Business Ethics, Part 5 of 5

The last of Mr. Byron’s “Ten Classic Ethical Principles” …

I sense many of you will have strong feelings about the inclusion of love on Mr. Byron’s list. Some may believe love has absolutely no place at work. To you please consider the question, “Is there just one kind of love, a love that’s only place is in our close relationships?”

There will also be individuals who feel love is critical to organizational success. The individuals who say “I love my job.” They often bring a passion to their work that inspires others and energizes their organization. Is this the love to which Mr. Byron refers?

Whether you are perched on the fence or solidly on a side I ask that you consider what expanding love in your work could mean for you.

Excerpt from The Power of Principles

“I’ve identified ten classic ethical principles and invite the reader to come up with his or her own understanding of each one. You are the world’s leading expert on your own opinion. It is important that you articulate your own opinion on these matters so that you can assess how widely shared, in your present or future workplace, are your values and the understandings you have of these classic principles. Remember, a culture is a set of shared meanings and values. How widely shared are your meanings and values relative to these ten points?

….

Tenth, the Ethical Principle of Love. I see this as a prin­ciple, an internalized conviction, that prompts a willingness to sacrifice one’s time, convenience, and a share of one’s ideas and material goods for the good of others.”


Byron, S.J., William J., The Power of Principles: Ethics for the New Corporate Culture, Orbis Books, 2006. Chapter One, Old Ethical Principles, pp 5-6.