What place does ethics have in business?

Just Recruitment Group Ltd Director Peter Foy reflects on the value of morality in contemporary commerce.

Most people working in the business world tend to believe that companies are there to make money.

    When the communities in which we operate thrive, we thrive. When they suffer, we suffer.  

Put simply, a company’s primary business is business. It needs to generate wealth for its shareholders. If it performs some good deeds in the process – a bit of positive Corporate Social Responsibility work here, some charitable giving there – all well and good. But the bottom line is, well, the bottom line.

I want to challenge that wisdom. I don’t think money-making is the full story for contemporary commercial operations. Yes, it’s important. But unless businesses contribute to healthy communities, they stand very little chance of flourishing.

Why communities matter

Just consider for a moment. It is from our communities that we draw employees, customers, champions and critics. If we’re not surrounded by a vibrant grouping of people with a clearly defined sense of the common good, we may as well not be trading.

When the communities in which we operate thrive, we thrive. When they suffer, we suffer. We are wedded to our neighbours and they to us. Our destinies are entwined.

That explains why businesses that don’t look out for the people around them so often fail. We rely on our neighbours, as they rely on us. To use a phrase that was unfortunately hijacked by politicians a decade or so ago, we’re in it together.

Expert opinion

These sentiments have been well articulated by businesspeople such as Marc Benioff and academics like Professor Atul Shah, who works at the University of Suffolk.

The message is simple: business needs to be rooted in community. Greed isn’t good. Mutuality and other-regard are.

Of course, the notion that business should take account of ethics is by no means novel. Adam Smith, the man often cited as the father of the laissez-faire economy, stressed the need for Corporate Social Responsibility. The market is right but the market needs management. Individual greed must not be allowed to damage the common good.

Benioff, the founder of Salesforce.com, is eloquent in his belief that businesses need to be generous with their profits and talents to develop the communities in which they trade. He argues forcibly that this generosity should continue even when times are hard. When communities suffer, so do corporations. They need to stand alongside one another.

Professor Shah approaches the issue from a slightly different angle. As an academic, he is concerned with how our future business people, i.e. his students, are equipped to enter the market. His major thesis is that commerce needs to be rooted in a lived ethics: for business to prosper in an acceptable fashion, its practitioners must have a societal framework from which they can draw an ethical pattern.

Knowing right from wrong

In other words: business people need to know right from wrong and feel compelled to act accordingly.

The Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) regularly publishes surveys of the general public’s perception concerning the morality of businesses. You can see Just Recruitment’s summary of some of its most recent findings by clicking on the video above. The understanding of what is ethical in the survey is divided into two categories:

1) Legal

  • Financial probity
  • Discrimination
  • Prejudice

Cross these lines and you break the law. So, speak out.

2) Subjective

Are you, as an employee, happy with the environment you are working in?

In its own ethical guide, the IBE states:

“We recognise that this Guide cannot cover every challenge that you might face in your work. In these situations, we trust you to use your personal judgment to make the right decisions.”

      ...business needs to be rooted in the community. Greed isn’t good. Mutuality and other-regard are.  

Forming judgments

This, I think, is the rub. Because, for a person to have trustworthy judgement, they must have some understanding of right and wrong. And that’s why companies need to have ethical practice hardwired into their operations. Ethics should be in every business’s DNA.

How else will employees calibrate their moral compass?

The challenge

Here’s my challenge to the business community: we should consider how to enshrine morality in our companies, not only so that we’re committed to doing the right thing at a corporate level.

More important even that is to shape the dispositions of our people, so they know how to live, and flourish, in the world.

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

Published: 12 December 2019

If you liked this article you may like to read: Ten of the most common “neuromyths”

You may also like to read: The knowledge: find out what you stand for

Jobs currently available

New job
Export Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £28,000 - £34,000 per annum
Location: Halstead
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913722
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Halstead with the recruitment of an Export Administrator to join their team.

You will be responsible for servicing current and prospective customers by receiving and processing orders, enquiries and general information in a timely and courteous manner.

Key tasks include:

  • Answering incoming calls, giving product information, lead times, dealing with general enquiries and queries, and redirecting calls to relevant departments.
  • Processing and managing export orders, shipments, and documentation in compliance with international regulations and procedures.
  • Providing excellent customer service and handling any queries or complaints related to export operations.
  • Maintaining accurate records and reports of export activities and transactions.

Key requirements include:

  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Good eye for detail.
  • The ability to work well under pressure.
  • Courteous.

Preferred experience includes:

  • Previous Export Administrative experience gained within an office environment.
  • Excellent telephone manner with the ability to communicate at all levels.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience with in-house systems.
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise own workload.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.
  • Friday, 8.30am to 2.30pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Bench Joiner
Sector: Property and Construction
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913700
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a Bench Joiner to join their highly skilled and established team.

You will be working on a variety of bespoke projects — the key purpose of this role is to manage your day-to-day duties, including carpentry using hand and power tools, framing and finish carpentry. This is a team role, working collaboratively across the wider business, to create exceptional joinery pieces.

Key requirements for this role:

  • Own set of tools is a must!
  • Experience in a similar role
  • 3D/2D design experience
  • Joinery background
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Effective analytical skills
  • Systematic approach to tasks

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday. 07.30 to 16.30.

Over time is available.

Free on-site parking is available, along with a great working environment, opportunities for career progression, and the chance to work with new, automated processes and equipment — full training provided.

This role offers a really competitive package.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
CAD Designer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913701
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a successful and growing company based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a CAD Designer to join their experienced and talented team.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of the design process – creating detailed technical drawings for bespoke joinery projects, including cabinetry, furniture, and architectural woodwork. You'll work closely with the internal team to bring custom designs to life, ensuring every piece meets exact client specifications and supports seamless manufacturing.

Key duties include:

  • Technical drawing and design:
  • Create detailed 2D CAD drawings for custom joinery projects using AutoCAD.
  • Develop accurate and detailed technical drawings for manufacturing, including plans, elevations, sections, and detailed joinery components.
  • Interpret and translate client briefs, architectural drawings, and design concepts into technical drawings.
  • Ensure all drawings comply with industry standards, company specifications, and project requirements.

Collaboration and communication:

  • Work closely with the design team to understand project requirements and offer design input.
  • Collaborate with the production team to ensure drawings are feasible and align with manufacturing capabilities.
  • Liaise with Project Managers, Architects, and clients to resolve any design or technical issues.

Quality control:

  • Review and revise drawings based on feedback and ensure the accuracy of all final deliverables.
  • Maintain up-to-date project documentation and version control of drawings.
  • Conduct regular checks to ensure drawings meet company standards and regulatory requirements.

Role requirements include:

  • A degree or diploma in CAD, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
  • Proven experience (3+ years) as a CAD Technician, ideally within the joinery or woodworking industry.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential.
  • Experience with other CAD and 3D modelling software, such as SolidWorks, preferred but not essential.
  • Strong understanding of joinery techniques, materials, and construction methods.
  • Excellent attention to detail and a keen eye for design.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Professional, reliable and willing to learn.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a great team, offering a very competitive package and further development.

Working hours are Monday to Friday. 07.30 to 16.30.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Cleaner (part-time)
Sector: Customer Services
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Ipswich
Role: Part Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-IPS-C-0725
About the role

Just Temps is supporting a company in Ipswich, seeking an experienced Cleaner to join their team on a temporary basis. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for short-term evening work.

Hours: 5.00pm to 9.00pm (Monday to Friday)

Role responsibilities include:

  • General office cleaning across multiple floors
  • Cleaning of toilets, canteen areas, and communal spaces
  • Lifting and transporting heavy cleaning equipment up and down stairs
  • Ensuring high standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the building

Requirements:

  • Previous cleaning experience is essential
  • Capable of handling heavy equipment
  • Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic
  • Comfortable working independently across various areas of the building

Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Evening hours – ideal for fitting around other commitments
  • Supportive team environment

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Technical Support Supervisor
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913720
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation based in Sudbury to recruit a Technical Support Supervisor to join their long-standing team.

Due to business growth, this newly created position is responsible for supporting technical operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the technical systems, processes and projects under the guidance of the division's business leader.

The role is crucial in aligning the company’s technical capabilities with business goals, ensuring that the products are designed and manufactured/assembled to operate effectively and securely.

You will need to demonstrate experience in project management and implementation, technical experience and industry best practices. You will also need to show knowledge of compliance with relevant laws, regulations and industry standards.

Key requirements include:

  • Troubleshooting skills, to investigate and resolve technical issues relating to products
  • Provide technical support and training to other team members, including sales
  • Support the development and implementation of new products
  • Ability to produce accurate bills of materials (BOMS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Experience in computer-aided design (CAD) and the ability to produce product drawings
  • Basic software programming skills would be an advantage
  • Sound understanding of electronics

This is a site-based role.

This role offers a very competitive package and a great working environment.


Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Product Sales Executive
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business based in Sudbury, looking to add a Product Sales Executive to its long-established team.

Due to continued business growth, this newly created role will be responsible for building and managing relationships with both direct customers and distributors to drive revenue. The position forms part of the sales and marketing team.

Key duties include:

  • Qualifying and identifying customer needs, presenting product features and benefits, negotiating sales terms and ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Selling to existing and new customers, building and maintaining client relationships, meeting sales targets, and developing your industry knowledge.
  • Identifying, qualifying, onboarding, and managing key partners to ensure they are motivated and aligned with business goals.
  • Demonstrate monitoring and reporting capability.

Key requirements include:

  • Proven experience in product sales.
  • Experience in qualifying and prospecting for new clients.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, relationship-building and written skills with the ability to build rapport with customers, listen to their needs and effectively communicate product information.
  • Nurture relationships with existing customers to ensure satisfaction and identify repeat business opportunities.
  • Ability to demonstrate product features and explain benefits.
  • A solid understanding of the sales cycle and sales techniques is critical. Ability to close deals, negotiate and handle objections.
  • Effective time management — to be able to prioritise tasks, manage sales activities and meet deadlines.

This is a site-based role, but there is an expectation that you will spend a significant portion of the role outside the office with clients, prospects, and business partners.

This role offers a very competitive salary and package.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more