Good-Mouthing
When it comes to bad business ethics, one might think of examples such as child labour, bribery, or predatory pricing; although all of these ethical issues are prominent in our society today, Bruce Weinstein, Ph.D., the Ethics Guy, reminds us of a very simple ethical issue that tends to be pushed to the side and has been affecting people since they were little kids: bad-mouthing. It’s in our human nature to go behind one’s back and psychologically feel more confident about ourselves by putting them down. However, “why take potshots at people if you don’t have to?” (3). Weinstein explains that bad-mouthing isn’t productive at all; instead, he raises the concept of “good-mouthing.” Positivity, encouragement, and constructive criticism can “yield immense dividends” and possibly further the growth of a business. Bad-mouthing seems like such a trivial issue; however, it happens all the time and is often unaddressed. If one cannot handle the simplicity of not being rude and disrespectful, how can bigger, more vital ethical issues be handled without the base support of a good heart? As challenging as it sounds, the answer to good business ethics simply boils down to this: LOVE ONE ANOTHER.