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October 24, 2003
The ethics of business
JLI course offers students a talmudic perspective.
NORM FARRELL SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
Are the rules of conduct in business different from those in private
life? Must a businessperson deal equitably with all, even the ignorant,
weak and foolish? What constitutes fraud or theft? Who defines principle
and where do the rules originate?
Nobel laureate Milton Friedman focused modern debate with his statement
that ethics were not the concern of a corporation and that its only
social responsibility was to increase profits. Others argue that
good ethics are good business and a requisite of success. More recently,
critics of business blamed amoral corporate governance for encouraging
fraudulent, corrupt and illegal behaviors.
Friedman's thesis was broader than his famous quote.
"Only people have ethics," he said "Ethics is me,
the individual, as a person. I'm ethical or unethical." Clearly,
Friedman believes that core individual values are important to everyone,
corporate managers included.
The history of western business ethics reveals religious traditions
at the root. Judaism's precepts, in particular, have provided important
foundations for the ethical practice of business. However, perhaps
in search of secularity, today's business schools hesitate to teach
ethical issues. For example, among the almost 100 offerings of the
University of British Columbia MBA program, only one six-week course
specifically focuses on ethics.
Many other well-regarded business schools share this disinterest
in an important subject. Some ethicists believe that results in
a harmful void in the training of tomorrow's leaders. Writing in
the Journal of Business Ethics, Martin Calkins states that
we should "look to religions to understand better the working
of big institutions and the motives that drive people to act morally."
These broad issues and more are explored in a new Jewish Learning
Institute (JLI) course titled Talmudic Ethics, Timeless Wisdom for
Timely Dilemmas. Led by rabbis Yechiel Baitelman, Yitzchak Wineberg
and Falik Schtroks, JLI discussion groups will examine the ageless
guides and inspirations that have sustained Jews throughout history.
This is part of an extensive JLI curriculum based on traditional
Jewish perspectives.
According to Baitelman, "The first question after death is
'Nasata v'netata be'emunah' ('Did you conduct your business
affairs with honesty and with probity?') This establishes ethical
obligations between people as fundamental and demonstrates that
social and ritual behavior rank equally as inseparable parts of
Jewish morality."
JLI participants will study the vital principle of Jewish law derived
from the verse "You shall do that which is fair and good in
the sight of the Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:18) Baitelman will demonstrate
how that principle applies, not simply in business activities, but
in all personal relationships and social obligations.
Baitelman has lectured extensively for the JLI. Most recently, he
led a relationship course about soul power. Elana Gold, a corporate
events and communications specialist admitted some reluctance to
attend her first series.
"However, week after week, I was impressed with the relevancy
of the lessons to both secular and spiritual life – the haimish
[homey] atmosphere that quickly developed among the participants
and the enthusiasm and skill with which our rabbi instructor guided
us through a range of meaningful topics," she said. "On
the last night of the course, I found myself leaving very reluctantly."
Talmudic Ethics, Timeless Wisdom for Timely Dilemmas begins Oct.
28 in Richmond and continues through eight weekly sessions. Space
is available for new participants. To register, call 604-266-1313.
The course will be repeated in Vancouver and in South Surrey. In
its continuing curriculum, the Jewish Learning Institute provides
comprehensive textbooks and presentations prepared by international
experts in traditional learning. Lubavitch B.C. supports the JLI
in British Columbia, with assistance from the Jewish Federation
of Greater Vancouver. For more information, contact Baitelman at
604-277-6427 or visit www.jlicentral.com.
Norm Farrell is a Vancouver freelance writer.
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