Beyond the bottom line - Principles and Premises

Beyond the bottom line is the story of a large, and growing, group of corporate citizens who take their ethical responsibilities seriously-and make a good deal of money by doing so. Far from being a burden on corporations. 

How business leaders are turning principles into profits

Principles and Premises

Business ethics contradiction in terms?

" Do other man, for they would do you." That's the true business precept. - Charles Dicknes

Ethics is good business

A Recent Wall Street Journal article asked whether the term " Business Ethics" should be considered, like "jumbo shrimp," an oxymoron.

First, The outcry indicates ironically that morality does matter in business-that, to answer the question posed by the little of this "Business ethics" is not contradiction in terms. Cynics quote the proverb " you've got to have a little thief in you to get ahead," and say that success is impossible in business unless you are willing to lie, cheat, and steal. University of Kansas ethics professor Richard De George call this opinion part of the " Myth of Amoral Business," and he notes succinctly how the public outcry over commercial immortality gives this myth the lie :

If it were true that business is viewed as amoral, that it is not expected to behave according to moral           rules, and that it is appropriate for it to do whatever is necessary in order to increase its profit, then there     would be no surprise, shock, or uproar when a business acted immorally. The uncovering of bribes and     kickbacks would not be news.

The fact that such revelations are news indicates to De George that, in spite of what the Myth suggest, business is expected to be moral. The disruption of standards gives offense only because those standards are generally accepted valid.

Ethical Models

" What is the highest of all realisable goods? As to its name there is pretty general agreement: The majority of men, as well as the cultured few, speak of it as happiness; and they would maintain that to live well and to do well are the same things as to be happy. They differ, however, as to what happiness is, and the mass of mankind gives a different account of it from philosophers." - Aristotle

Jesus comment to the people of Jerusalem - " Let him without sin cast the first stone" - would not have its peculiar pungency. Nor would elaborate legal codes have had to be devised as crutches for the confused.

Plato made the case in a famous parable over two millennia age. He imaged the condition of human beings as that of bound prisoners move objects whose shadows are cast on the far wall. The prisoners see the shadows alone, and what we see and know - The objects of thought, the impression of our senses, and our opinions about them - are ( Plato said) like those shadows on the cave wall, indistinct and ephemeral copies of a formal, ideal reality we can never know. We behave as if we understood what was real, and true, and good. But even the most enlightened among us - those whom Plato called " Philosopher kings" - are in the end only guessing. " In the world of knowledge," Plato says," the last thing to be perceived and only with great difficulty is the essential From of Goodness." 

Firs, Ethical Absolutism or, as it is commonly known today, ethical fundamentalism. if you are an ethical fundamentalist, you decipher the shadows in a relatively straightforward manner. The most serious objection to fundamentalist morality is that it permits a true believer to avoid responsibility for action, by allowing either the book or one of the book's authorised readers ( minister, mullah, or judge ) to dictate his or her moral choices. Such us a surrender of personal accountability segues tragically into the Good German defence :  I was only following orders; I did as the commanded. 

This Second popular approach to ethics, which derives from anthropological liberalism, has grown in favour as the world has become more cosmopolitan and is our own cultural prejudices have been revealed. It's harder to chide the heathen than it used to be. A hundred years ago the British Army, quite rightly, outlawed the traditional Indian practice of sutte, or window-burning, on the grounds of immorality. Today it is posibble for rate-tipsy anthropologist to call this " cultural imperialism."

At its extreme the relativist view leads the True Unbeliever into quicksands of illogic, Richard De George maps these clearly. He points out that if you believe that every opinion is a defensible as every other one, you must also accept the following:

• First, your judgement about  an action is not really a judgement at all, but merely an expression of our personal feelings about it. The implication is that nothing external really exists, only your view ( of the nonexistent).
• Second, you are not allowed to disagree with anyone about the morality of an action. if you do disagree, you must admit that you are expressing only a baseless conjecture, unconnected to reality. 
• Third, neither you nor anyone else can ever be mistaken in a judgement, since you're making no claim on the facts, only on your "view" of them. Therefore, you can say on thing today, the opposite tomorrow, and be right both times.
• Finally, you are empowered to alter the morality of an action by expressing a different opinion on it. "if a moral judgement is only the report of an emotion or the expressing of an emotion, then by changing his emotion a person changes the morality of the action."

IImmanuel Kant devise three version of the Categorial Imperative, each one stressing one of three iinterrelated characteristics by which a moral action could be recognised. The clearly moral action would:

1. Be universalizable. That is, it would make sense, consistently, for everybody in a similar situation to take the same action.
2. Demonstrate respect for individual human beings. It would treat others not as means, but as ends in themselves.
3. Be acceptable to all rational beings. If the action were made the basis of universal law, receivers as well as initiators of the action would agree that it was just.

The Broadening Base

"A corporation is the best picture... as having a full gamut of stakeholders with each of whom a constructive relationship must be established or negotiated." - Henry B. Scant

"We think our giving program should be accountable to the same stakeholders as the rest of our company-our customers, employees, communities, and stockowners... Serving society is not optional to our business. It is the foundation upon which our business rests." - Peter Hutchinson

Five stakeholders groups that important by most firms, across industry lines and in spite of business location or size are shareholders, employess, customers, local communities, and society at large.

I believe, if we keep a rudimentary moral philosophy in mind. One that is both logically reliable and applicable to business is that of " checked utilitarianism" - A utilitarianism whose essential focus on the greatest goods for the greatest number continually tested, in individual cases, against the requirements of a formal moral law.

Phared in this manner, the Cummins philosophy is one that even the opponents of "social responsibility" should recognise as common sense. For a company that is unresponsive to someone's claim that he or she is being hurt is unlikely to be responsive to other claims. in an "informative economy" inhabited by increasingly sophisticated and demanding  consumers, an attitude so disrespectful of basic human needs will not carry you far.

Resoure: Beyond the bottom line 1985 by Thaddeus F. Tuleja

Balinese Legong Dance

The Legong dance, a beautiful and intricate dance form from Bali, Indonesia, carries with it a mesmerizing tale. Legend has it that a prince once fell ill, and a group of celestial nymphs performed the Legong dance to heal him. The dance, with its graceful movements and intricate hand gestures, captivated the prince, who recovered from his illness after witnessing its beauty.

Inspired by this miraculous healing, the prince encouraged the dance to be performed across the kingdom to bring joy, healing, and prosperity. The Legong dance became a revered art form, symbolizing grace, beauty, and the divine connection between heaven and earth.

The Legong dance is renowned for its exquisite grace, intricate movements, and storytelling through gesture and expression. What sets it apart is the combination of precise hand and eye movements, intricate footwork, and the dancers' ability to convey emotions and narratives without uttering a single word.

Its uniqueness lies in the intricate choreography, often performed by young dancers who undergo years of training to perfect the dance's delicate movements and expressions. The use of elaborate costumes, ornate headdresses, and vibrant makeup further accentuates the dance's beauty and allure.

Additionally, the Legong dance's ability to evoke a sense of mystique, spirituality, and connection to Bali's cultural heritage contributes to its enduring appeal, making it a captivating and truly unique art form cherished both within Indonesia and around the world.

Over time, the Legong dance evolved into various versions, each carrying its unique nuances and stories, but all retaining the essence of celestial elegance and enchantment that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The history of the Legong dance traces back to the royal courts of Bali, Indonesia, dating back centuries. It's believed to have originated in the 18th century and was primarily performed for Balinese royalty and during religious ceremonies.

Legong dance was traditionally performed by young girls who underwent rigorous training from a tender age to master its intricate movements, gestures, and expressions. These dancers were often chosen for their exceptional grace and agility.

Initially, the Legong dance was a part of courtly entertainment, showcasing the refinement and elegance of Balinese culture to esteemed audiences. Over time, it evolved into a storytelling art form, often depicting scenes from Balinese folklore, mythology, or Hindu epics like the Ramayana.

Despite its historical ties to the royal courts, the Legong dance gradually transitioned from exclusive palace performances to public stages, becoming a celebrated cultural heritage that represents the beauty, grace, and spirituality of Bali. Today, it continues to be a revered and cherished part of Balinese cultural identity, captivating audiences worldwide with its timeless charm and intricate artistry.

The art of enduring through the harshest times

In a secluded land nestled amidst towering mountains and lush forests, there existed a community known as the "Remanites." They were a group of individuals revered for their profound understanding of resilience, adaptation, and the art of enduring through the harshest of times.

Chapter 1: The Origins

Legend has it that centuries ago, the Remanites emerged from a period of great turmoil. Their ancestors faced cataclysmic events that tested their will and strength. Through their collective wisdom and unity, they not only survived but thrived amidst the chaos, learning invaluable lessons of resilience.

From this adversity, a philosophy was born—a philosophy that centered around the core principles of adaptation, perseverance, and embracing change. The Remanites believed that only by accepting the inevitability of change could one truly endure the trials of life.

Chapter 2: The Way of the Remanites

The Remanites lived in harmony with nature, attuned to its rhythms and cycles. They built their settlements atop the mountains, where they could observe the ever-changing landscape and draw inspiration from the resilience of the natural world.

Their philosophy was a tapestry woven with threads of adaptability and innovation. They taught their children the art of resourcefulness, imparting knowledge passed down through generations on how to cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

Chapter 3: Trials and Tribulations

Throughout history, the Remanites faced numerous challenges. From harsh winters that tested their ability to endure scarcity to environmental upheavals that threatened their settlements, they remained steadfast in their beliefs, drawing strength from their collective resilience.

Their philosophy was not one of stoic endurance but of embracing change with open arms. They adapted their lifestyles, technologies, and societal structures to meet the evolving needs of their community.

Chapter 4: The Wisdom of the Remanites

Central to the philosophy of the Remanites was the belief that change, though often daunting, was an opportunity for growth. They taught their people to cultivate a flexible mindset, to be like the supple reed that bends but does not break in the face of the storm.

Their teachings emphasized the importance of learning from hardships, recognizing that each challenge held within it a seed of opportunity for personal and collective evolution. They celebrated resilience not as a static trait but as a skill honed through experience and wisdom.

Chapter 5: The Legacy

As time passed, the Remanites' philosophy spread far and wide, earning admiration and respect from neighboring communities. Travelers sought their guidance, drawn by tales of their unwavering resilience and ability to navigate life's trials with grace.

Though their numbers dwindled with each passing generation, the legacy of the Remanites endured. Their philosophy became a beacon of hope for those facing adversity, a guiding light in the darkest of times.

Epilogue: Resilience Beyond Time

The tales of the Remanites lived on in folklore and stories passed down through the ages. Their philosophy of resilience, adaptability, and embracing change echoed through the annals of history, reminding humanity of the enduring power of the human spirit to withstand the tests of time and emerge stronger than before.

The tale of the Harmony Keepers

In a land blessed by diversity, there existed a community known as the "Harmony Keepers." They were revered for their profound understanding of faith, respecting the richness of various religions, while championing the freedom for individuals to live their lives according to their beliefs.

Chapter 1: The Tapestry of Faith

The Harmony Keepers resided in a vibrant city nestled at t
he crossroads of ancient trade routes. Here, people of different faiths—followers of myriad religions and beliefs—coexisted harmoniously. The city's tapestry was woven with threads of spirituality, each thread representing a unique faith.

The Harmony Keepers' ancestors, recognizing the beauty in diversity, established a society where the freedom to practice one's faith was sacrosanct. They believed that the richness of the city lay not in uniformity but in the kaleidoscope of beliefs that adorned its streets.

Chapter 2: The Temple of Understanding

At the heart of the city stood the fabled Temple of Understanding, a majestic structure adorned with architectural marvels inspired by various religious traditions. Here, the Harmony Keepers congregated, not to worship a single deity, but to celebrate the unity in diversity.

The Temple served as a sanctuary—a place where scholars, philosophers, and seekers of truth gathered to engage in discourse, share wisdom, and deepen their understanding of each other's faiths. It was a living testament to the coexistence of beliefs.

Chapter 3: The Philosophy of Tolerance

The Harmony Keepers believed in the sanctity of individual beliefs and the freedom to practice one's faith without fear of persecution or judgment. Their philosophy was rooted in empathy and respect, understanding that diversity in faith was a treasure to be cherished, not a source of division.

They taught their children the importance of embracing differences, fostering a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect. Their elders shared stories of unity, emphasizing the common values that transcended religious boundaries—love, compassion, and kindness.

Chapter 4: Challenges and Triumphs

The Harmony Keepers faced challenges, for the world beyond their city's walls was often marred by conflicts fueled by religious differences. Yet, within their community, they remained steadfast in their commitment to fostering harmony and understanding.

During times of tension, they stood as beacons of hope, advocating dialogue and mutual understanding. They organized interfaith gatherings, where prayers from different traditions resonated in harmony, echoing the unity amidst diversity.

Chapter 5: The Legacy of Harmony

As the years passed, the philosophy of the Harmony Keepers reverberated far beyond the confines of their city. Travelers sought refuge within their walls, inspired by the community's commitment to respecting diverse beliefs while fostering a shared sense of humanity.

The stories of the Harmony Keepers became legends, inspiring other societies to embrace tolerance and celebrate the richness of religious diversity. Their legacy stood as a testament to the possibility of coexistence and unity amidst the myriad faiths that adorned the tapestry of humanity.

Epilogue: A Tapestry of Hope

The tale of the Harmony Keepers continued to echo through the corridors of time, reminding future generations of the beauty found in respecting diverse beliefs. Their city remained a symbol of hope—a sanctuary where the faithful, regardless of their creed, found solace in the embrace of acceptance and understanding.

Pilihan tanaman hias yang cantik

Kegiatan bercocok tanam menjadi sebuah hobi baru yang banyak digandrungi oleh masyarakat. Hal ini disebabkan oleh pandemi corona yang membuat masyarakat memiliki waktu luang dan memanfaatkan waktu tersebut untuk bercocok tanam. 

Berikut jenis tanaman hias yang diprediksi menjadi tren di tahun kerbau logam ini :

1. Aglonema

Bentuknya yang unik disertai dengan corak indah di daun membuat tanaman ini banyak diburu oleh orang.Hal ini dikarenakan jenis aglonema tersebut memiliki ciri khas di corak serta daunnya yang langka. 

2. Fishbone Cactus

Fishbone cactus atau kaktus tulang ikan merupakan tanaman asal hutan hujan Meksiko. mempunyai bentuk batang yang panjang dan pipih seperti tulang ikan. Jenis tanaman ini cocok banget untuk kamu yang enggak mau ribet.

3. Caladium

Jenis tanaman yang lebih dikenal dengan nama keladi ini memiliki bentuk daun yang unik, yaitu berbentuk hati dengan warna daun yang super cantik.

4. Bunny Ear Cactus

kaktus telinga kelinci atau Bunny Ear Cactus bisa dibilang cukup unik, Bela. Pasalnya, ia tidak memiliki bunga dan daun yang cantik. Namun, bentuk batang yang menyerupai telinga kelinci menjadi keunikan tersendiri dari tanaman ini. 

5. Chinese Money Plant

anaman Chinese Money Plant mempunyai keindahan bentuk yang bisa difungsikan sebagai pemanis ruangan.Hal ini dikarenakan tanaman yang daunya berbentuk bulat dan mengilap ini akan berbungan dengan warna merah muda di saat musim panas. 

6. Blue Star Fern

tanaman Blue Star Fern yang merupakan tanaman tropis. Jenis tanaman pakis ini membutuhkan kadar kelembapan yang tinggi yang membuat tanaman ini sangat cocok bila ditempatkan di kamar mandi. 

7. Velvet Calathea

Tanaman asal hutan hujan Amerika Tengah dan Selatan ini memiliki dedaunan yang bewarna gelap yang bisa memberikan kesan eksostis di tiap sudut rumah. tanaman ini sangat menyukai cahaya dan kehangatan.

Sources : popbela.com

Story of The Dragon

         Pada suatu hari di zaman dahulu kala, 1200SM. lahirlah seekor naga di suatu pulau dekat dengan danau Toba yang berada di sumatera utara. naga itu diberi nama "Diho", yang di dapat oleh penduduk setempat di pesisir pulau samosir yang berada di tengah danau tersebut.naga itu diberi nama Diho karena Naga itu setiap harinya mandi, hampir satu hari bisa mandi 5kali. oleh karena itu diberi nama tersebut yang berarti dalam bahasa batak (penduduk setempat) "maridiho" dalam bahasa Indonesia berarti pergi mandi.

      Diho merupakan Naga yang pemberani dan suka hidup di Air. setiap malam Naga itu tidur di dekat pulau samosir daerah pesisir danau Toba. oleh penduduk setempat Naga itu di beri makan buah - buahan yang diambil dari perkebunan. Naga itu setiap hari pada jam lima sore selalu di beri makan oleh penduduk setempat. Diho tidak pernah memakan daging, hanya memakan buah yang telah diberikan.

     Suatu ketika Diho bertemu dengan seorang anak dari desa tersebut yang bernama "marpaung". dimana anak itu merupakan anak dari keluarga yang miskin yang susah untuk mendapatkan makanan. karena penduduk memberikan makanan kepada Diho setiap harinya, marpaung ikut memakan makanan tersebut. Diho tidak marah maupun melukai Marpaung malahan Diho mulai menjadi kurus karena Ia lebih suka makanan tersebut di makan oleh Marpaung. semakin hari marpaung semakin merasa besar hati dengan membawa semua makanan tersebut ke tempat marpaung tinggal, di sebuah hutan yang tidak jauh dengan tempat Diho tinggal.

     Marpaung semakin hari semaikin tidak menyisakan satu makanan pun untuk Diho. Naga tersebut  menjadi kurus,sayap rentang  tidak bertenaga, sampai berdiri pun tidak kuat. semakin hari kondisi Diho semakin memburuk. oleh karena itu para penduduk setempat mulai mencari tahu penyebab dari kejadian tersebut. dan pada akhirnya mereka pun mengetahui bahwa makan Diho diambil setiap harinya oleh Marpaung. marpaung pun mulai di jauhi oleh penduduk setempat, karena dengan ulah dari marpaung tersebut, Sang Naga menjadi tidak lagi mau memakan makanan yang disediakan oleh penduduk setempat. perasaan benci mulai timbul di hati mereka. racun yang paling kuat yang bisa memakan korban jiwa mulai di masukan ke dalam buah yang akan di berikan kepada si naga yang akan di ambil oleh marpaung.

    pada saat itu pun perasaan Marpaung terhadap Diho mulai berubah, Marpaung menjadi tidak memakan buah - buahan tersebut. dan sang Naga menyadari akan kebaikan hati marpaung yang mulai tumbuh pada dirinya. Sang Naga merasa bersalah jika tidak memakan buah - buahan tersebut. maka Diho pun mulai memakan buah tersebut, tidak lama setelah memakan buah, mulut Diho mengeluarkan busa putih dan menjadi kejang - kejang selama 5 menit, Marpaung menjadi takut akan kejadian itu dan langsung mendekati Diho. tidak lama setelah Marpaung berada di dekat Diho, Marpaung merasaka bahwa tidak lagi terdengar suara nafas dari Diho dan matanya pun mulai tidak bergerak. sesaat Marpaung merasa Diho hanya tertidur, dan mulai menunggu bangunnya Diho dari tidurnya. berjam - jam sudah berlalu tetapi Diho tidak bangun dari tidurnya. Marpaungpun mulai merasa sangat bersalah dengan kejadian itu, Ia mulai menggali lubang untuk mengubur Diho, pada saat Marpaung menggali lubang munculah seorang anak dari desa sebrang samosir yang ingin melihat naga tersebut. tetapi dilihatnta naga tersebut sudah tidak lagi bernyawa. anak itu pun mulai bertanya kepada Marpaung, kenapa Naga itu Malas yaa, kaak? kerjaannya hanya tidur terus. karena Marpaung tidak ingin mengatakan bahwa sebenarnya naga tersebut sudah mati, maka Marpaung mengatakan kepada anak kecil itu bahwa naga ini sedang meditasi dengan menguburkan dirinya di tanah untuk mendapatkan apa yang Naga ini cari.