Not only will we be short on playmates, but also we will not be likely to experience much joy or laughter. It is exceedingly difficult to laugh and play when you are always looking over your shoulder to see who is gaining on you or which dog will try to devour you next. The ethical idea that we must always be out for our own good and simply pursue our own interests is far too extreme, and leads to a work life of misery. Finding a more balanced way of working with others, which recognizes and honors both our own interests and the concerns of others is the path taken by the wise working dog. We don't need to pursue our own needs so exclusively that we are willing to step on others, stab them in the back, or make a meal of them.
Business ethics is a complicated matter.
However, we do know that a doctrine of fairness is a key component of virtually all modern ethical theories. In his best-selling book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten , Robert Fulghum reminds us that we were taught the wisdom of this ethical principle long ago as children in the school yard. Playing fair is not just the best policy for the play yard. Playing fair is also the right thing to do in the world of work and business. It's desirable not only because it makes us feel good about ourselves, but also because it makes good business sense.