Article
The Golden Rule and Business Ethics: An Examination
Journal of Business Ethics
(2005)
Abstract
The phenomenon of globalization of markets has been accompanied by calls for a globalization of ethical norms. One principle often referred to in such calls is the so-called Golden Rule. The rule, often stated as “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” has long been used and referenced in the business literature. But those who use it often do so without full realization of the rule itself and what it stands for. This paper examines the history, meaning, and problems of the rule and attempts to show, through a case analysis, how these problems surface when using the rule in a business context. In so doing it attempts to clarify exactly what the rule means and how it can fit into a universal code of morality.
Keywords
- Ethics,
- Golden Rule,
- International,
- Globalization
Disciplines
Publication Date
February 1, 2005
DOI
10.1007/s10551-004-4185-7
Publisher Statement
© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG. Part of Springer Nature.
Citation Information
Burton, B.K., & Goldsby, M. 2005. The Golden Rule and business ethics: An examination. Journal of Business Ethics, 56: 371-383.