| Unedited 10/28/09 Home |
Small Business Ethics |
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Accretion Accretion means slow, almost imperceptible change.
For example, the ink in a pen gradually is transferred from the pen to
the paper to the point the pen runs out of ink. But, no one would ever
notice the difference of the level of ink after a few hundred words had
been written. Likewise, ethical standards can slowly corrupt at a rate
that no one notices. The powerful influence of making money can slowly,
imperceptibly, push aside concern for people and lead to unethical practices.
There is a natural cycle to this. 1. Problems slowly accumulate. 2. Ignoring the problems creates other noticeable problems. 3. There is
a crisis to correct the problem. Then the business must be brought back into balance with new
rules. Accretion corrupting original business goals. Business people sometimes see the fun and enjoyment go out of their work when they lose sight of their original goals and principles .Businesses are sustained by offering unique service, enjoyable banter, hip merchandise ethical behavior and the like. When the business loses sight of what inspired it, its focus begins to center on maximizing profits. This shift of focus undermines the integrity of a seminal idea of doing business. For example, instead of distinguishing one’s self as a parts supplier with everything in stock, the business can begin to lose customers as the focus changes to optimizing profits by getting rid of slow moving merchandise. Error accretion takes hold as there is a shift from people towards more aggressive forms of doing business. Creep: Visible changes in policy of a business that an observant person or employee can see. Consequences of not keeping accretion in check
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