Business careers have long been perceived as less ethical than other professions due to it’s money handling nature and the resulting scandals involving cash flow. Recently, though, more and more new businesses are focused on creating shared value-that is, not only being profitable for the company but being a positive influence on society or the environment. But, according to Jared Freedman’s blog post about Hobby Lobby’s refusal to fund employee contraceptives; following your personal code of ethics, if they are different from the majority, can lead to a deterioration of one’s business.

While I do agree that it was not a smart business move to not fund morning after contraception for its employees, Hobby Lobby made a decision based on their values and felt that compromising those values could compromise the values they wish their company to portray. As we discussed in class on thursday, the values of a company’s leaders directly affect the values of the company and the overall vibe of the company. Since the first part of Hobby Lobby’s mission statement is “honouring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles”(Our Company), then opposing free contraception to its employees is in line with their business plan.  If Hobby Lobby changed their ideals, some customers would be confused and potentially leave the company.

In summation, Hobby Lobby made the right decision based solely on their company values and is therefore remaining loyal to the Hobby Lobby brand.

Works Cited

“Our Company : Hobby Lobby – Hobby Lobby.” Our Company : Hobby Lobby – Hobby Lobby. Web. 7 Nov. 2014. <http://www.hobbylobby.com/our_company/>.

Freedman, Jared. “Hobby Lobby – Ethical Consideration by Businesses.” Jared Freedmans Blog. 10 Sept. 2014. Web. 7 Nov. 2014. <https://blogs.ubc.ca/jaredfreedmansblog/2014/09/10/hobby-lobby-ethical-consideration-by-businesses/>.