無原則的道德觀漂浮在工商界

這篇文章主要聚焦在「如何」教導道德，辯論的議題包括是否專門開一個特定的道德課程比把每個課程都加入某些程度的道德教導還好。換言之，什麼是最有效的方法？我發現這文章非常有趣，但我覺得最值得注意的是他們所沒有處理的部份。他們沒有討論應該教導哪一種道德標準。換句話說，哪一種道德標準和做法應該被用來作為道德教育的基礎？

已過世的察爾斯．寇森（Charles Colson）註1 勝過政治上的不道德，成為耶穌基督的跟隨者，並強烈提倡將聖經的原則應用在生活的每個領域。他提到想要教導道德的兩難。他記得一位捐助人要提供兩百萬美元在一所美國頂尖大學商學院成立道德講座。然而，那所大學覺得他們不相信道德的絕對性，他們怎麼可能教導道德？所以，這所受人尊崇的商學院拒絕了那慷慨的捐贈，選擇不教導道德。

優秀的教育機構在對錯上都無法達成共識，甚至商學院也是如此，所以今天工商專業界領袖的行為常常像是無舵的船，這又有什麼好驚訝的？

身為工商人士、企業顧問、創業者和企業領袖，我的經驗顯示要滿足這需求並沒有問題。與我工作的許多人都認為聖經是智慧和指引的寶庫，可以引導我們用正直道德的方式去做生意。我們相信上帝為生活和工作設立絕對的準則，當我們留心注意那些準則，每一個人都受惠。

這已經是幾千年來的例子。摩西被上帝揀選成為以色列人的領袖，他介紹了第一套道德規範。在申命記第5章我們讀到：「摩西將以色列眾人召了來，對他們說：以色列人哪，我今日曉諭你們的律例典章，你們要聽，可以學習，謹守遵行。」

這些律例典章並不是要成為限制，而是要確保及鼓勵公平、以關心他人為導向的作法，促使所有參與的人都得到最大益處。然而，實際上即使上帝的選民──以色列──也沒有持續地遵守祂的標準。因此，我們在士師記21章25節讀到：「各人任意而行。」這聽起來是否像今天的商場？

我們無法完全掃除貪心與腐化。總是會有人為了自己的利益而去傷害別人。但這並不降低為即將進入和目前已在工商專業界之人提供健全道德教導的需要和重要性。我提議這教導要奠基在聖經中上帝的律法。

註1：察爾斯．寇森（Charles Colson）(1931-2012)，曾因美國的水門事件入獄，後來創辦”Prison Fellowship”

http://www.colsoncenter.org/the-center/the-chuck-colson-center/about-chuck-colson

本文版權為正直資源中心（Integrity Resource Center, Inc.）所有。本文獲得授權改編自「瑞克．博克思的正直時刻Integrity Moments with Rich Boxx」。這系列的文章是以一個基督徒的觀點評論職場的正直議題。想要更多了解正直資源中心或想要收到電子文件的「瑞克每天的正直時刻Rick”s daily Integrity Moments」系列文章，請上網www.integrityresource.org。他的書「如何生意興隆而不犧牲正直」提供人們正直地作生意的方法。

The article primarily focused on “how” to teach ethics, debating issues such as whether a specific ethics curriculum is better than integrating some degree of ethics training into all courses. In other words, what would be the most effective methodology? I found the article very interesting, but what struck me as most noteworthy was what had not been addressed. Lacking was any discussion on “which” moral imperatives should be taught. In other words, what source for ethical standards and practices should be used as the basis for ethical instruction?

Years ago the late Charles Colson, who overcame ethical breaches in politics to become a follower of Jesus Christ and strong proponent of applying biblical principles in every area of life, cited the dilemma of trying to teach ethics. He recalled a benefactor offering $2 million to establish an ethics chair at a leading U.S. university”s business school. Faculty at the university, however, determined since they did not believe in moral absolutes, how could they possibly teach ethics? As a result, the esteemed business school declined the generous grant and chose instead not to teach ethics.

With even leading educational institutions unable to reach consensus on right and wrong, even in schools of business, is it surprising business and professional leaders today often act like ships without rudders?

My experience, both as a businessman and consultant to business, entrepreneurs and leaders, has shown this need not be a problem. Many of the people I work with regard the Bible as a storehouse of wisdom and guidance for conducting business in a straightforward ethical manner. We believe God has established absolutes for life and work, and when they are heeded, everyone benefits.

This has been the case for thousands of years. Moses, appointed by God to serve as leader for the Israelites, introduced the first code of ethics. In Deuteronomy 5 we read, “Moses summoned all Israel and said: “Hear, O Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them.” “

These laws and decrees were not given to become restrictive, but rather to ensure and encourage fair, others-oriented practices that promote the best interests of all involved. In reality, however, even God”s chosen people – Israel – did not follow His standards consistently. As a result, as we read in Judges 21:25, “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Does this sound like the workplace today?

We cannot hope to fully eliminate greed and corruption. There always will be those seeking to advance their own interests at the expense of others. But this does not diminish the need or importance of providing sound ethics training for people entering and currently working in today”s business and professional world. I suggest it needs to be anchored in teaching God”s law, as given in the Bible.

Copyright 2014, Integrity Resource Center, Inc. Adapted with permission from "Integrity Moments with Rick Boxx," a commentary on issues of integrity in the workplace from a Christian perspective. To learn more about Integrity Resource Center or to sign up for Rick”s daily Integrity Moments, visit www.integrityresource.org. His book, How to Prosper in Business Without Sacrificing Integrity, gives a biblical approach for doing business with integrity.