The Bible influences business ethics to the extent that individual business leaders allow its teachings to inform their decisions and guide their business practices. Is its influence widespread in business? In the wake of Enron, WorldCom, Tyco, Xerox, Martha Stewart, Qwest Communications, and the recent sub-prime mortgage meltdown, many would say no. People tend to place confidence in influential people only if they demonstrate integrity and strong character. In a 2002 survey by researcher George Barna, corporate executives ranked at the bottom of the list of people to trust (12%), beaten out by TV and film directors (13%), elected officials (18%) and journalists (20%). Small business leaders, ranked three times better than their large corporate counterparts. Nevertheless, altogether business leaders have the confidence of only 26% of American adults. If public confidence is an accurate measurement, then it would appear American business is adrift on an immoral sea.

Barna explains in his book, A FISH OUT OF WATER, "People rely upon their leaders... to model virtuous behavior and appropriate values... What separates the good (leader) from the bad is not their skills and abilities but their character - and there are always cues that reflect the person's true inner nature. When commitment to profits and position trump commitment to propriety and purity of motive, such moral failures are virtually inevitable." Biblical values speak directly to character and integrity. Character and integrity translate directly into behavior. The bottom line is, we live out our values. People - and businesses - may claim to hold certain values, but behavior is the litmus test.

The "big laws" of the land are certainly based on the 10 commandments: don't kill, don't steal, don't lie, don't covet, don't commit adultery, etc. How many business leaders have lied on a tax return, engaged in corporate takeover, cheated on their spouse, or stolen from their shareholders? A survey of that question would yield a more accurate gauge of the influence of the Bible in business ethics.

While many business leaders conduct their lives and make decisions based on Biblical values, many throw those out the window when faced with boosting the bottom line or losing altogether. When a business gets into trouble and shareholders start bailing out, few executives reach for their Bible. The good news is that in the aftermath of recent business and moral failures, more corporate boards are paying close attention to corporate governance. There may still be hope that this accountability can help corporate American can find its way home.

Learn more about this author, Janet Mcleod.
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