To what extent does the bible influence business ethics? This is an interesting, if somewhat complex question. In view of the fact that the corporate definition of ethics is to treat all stakeholders with respect and to know the difference between actions that are right or wrong, it could be said that the Bible, certainly when one considers the teachings of Jesus and the ten commandments amongst other words, has a significant impact on business ethics. In reality, many of the values behind the teachings and words of the bible have been used as the foundation for the modern approach to business ethics, as the following few examples will show.

Do unto others as you would have them do to you

The ethical value displayed here is important for business in the way that they should treat their stakeholders, be they employees, suppliers, consumers or any other person that is affected by the business operation. The underlying lesson that has been transferred from the scriptures to commercial ethics is that a business should treat all of these stakeholders with the respect and honesty that they would like those people to show to them. As is evident from the numerous court cases involving businesses, some corporations value these ethics higher than others.

Love thy neighbour

In business, as has been shown in the previous example, there are many people that could be classed as their neighbours. Perhaps the closest neighbour for any business is those who work within the organisation itself. Whilst a business manager would not use the emotional definition of the term "love" in describing the working relationship between employees that is used to build a business culture, the wider definition and value of the term can be said to form the basis of the family type of cultural environment that many business strive to achieve in the workplace. Good businesses succeed because of the ethical bond they form with employees.

Thou shalt not bear false witness

In essence, these words, together with those in the commandments that state "though shalt not steal," promote the ethical value of honesty and trust. This value has been incorporated within the core of good business ethics. All researchers promote the values of honesty and trust as being critical to the building of business relationships. For example, when dealing with consumers studies it has been shown that one of the basic ingredients a consumer will look for in any business that they have contact with is trust.

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