The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1915-06-17
BUSINESS ETHICS
Nv Or. FRANK CRANE
Copyright. 1915. by Frank Crane)


In time past the business man was not
supposed To have any ethics. Soldiers
have their code of honor. Noblemen ac-
knowledge strict obligations, as express
ed in the motto "noblesse oblige." Pro-
fessional men observed certain nice points
Of conduct. But the merchant trader,
shopkeeper, and salesman we expected
to get all they could by hook or crook
and to lie enthusiastically and the law
recognized this in its maxim, Let the
buyer beware" (Caveat emptor).
Things have changed. There are still
plenty of swindlers, but as a rule the
managers of big business are honest;
not perhaps always absolutely fair; but
they have commercial code, and if they
do not live up TO it they cannot go far.
Never before in the worlds history
has character and reputation for
square dealing had such commercial
value.
Looking over the field we may note the
following business commandments, which
are essential 10 any permanent success:
l. Do not misrepresent what you
have TO sell. In setting forth the excel
lence of your wares do not make state
ments which the purchaser may after
ward find out TO be untrue or even ex-
aggerated.
g In every straight business deal
both parties should profit. Do not sell
TO a man unless YOU are convinced that
the transaction is 10 his advantage as
well as yours. Do not advertise some
thing for nothing it encourages crook
edness.
y
IL pays TO treat them courteously, no
matter how they act toward you.
4. DO not make profits upon another
mans embarrassment or distress. There
is plenty of business 10 be done which
harms no man.
5. Your business ought 20 be con-
Quoted so as 10 promote the health, con-
tentment, and general welfare of your
employees Profits wrung from human
misery will not fail TO bring curse.
s. Let your word be as good as your
bond. When you make promise keep It.
even If il works out TO your own loss.
7. Have as keen sense of fair
work" as sportsmen have of fair play.
To engage in sharp practice In BUSH
ness. to indulge in shady tricks and ship
perry transactions IN trade, IS just as dis
graceful as 10 cheat at cards.
8. Be a gentleman always. with those
you employ, with your customers. with
your business associates and competitors.
II is far more important to be courteous
and considerate in your business than IN
the drawing room.
O. Keep in mind that honest business
is the best form of charity. 1t is far
more valuable service 10 your fellow men
TO give employment 10 workers and pay
them WELL TO supply dependable goods to
purchasers, and TO live up TO high stand
ard Of honesty in the business world.
than il is 10 dole bread and to give large
sums 10 the wn-and-outers. 1t is well
to relieve poverty; it is better to prevent
poverty. Respect yourself. Realize the
value Of commercial righteousness.
10. What you do through another
you do yousef Do not allow your agents
to do things you would not stoop TO do.
See that all connected with your concern
have the same punctilious regard for
honor you have yourself.
So doing. you will help to make the
business man" rs respected as an "oit-
Ger and gentleman"