Uphold virtue ethics, companies told

CLOUDINE MATOLA

Zimbabwe companies should uphold virtue ethics in order to create an environment that is both  appealing to investors and economically vital,   Father Fidelis Mukonori has said.

He made this statement on Thursday at the Business Times breakfast meeting held in the capital Harare.
He said that businesses that promote ethical virtues like integrity, honesty, fairness, and respect greatly increase the sustainability of their operations.

Father Mukonori also said that businesses may attract investment, stimulate innovation, and contribute to a more secure and sustainable economic future by fostering ethical values.

“In Zimbabwe, ethical business practices are not just a moral imperative, they are an economic imperative. By prioritizing ethical conduct, companies can create a culture that fosters ethical decision-making at all levels.

“By cultivating ethical virtues, companies create a more attractive environment for investment, foster innovation and contribute to a more stable and sustainable economic future,” Father Mukonori said.

He added: “Business must always conduct itself through a framework of what philosophers call virtue ethics. The concept of virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of cultivating character traits or virtues that lead to morally good actions.

“These virtues include honesty, integrity, fairness, respect. A company that prioritizes these values fosters a culture of ethical decision-making throughout its operations.

“Application of virtue ethics goes beyond simply avoiding wrong doings. It encourages building a positive ethical business environment. For example, a company that prioritizes honesty fosters trust with its customers and employees. Similarly, a company that values fairness creates a more equitable and motivating workforce.”

Father Mukonori added that a business that is founded on moral behavior will be able to overcome any obstacles that may come up within the organization.
Customers, he continued, like to do business with organizations that uphold moral principles.

” Consumers are increasingly becoming more loyal to brands that uphold ethical values. A company built on a foundation of ethical conduct is better positioned to weather challenges and build trust with its stakeholders. By prioritizing long-term well-being over short-term gains, ethical businesses ultimately create a more sustainable model for success. More importantly, ethical practices align with long-term success and sustainability,” Father Mukonori said.

Additionally, Father Mukonori satated that these ethics enable individuals and businesses to make sound judgments based on their core values.