Why does ‘being ethical’ matter?

As much as qualitative research is the bedrock on which most of us form opinions, there’s no denying the impact of what we can safely call ‘the University of Google.’ How often do we quickly jump into the search engine to define concepts? When you type ‘what does it mean to be ethical,’ the first option directs you to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary that poignantly says it’s ‘conforming to accepted standards of conduct.’ Therein lies the conundrum for us as South Africans. Accepted standards of conduct have slipped so much that it’s time for a radical new approach.

The United Nations has identified 17 sustainable developmental goals and they’re all relevant to South Africa. If we’re to realise them, the topic of ethics needs to be considered seriously. When it comes to our political ideology, there are so many indications that our political minds have considered what’s in the best interest of our country. Our shortcoming has been in execution. And while it’s easy to lay blame at the feet of the current crop of politicians, there’s no denying South Africa’s unique historical legacy of inequality and gross injustice. Knowing this however shouldn’t give us recourse to throw up our arms in despair. What are we as businesses in the financial services’ sector doing to intentionally bring about an ethical wave that will hopefully grow into a tsunami of consciousness towards doing the right thing for the greater good?

As a developing country, our focus as business should be on shared prosperity instead of individual profit. What is undeniable is there’s no escaping the reality of South Africa’s gross inequality. As much as you can shutter yourself in a high-walled, private security-barricaded enclave, as soon as you drive out, you are exposed to the realities of life for the majority of 62-million people. You can’t enjoy your high-end vehicle on roads where potholes threaten your vehicle’s alignment and stopping to survey the damage exposes you to the risk of violent crime. At a human-level, your heart will never be full if children in your neighbourhood go to bed hungry and are left without decent education. The more we think about it, the more pressing the need for us to reintroduce the need to ‘do the right thing’ always. This ethical consideration needs to become our compass. Our shared prosperity is a ticket for South Africa to uplift herself out of rapid degradation to realise the potential we know she has. In Mandela Month, never has there been a more appropriate time for us as business leaders to consider the greater good, to put people before profit, and to find the undeniable magic of Ubuntu that is at the core of what makes us South African.

Feeding at the trough of malfeasance has destroyed hope for so many young people. What we all know though is that South Africa is resilient. There’s no other country as remarkable. Let’s help her find her way again by doing the right thing. If you’re unable to make big shifts, start small. Corporate social responsibility doesn’t always have to have a big bang approach. Starting a reading club in the office can be the catalyst to encourage employees to play a more meaningful role in the lives of their children as well as the lives of children in their community. An example everyone can replicate is that by encouraging employees to read to their children at bedtime, they’re encouraging a culture of reading. And by donating books to local schools that could do with such support, they’re empowering their communities. All of it ties back to the greater good. How can you say no to that?