Business Ethics manual 企业伦理道德手册.pdf

FOREWORD We live in an age of innovation, the growth of free markets, and a world economy. New technologies, roles for government, and players on the global scene offer challenging opportunities, demands, and constraints. More peoples and nations are working together to spread freedom and democratic princi- ples; to nurture free markets; to protect individual property rights; and to encourage respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the environment. With increasing urgency, market and social forces are rewriting the roles and responsibilities of business as well. Though the profit motive of business is understood and accepted, people do not accept it as an excuse for ignor- ing the basic norms, values, and standards of being a good citizen. Modern businesses are expected to be responsible stewards of community resources working toward the growth and success of both their companies and their communities. Government has an important role in the spread of freedom and demo- cratic capitalism. It provides for the essential market-oriented legal framework and reliable dispute resolution processes that allow businesses to compete fair- ly on the quality, prices, and delivery of their goods and services alone. It enforces laws, regulations, and judgments to safeguard the social order its citi- zens value. It cannot, however, act alone. Businesses and civil society must also be involved in solutions to community problems. They can help in the fight against the corruption that saps national resources. They must reform the unethical business practices that breed cynicism and distrust in communities. Businesses are at the strategic center of a civil society, and they have a stake in their communities. They depend on free markets and good public governance for their growth and success, but they are also authors of their own destiny. Through responsible business c