr Ltd n the same way as we cannot expect “success without effort”, The seven ‘deadly sins’ of modern society as Gandhi saw them: the notion of “commerce without morality”I makes little sense. Again Politics without Principle Gandhi has captured the essence, Wealth without work the logic of the interrelationship and Commerce without morality its importance to each of us who Pleasure without conscience participate in the business sector in Education without character some way. “A person cannot do right in one department while attempting to Science without humanity do wrong in another department. Life Worship without sacrifice is one indivisible whole”. January 2008 will be the 60th anniversary of Gandhi’s death. He was Perhaps the better way to consider assassinated at the very moment when Indian independence was about to become Gandhi’s seven deadly sins is to add the a fact. He is truly the father of modern India. With all its ups and downs India prefix: “you cannot have…”.You cannot has consolidated as not only the world’s largest democracy but a country where have commerce without morality. The different races and creeds live together with a degree of mutual tolerance. two aspects are then clearly linked This series is being put together to commemorate Gandhi’s heritage. We offer it – success in one (commerce) requires not only to our readers but also to secondary schools. We have a limited supply application of the second (morality). of copies of the July, August and September issues which we are happy to Many would argue that the definition make available for senior students at minimum cost (to cover printing and of morality is just too complex, but postage). Contact the Editor: [email protected] Tui Motu InterIslands 19.