Cost of Values
The
way we look at values and ethics is like a ‘Good to have’ attribute. Right from
the primary classes, the ‘Moral Science’ classes were looked at as something
which can be done away with if the other subjects need extra classes to cover
the syllabus. Does it change as we grow up? Sadly not! Even at Business
schools, a course in ethics is not taken with the seriousness it deserves, at least
by the student community.
There are multiple reasons as to why
we don’t look at values very seriously. One is because it is said to be a grey
area. What is right for one is often wrong for another and vice versa. But at
its core, it is very simple. One knows in one’s mind when one violates a value,
without a morsel of doubt. We then cover it up with our justifications and that
makes it grey.
Another very interesting reason is the
intangibility of it. We are unable to measure very easily the impact the
absence of values create. We are not able to put down on paper a scale to
measure how much of good a right value system can do to us. But spare a minute
and you will understand all one needs to do is look around to understand its
scale and importance.
Take trust as a value. If all of us
were trust worthy, what is the need for all the redundant rechecks? From a
business perspective, imagine the cost organizations will save in terms of
contracts, documentation and legal formalities.
If the politicians kept the integrity
and transparency in tact in their deeds, how much money will be spend for the
right reasons and as a result, what a wonderful place our world would become.
If we all even tried to become fair
in our transactions with others – both measurable and emotional, where is the
place for prisons in this world? More importantly, there is no need for anyone
to be worried about the motive behind the actions of others. In a world that
has fairness, there is no place for fear and hence, no need for security as well!
If people did their own work with
sincerity, the amount of time that can be saved is enormous. Imagine a world
without follow ups, without people loafing around!
I am not imagining a world of
utopia. I am just wondering why it is so hard for us to understand the value of
values!
Arun
Babu
reminded me of John Lennon's imagine at a different level ...
ReplyDeleteu r article is inspiring but then wldn't life become too boring and predictable ???????
being good doesn't mean getting boring..does it?
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