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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