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I believe, that many international companies, have the tendency to make money at any cost. For instance, many European and American clothing manufacturers have moved their factories or assigned their production to local factories in Bangladesh. Isn't it true that people there, are working from sunrise to sundown? Wasn't there a fire, some months ago, in a factory and people were already locked inside by their boss, and they all burned? These stories are in the news constantly. Even in my country, many factories relocated to Bulgaria or Romania where the labor cost is cheaper. As a result, many people in many parts of the country were unemployed. So, I think that Money and Morals are two different concepts. If this wasn't true, then from the beginning of the industrial revolution in England, the workers should be respected and they should gain enough money and health insurance from their work. But that wasn't the case, and after many years and many protests from the working class we now have some advantages. So, I believe that, by large percentage the companies, are being forced to have some policies that benefit the environment and the employees. The small percentage is companies founded by people with ideals and vision.
Hence, If the company I was working, had this policy of making money with any cost, I would surely look for another job!
For a employee at any level, its simple. If the ethical and moral values of the company do not match with the employees, he/she will always be a misfit in the organisation. Even if they work, they will always be unhappy in such an enviroment and will have no job satisfaction, which in turn will affect the organisation.
As an employee, if you are not willing to compromise, look for other job options and corporate cultures you can relate too.
Saying that, if you are employed at a position where you could influence major decision making, it would certainly be worthwhile to discuss what you feel and explain that making money at "any cost" may not be the best decision in the long run for the company
I looked at a couple of time at the wording of “at any cost” and it does not leave any space for other interpretation than “at any cost”, which is too risky for me.
If I’m well aware of this unethical conduct and it contradicts with my understanding, which I believe is in essence a derivative of the universal commonly shared inflexible understanding of morality and ethics (as opposed to practiice of morality), I will have a very difficult employment period at that company. I naturally have no talent of sticking my head in a bucket of sand like an ostrich, when I see clear wrongs that impact my reputation & indeed my conscience.
It’s easily said than done, but if can't contribute in righting these wrongs, I will cut it short and leave! They are plenty of ethical business out there. Nice & daring question, Mr. Dawood.
Most companies objective is to make money at any cost (It may not be specified bluntly as such). However in some areas they start infringing on the rights of individuals and may be unethical. All reputable companies are aware of their limitations and try to apply internal policies to limit unethical behaviour and business practises under governmental rules and regulations.
If an employee has morality concerns they have the option of bringing them up before the ethics committee (and if such is unavailable in the organization) than they can report it to the relevant board/management. This can be done in various ways such as with a presentation or a thorough report also representing the possible side effects / repute damage / business negative implications etc such policies could trigger. (In some extreme cases, we may often hear about a whistle blower going public to bring down the firm etc.)
However as a last resort when all professional efforts fail, the individual has the option to leave such a company and they may do so if the morality concerns outweigh their allegiance to the company.
Right Values are something that is inculcated in you asa child growing up..it goes a long way in your professional career when ethical business decisions have to be taken ...Being ethical and doing the right thing keeping our values that we stand for upright always helps in the long run when doing business even though short term sometimes you might loose ou or find it a little tough keeping up..
Busineeses ultimately do well if done in a clean squeaky way than resorting to 'at any cost 'kind of dealings to make quick easy gains
As long as the company's policy not inconsistent with the values and teachings of Islam, there is no problem and any institution or organization or company Bacon's first goal is profit and the employee should be eligible to work under any circumstance
Based on my experience, values and moral ethics are hardcoded into the local culture and they are more planted into the peoples' sunconcious and appear in their non-volantary responses. I experienced that they modtly prevail if and when in conflict with company policies.
How many policies have any one seen in the region that states "the comapny is to make money at any cost"? I beleive that policy makers do respect the local calues and moral ethics. I have a seen multinational ompanies with multiple versions of policies to match the local cultures.
It is a fact that for a lot of companies worldwide making money AT ANY COST is not an issue. They might be flagging great corporate cultures and indulging in great CSR but we see so many examples how they baffle human and environmental concerns.
It is a fact as well that a majority of employees when involved in such companies overlook these moral an ethical issues for the sake of their jobs & financial reasons.
It takes and makes a great person to react in such cases and usually this will be at the cost of his job.
The saddest part of the story is that in most cases, people who have reacted to such malpractices are considered outcast.
If your conscience doesn't allow you to be a part of Immorality or unethical work practices at the work place raise your voice against it,follow the protocol bring this into higher ups notice,develop a common platform with other like minded colleagues to discuss the issue and find a way to rectify it although with the help of management,if you find your self alone and alien quit the place.
Handling of such situation is difficult but not impossible , Try to educate the management if management is inspired by your views then fine, Otherwise employee should join some other organization where the respect of all these things are alive.
I would discuss with the management in a gentle way. Suggest to have a meeting or workshop to analyze the issues, find out the causes (5 Why's for an example). Proove that moral & high ethic standards are the best way for profits & growth at the strategic level and on the long term. Try to find how to maximize the participation of other (may be unaware stakeholders). If this approach fails I would search for another job & leave this company.
