What Is Good Business?
Four Views From the Classroom
and the Board Room
“When individuals, organizations and the structure of economic systems
work to advance God’s redemptive agenda here on earth, good business
occurs. More specifically, business can be considered good when it provides
economically sustainable opportunities to serve and work in a spirit
of community with others and to use one’s talents in creative and meaningful
ways. Of course, this must be achieved while also enhancing the well-being
of broader civic life. Max De Pree is clearly one business leader who
has tried to lead an organization in such an exemplary fashion.”
KENMAN WONG, PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS ETHICS
SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
“In its simplest form, the Golden Rule is really the basis for good business.
Most people — whether Christians
or not — know that. Business used to be the most trusted profession,
and now it’s been given a black eye, even somewhat deservedly so. But
business is made up of people, and like anyone else, we’re fallible.
We’re subject to temptation, and we don’t always act perfectly, but that
doesn’t mean business is bad. I think business is still a noble and worthwhile
calling. To be ethical, you have to choose to be ethical and have that
be your long-term interest. A values-driven life is a critical foundation
for good business.”
ROBERT NUBER, CHAIRMAN, CLARK NUBER CERTIFIED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTANTS AND CONSULTANTS
TRUSTEE, SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
“I am extremely grateful to have been introduced, here at SPU,
to a different and exciting way of understanding the concept of ‘good
business.’ I firmly believe that the most important piece of knowledge
I will take with me into my career is an understanding of good business
as service to a company’s customers, employees and community. As I prepare
to graduate this spring, I am excited to discover ways in which I can
help to ensure that business, arguably the world’s most powerful engine
for change, can contribute to change for good.”
MATT VIERS, SENIOR, SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
“Good business is
balanced and mindful of its impact on all stakeholders, including owners,
customers, employees, suppliers and the community. Unfortunately, often
in today’s high-pressure business environment, some business leaders
abdicate their responsibility for weighing the interests and needs of
their constituencies, and for distributing resources in a manner that
adds value to all. Instead, many opt for short-sighted decisions simply
to satisfy the appetite and expectations of owners and Wall Street analysts
for quarterly numbers. Leaders and businesses with a clear sense of their
purpose, aspirations and values will have the strength and balance to
be a ‘good business.’”
DENNIS MADSEN’ 70, PRESIDENT AND CEO
RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT INC. (REI)
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