Is it possible to be ethical and religious at the same time
The virtues that are embedded in various religious and spiritual traditions (Hinduism Jainism Islam Sikhism Christianity and Zoroastrianism), play an important role in making ethical decisions in the workplace.
Thirty-three executives argued that these traditions promote virtues like integrity, flexibility and moral excellence. They also emphasized tolerance, responsibility, and tolerance. A senior executive from the automotive sector discussed the virtue of flexibility.
Our Islamic religion teaches that we should not close the door to other viewpoints. In my work, I use this philosophy, value, or whatever else you like to call it. I listen to my colleagues. We find a middle ground between our differing opinions and always value our core beliefs.
When faced with an ethical dilemma, some executives felt that it was best to resign.
When making the difficult decision, they attributed it to the ethical virtues embedded in their religious and moral convictions. A senior executive in the IT industry said he left his former organization because of his religious beliefs and the organization’s constant copyright violations. He stood by his integrity.
My Zoroastrian advisor advised me to look for work elsewhere after I couldn’t sleep. I escaped a bullet when I switched to the new firm.
Seven executives who do not belong to any religious or spiritual groups suggested that virtues based on non-religious values with an emphasis on humanistic ethics, professional pragmatism, and pragmatism in general should be encouraged.
India is a multifaith country, and it was suggested this view would help workers to remain neutral. A media executive said that workplaces encourage individuals who are not religious or spiritual to rely on humanistic beliefs.
Ethics must be practiced on a human scale. If we allow religious interpretations, it will lead to endless confusion and debate. Ethics is a topic that can be considered secular. To set up a code of ethics, you need to be aware of the implications of your business decisions and weigh them. I think religion can be a model, but it’s also a hindrance.
In Spirituality based on religion, inspirations drawn from a religious tradition or several religious traditions can be used to achieve a goal.
In nonreligious Spirituality, there is usually no religious belief. This Spirituality is instead based on humanistic or secular values such as being interconnected with others in the workplace or society and achieving a higher purpose without referring to God.
Recent studies have shown that religiosity, Spirituality, and corporate responsibility are all linked to altruistic, prosocial, and ethical behaviors.
However, other studies contradict these conclusions with evidence. Has argued that religious Spirituality and religiosity can promote unethical behavior. Discriminating against someone who doesn’t share your belief system is one example. This could even extend to hiring practices or how you treat a colleague.
Many religious practices emphasize empathy as a fundamental belief. juggadery/Flickr, CC BY-ND
Nurturing ethical decision-making
In May 2017, our paper isolated the role that religion played in the development of ethical virtues in India. They included empathy, temperance, and transparency.
Virtues are translated into skills that promote ethical behavior. Empathy, for example, is a way to foster good working relationships with employees. Some actions include “nurturing an individual,” “building friendly relationships,” and “not relying on seniority to force subordinates into unethical behavior.”
Temperance focuses on integrity and helps “avoid contact with people of questionable character” as well as “not compromising one’s moral principles.”
Consciousness is the ability to act ethically even when tempted. When a peer in the engineering industry advised him to manipulate the prices of products by adding unreasonable markups to them, the executive refused and instead suggested:
My customers can be assured that I will never defraud them. I will make sure that my customers get the best quality.
Ethics dilemmas and paradoxes
In spite of the diversity of Indian religions and spiritualities, unethical behaviors such as corruption and bribery are widespread.
Protesters at an anti-graft rally in Pune, 2011. Nizardp/Wikimedia, CC BY-ND
Some individuals rationalize unethical behavior as a response to external pressures. This pressure, coupled with greed for personal gain, may override the intention to be ethical.
It is essential to continue education through seminars, workshops, and training, as well as case studies that are related to ethical virtues. An executive from a consulting service explained, for example:
We read a lot of books and attend workshops at our company. We are exposed to a wide range of issues, both in practice and globally. This is how we keep ourselves updated and maintain a positive attitude towards ethical practices.
When the religious basis for these virtues is removed, the initiatives promote ethical decision-making in the workplace.
Many Indian multinational companies do business in several overseas countries, and the ethical standards and expectations can vary between cultures and countries.
A senior executive in the IT industry suggested that emotional intelligence can be helpful for people who are faced with ethical dilemmas when they’re dealing with cross-cultural situations. This includes being aware of others, being in tune, and having foresight about how actions will affect them. Emotional Intelligence can provide the clarity required to determine whether a decision is ethical. This is a crucial skill for the development of leaders.
To reinforce ethics, it is important to demonstrate consistency in making ethical decisions and lead by example. Leadership that has high regard for ethical decision-making one day and disregards it the next does not reinforce ethics.