The Modern Business Commandments: A Reflection on the Changing Face of Ethics in the Corporate World

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the principles that once guided entrepreneurs and leaders are undergoing dramatic shifts. While traditional wisdom emphasized values such as honesty, selflessness, and integrity, the modern business arena presents a more complex, sometimes cutthroat environment. Below are seven controversial "commandments" that reflect these changing dynamics — ideas that are often seen in practice, whether we agree with them or not.

1. Love Remains Strong Only with Proper Reciprocity (Give & Take Relationship)

In business, relationships are transactional by nature. Whether it’s between companies and customers or among partners and stakeholders, success is largely dependent on the mutual exchange of value. A business that gives without receiving risks depletion, just as one that takes without giving back sows seeds of distrust. This commandment reminds us that love, or loyalty, in business can only be sustained when both sides feel equally rewarded.

2. Do Good to Yourself First and Then to Others (Me First)

The concept of self-care has gained prominence not only in personal life but in business leadership as well. To be an effective leader, one must first ensure their own well-being—financially, emotionally, and mentally. This commandment emphasizes that leaders and entrepreneurs who prioritize their own growth and stability are better positioned to uplift those around them. After all, how can you offer help to others when you’re not operating at your full potential?

3. All Action is Useless Without Fruit (What will be the profit? results?)

In a results-driven world, effort without outcome is futile. Businesses exist to generate profit, impact, or growth; without tangible results, even the most valiant efforts fall short. This mirrors a mindset where intentions are important, but execution and measurable success are everything. Whether it’s closing deals or hitting milestones, actions are justified only by the fruits they bear.

4. Business is More Important Than Honesty

Perhaps one of the most debated "commandments," this suggests that the pursuit of business objectives can, at times, overshadow moral obligations. The reality is that in competitive industries, businesses are often pressured to compromise transparency to gain an edge. While many would disagree, arguing that long-term success is rooted in integrity, this commandment reflects the harsh truth that many leaders face tough choices between ethics and profit.

5. To Win in Business and Competition, It Is Necessary to Have Jealousy

Jealousy here isn't about personal envy but about competitive spirit. The modern corporate world thrives on rivalry, and businesses must be driven to outperform others. Observing the success of competitors can fuel innovation and motivation, pushing leaders to refine strategies, enhance products, and capture more market share. In this sense, jealousy becomes a force that drives business forward in an intensely competitive market.

6. Greed Is Necessary to Become Rich

Greed, often condemned in social values, takes on a different meaning in the business world. This commandment suggests that ambition and desire for more—whether it's wealth, market share, or innovation—are essential qualities for business growth. While uncontrolled greed can lead to unethical decisions, a healthy dose of it fuels expansion, risk-taking, and visionary thinking. In many ways, it’s the hunger for more that drives businesses to scale up and reach unprecedented heights.

7. To Become Big, It Is Necessary to Make Others Look Small

This final commandment touches on a strategy often seen in aggressive business environments. Dominating the market sometimes involves undercutting competitors, whether through price wars, innovation, or marketing tactics that highlight their weaknesses. While it may seem cynical, businesses frequently use this strategy to establish their supremacy and secure a larger share of the pie. While not every business leader would adopt this approach, the ruthless nature of some industries does lend truth to this idea.

The Ethical Dilemma

These modern business "commandments" challenge conventional moral values and expose the tension between ethics and success. They present a stark reality of the corporate world, where profit, power, and competition often redefine right and wrong. While some may reject these ideas outright, others might acknowledge them as necessary evils in a hyper-competitive environment.

As business leaders and entrepreneurs, the key is to strike a balance. How do we stay true to our values while navigating an unforgiving marketplace? Can we redefine success without embracing these controversial principles, or are they now a prerequisite for survival and growth? These are the questions every modern leader must confront as they forge their path in the world of business.