Oath of Ethical Commerce
Preamble:
Corruption is a toxic social disease that destroys governments, cripples economic development, oppresses freedom, creates injustice, and fuels civil unrest. The International Economic Justice League (“IEJL”) has a mission to abate corruption.
Before one can abate corruption, it must be defined. Corruption is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit. In most societies, corruption has become a culture.
IEJL ‘s strategy to abate corruption is to create a culture of ethical commerce among early-stage career professionals and allow that culture to permeate government and business organizations. The central belief of a culture of ethical commerce is that it reduces poverty, builds stronger education systems, reduces child mortality, improves the global environment and reduces terrorism.
Work life balance is key to a sustainable culture of ethical commerce. Our life within our families, society, and primary culture must be balanced with that of our workplace. We must work to live, not live to work. Life becomes the priority.
With life as a priority, we can follow the advice of Henry David Thoreau. He said, “Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.” Every person who signs the Oath of Ethical Commerce is considered a Pledge. The Oath of Ethical Commerce establishes the cultural norms that all Pledges promise to follow. As the size of the Pledge base grows, our positive influence on businesses and governments will turn the world around.
Oath of Ethical Commerce:
As a Pledge, I recognize my role in society.
• My purpose is to lead people and manage resources to create value that no single individual can create alone.
• My decisions affect the well-being of individuals inside and outside my enterprise, today and tomorrow.
Therefore, I promise that:
• I will manage my enterprise with loyalty and care, and will not advance my personal interests at the expense of my enterprise or society.
• I will understand and uphold, in letter and spirit, the laws and contracts governing my conduct and that of my enterprise.
• I will refrain from corruption, unfair competition, or business practices harmful to society.
• I will protect the human rights and dignity of all people affected by my enterprise, and I will oppose discrimination and exploitation.
• I will protect the right of future generations to advance their standard of living and enjoy a healthy planet.
• I will report the performance and risks of my enterprise accurately and honestly.
• I will invest in developing myself and others, helping the management profession continue to advance and create sustainable and inclusive prosperity.
In exercising my professional duties according to these principles, I recognize that my behavior must set an example of integrity, eliciting trust and esteem from those I serve. I will remain accountable to my peers and to society for my actions and for upholding these standards.
This oath I make freely, and upon my honor.
