Business ethics making a comeback, post Enron

A new emphasis on business ethics and the honesty of senior executives is emerging from the crisis of confidence in corporate governance brought about by recent Enron-style scandals.

While it may be said that business and religion don't mix, the question of ethics inescapably brings the two together. Nowhere is this more so than in the Middle East where the predominant religion is Islam.

All the more timely then for two management courses focusing on leadership and motivation and on business ethics - both from an Islamic perspective - taking place in Dubai in October.

The courses are led by Dr Rafik Beekun, Professor of Management and Strategy, at the University of Nevada, USA. Universities across the world use Dr Beekun's material as part of their global ethics or international management curriculum as well as several multinationals who train expatriates to work in Muslim countries.

Don't lie, cheat or steal. Keep your word and do what is right. These principles are prevalent throughout all faiths but it is particularly true of the Islamic faith, says Dr Beekun.

"Ethics is a set of moral principles that distinguish what is right from what is wrong. The Qur'an addresses leadership and ethics," he said.

Leadership in Islam is a trust (amanah). It represents a psychological contract between a leader and followers that he or she will try their best to guide, protect and treat fairly and with justice.

Dr Beekun adds: "Islam teaches that everything in the universe is God's and He is entrusting us to take care of the earth, run the business, employ others. As a business owner, you are required to render back that trust to your stakeholders. Therefore, if an employer withholds wages, it is a sin. If he cheats a customer, that's a sin."

It doesn't matter where you are in the world, there are right and wrong methods of business. Cheating in Saudi Arabia is just as wrong as it is in the United States, says Dr Beekun.

The courses have been organised by the Middle East offices of the Institute for International Research (IIR) in Dubai. Full details can be found at www.iirgulf.com/leaders

"In the light of recent financial scandals, we are noting an increased interest in the issue of corporate governance from companies operating on Islamic principles," said IIR event organiser Chris Mullinger.

"Both the Leadership and Motivation and the Business Ethics courses have been designed for Muslims and non-Muslims in business. They will provide direct, practical guidance to executives and key workers in a Muslim organisation as well giving expatriate executives of multinational companies valuable insights into working in Muslim countries and with Muslim companies."

"Leadership And Motivation In Business: The Islamic Perspective" and "Business Ethics: The Islamic Paradigm" take place in Dubai between 26 and 29 October 2002.