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This book promotes Africa's Agenda 2063 (Our Aspiration for the Africa We want).
Whilst Africa's Agenda 2063's Seven Aspirations are all important, this book focuses more on Aspiration 3: An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
The Ethical Corporation outlines practical approaches for companies to operate ethically and profitably, grounded in Ubuntu/Botho ethics.
SEMINAL QUOTATIONS ON UBUNTU
"I have often said that the idea and practice of ubuntu is one of Africa's greatest gift to the world. A gift which, unfortunately, not many in the world are familiar" (Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu).
"There is word in South Africa - Ubuntu - that describes his greatest gift: his [Nelson Mandela] recognition that we are all bound together in ways that can be invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others and caring for those around us" (Barack Obama, the 44th President of the Unites States of America - Speech at the 2018 Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg, South Africa).
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTATION
"Ex Africa semper aliquid novi (Out of Africa there is always something new)" Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD). The Roman natural philosopher.
About the book
A plethora of corporate misgovernance by greedy miscreants bereft of ethics has propelled Corporate Governance and Business Ethics as the cornerstones of the social sciences. A company has no mind of its own and, therefore, relies on its skilled directors to act in good faith and exercise care and diligence. In doing so, the directors should behave ethically. An organisation operates in a triple context of economy, society and environment. The directors have a fiduciary duty to create value sustainably.
The introduction of Business Ethics as an academic subject was intended to instil a sense of integrity in future business leaders, encouraging them to seek wealth through service to mankind rather than acquiring it through unethical means. Additionally, it assists business students in their decision-making when faced with complex moral dilemmas in the business world. Ethically trained students are more likely to understand the impact of their actions on stakeholders, the economy, and the environment, fostering a sustainable business environment.
The African humanism, or Ubuntu/Botho, normative philosophy is a deeply rooted African philosophy that emphasises collectivism, interconnectedness, and shared humanity, as opposed to Western individualism. The term Ubuntu is often encapsulated in the phrase "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu," loosely translated as "A person is a person through other persons." Ubuntu is not dissimilar to the Golden Rule, which is the bedrock of many religions. By practising Ubuntu/Botho ethics, an organisation will refrain from malfeasance, as it would not be in alignment with its spirit. An organisation powered by Ubuntu/Botho ethics that promotes sustainable development is an ethical corporation.