The Business of Business Is the Human Person: Lessons from the Catholic Social Tradition - Article Review

Anthony Albert Tiu

HRM535M (Tuesday 6-9PM)

Reaction Paper on The Business of Business is the Human Person: Lessons from the Catholic Social Tradition

The article written by Lloyd Sandelands portrays that modern slavery is still rampant and evident on today’s business. Employees, which is further known as human resources, are treated more likely to be material assets rather than human beings. Though this traditional wage-slave business ethics was morally unfair and wrong, many entities are still performing this practice for their economical or financial interest.  Nevertheless, it was believed that Catholic social teachings play a role for bridging human development.  In the article, contrary to our understanding on “make a living” means more than what it means to make money not only rather to ourselves but as well as to others. But from my business point of view, it is the integration of spiritual aspect mainly for improving human lives which is far more important and necessary than accumulating wealth for personal interest.

Just like in relation to every company.  When a company makes a profit, it means that productive measures have been properly applied while customer needs are being met. However, I always believe that profitability cannot only be the sole indicator for the entity’s success. Moral factor must also be provided by the entity to prevent negative repercussions that will affect the organizational efficiency.  The problem with today’s business leaders, especially on manufacturing industry, recognizes their employees as a mere instrument for production rather than human beings which devaluates both the person’s morality and dignity.

 In reality, business leaders rarely followed the church teachings of principles and virtues to the society. In relation, contrast to the views of many, I doubt if these principles can really manifests to attain its obligations to the people. Considering an example on it’s one of its principle, the principle for the common good which extends its service to everyone’s advantage, can the business really ensure to materialize its obligations without sacrificing to protect its own interest?  Likewise, can the business define a condition that will benefit to everyone’s advantage? In our society, different people will have different ideas. Given these differences, it would be impossible for business to support different parties that have their own interest.  Forcing or urging different parties to support on the things they disagree or does not add them value will be confronted with problems to the business.  Taking for example, the contributions for paying health systems on particular groups or individuals can be fairly seen as unjust and immoral to some. The benefit of common good can be confronted with problems due to unequal sharing of burdens. In my opinion, the business should balance the individual and common good for the benefit of everyone. This is to prevent potential sacrifices from the individuals as well as respecting the freedom to freely pursue their needs and desires as part of the organization.

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