The notion of business ethics and communication patterns within the business segment has become one of the most discussed subjects when dealing with business in general today. In order to define the major interrelations between ethics and business success rate, many researchers launch empirical studies to calculate the following interdependence. Thus, the prime example of such a study is Burton and Goldsby’s (2005) article on the correlation between business ethics and “The Golden Rule.” The latter stands for the well-known saying, “Treat people the way you want them to treat you.” In fact, while the interrelation between the notions seems quite obvious, the very development of this symbiosis over the years is impressive.
For example, a few years ago, the notion of business relationships had quite a negative connotation, implying unhealthy competition, cruelty, and lack of trust. However, over the past decade, there was a major shift in the business communication paradigm due to some major changes in the social patterns. One of the most crucial precedents towards the shift is known as the globalization process. Before globalization, every local market was doing its best in order to remain relevant and outweigh its competitors.
However, with the rapid development of the Internet connection that makes the globe a smaller and more accessible place to introduce one’s goods and services, people have become focused on collaboration rather than on a desire to outstand others. For this reason, the so-called Golden Rule has become an asset in terms of the business planning of the 21st century. Moreover, the very semantic paradigm of business and leadership has shifted towards a willingness to become stronger when united. As a result, treating people in the manner, they want to be treated themselves is no more a utopian philosophic notion but a real strategy towards a successful future.
Reference
Burton, B. K., & Goldsby, M. (2005). The golden rule and business ethics: an examination. Journal of Business Ethics, 56, 371-383.