Do Corporations Follow the Golden Rule?

The “Golden Rule” is a principle or practice in which one has a moral and ethical desire to be truely concerned about others. A commonly used word to describe the concept is “selflessness.” This process and concept involves the situation in which an individual performs an activity, deed and/or an act without an expectation of any reward, compensation, incentive or reciprocal benefit, even though there is an associated cost involved. It is also referred to as the “Ethic of Reciprocity.” Although there is or may be an expense or price that is incurred, such as time invested, products or services delivered, money incurred, &/or inconvenience, it is far outweighed by the pleasure and achievement realized by doing good (enhancing the quality of life and welfare for others).

In more simple terms, it is “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you,” without any expectation of an external reward. This is a virtue and a moral excellence, above all other standards of behavior.

While this principle applies to individuals, what about private and public businesses? Do all corporations value the Ethic of Reciprocity or Golden Rule in their respective trade or business? Have you experienced a business or individual that can be described as morally bankrupt?

Interestingly, I have a personal experience that has been a crisis and sadly lacking in the Ethic of Reciprocity:  I continue to experience multiple deficiencies, defects and incompatibilities with a brand new computer with Windows 10 installed and Office 2016. After spending countless hours communicating with Microsoft technicians, even having escalated the problems all the way to Level 3, they had the audacity to close their files, yet they failed to resolve the constant flow of thousands of duplicate emails into my Outlook inbox (some as many as 20 of the identical email), the failure of the “search” bar to function, inconsistent spell check process, failure of the auto fill process,  including other defects and deficiencies. It strains credulity that I did not receive any reply to both fax and mail correspondence to their CEO, hoping that Microsoft would have an Executive Department interested in such problems.

What guiding principles we subscribe to, emulate, pursue and/or strive to achieve, whether as an individual, private or public business or corporation, defines who we are.  

Fortunately, there are countless great companies that excel in the delivery of goods and services. It is those individuals and businesses who can be proud of what they do and who they are. If you experience disappointment from an entity or business, it is hoped the Golden Rule will be followed and you will ultimately obtain satisfaction from someone associated with that company if you do not give up. Most importantly, only you can be the judge as to the standards you maintain, and those practices and principles you desire from others.