Navigating Business Decisions with Integrity Amidst Public Opinion

During normal times, navigating between what’s morally right and what’s trendy can be like walking a tightrope, let alone during times like these, where no one knows how to move forward. We’re all so confused about what’s right and what’s wrong, but trendy, that we don’t know whether to wind our butts or scratch our watch.

This is one of life’s ironic challenges that many of us have to face. Sometimes, doing what’s right in business isn’t always doing what’s popular. And these days, even the average person is faced with this challenge, which is compounded when you own a business and people are depending on you.

To highlight the issue, let’s look at some examples where this principle holds true.

The Minimum Wage Dilemma

A recent proposal to increase the minimum wage to $40 per hour has sparked debate about the potential impact on the fast-food industry. While the intention behind this proposal is to support low-wage earners, it’s crucial to consider the potential consequences.

According to a study by the Employment Policies Institute, a minimum wage increase to $40 per hour could lead to a 43% decrease in employment in the fast-food industry. This decrease in employment would result in higher prices for consumers, potentially causing the destruction of the fast-food industry as we know it.

While it’s essential to support fair wages for workers, it’s equally important to consider the economic impact of such decisions. As a small business owner, it’s crucial to balance ethics and economics to make decisions that benefit both your employees and your business.

The recent increase has already caused massive concern and price increases.

According to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office: “Starting April 1, 2024, all “fast food restaurant employees” who are covered by the new law must be paid at least $20.00 per hour.” So the increase has already occurred.

One customer of a fast food establishment posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) saying that she paid $40 for a basic meal of chicken nuggets, a burger and a drink and that she will never return to that establishment again due to the outrageous prices.

So I’m not sure how such a pay increase helps anybody if the companies go out of business.

Other Examples of Doing What’s Right vs. Popular

1. Sustainability and Environmentalism

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they purchase. While it may be popular to prioritize profits over sustainability, doing what’s right for the environment can also benefit your business in the long run.

For example, Patagonia, a clothing brand, has prioritized environmentalism and sustainability since its inception. The company has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, such as using recycled materials and investing in renewable energy. While these decisions may not always be popular with shareholders, they have helped Patagonia build a loyal customer base and establish a strong brand identity.

2. Data Privacy and Security

In today’s digital age, data privacy and security are becoming increasingly important to consumers. While it may be popular to collect and use customer data for marketing purposes, doing what’s right means prioritizing their privacy and security.

For example, Apple has taken a strong stance on data privacy, implementing various features to protect user data. While this may not always be popular with advertisers, it has helped Apple build a reputation as a company that prioritizes its customers’ privacy and security.

3. Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly popular in the workplace. While it may be popular to prioritize hiring individuals who fit a Diversity and Inclusion quota based on skin color, but doing what’s right means prioritizing talent and qualified people over hiring to gain social points from certain crowds and groups.

For example, Google has implemented various initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, such as unconscious bias training and diversity recruiting. While this may be popular with some employees, job candidates and social groups, it has lead to a decline in the Google brand, trust and product, producing biased search results, and thus, an inferior product.

Wrapping Up:

As a small business owner, it’s essential to balance ethics and economics when making decisions. While doing what’s right may not always be popular, it can help build a loyal customer base, establish a strong brand identity, and promote long-term growth.

As we discussed in our related article, “How John Deere Built Timeless Loyalty Through Its Green Legacy,” prioritizing values and ethics can lead to long-term success.

By doing what’s right, even when it’s not popular, you can build a strong foundation for your business that will benefit both your employees and your customers.

Related Article:

• How John Deere Built Timeless Loyalty Through Its Green Legacy

And for further information about leaving a legacy, read: How High Standards, Integrity, and Reliability Build Authority for Your Business.

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For a practical guide to promote Traditional American Values: 20 Ways to Infuse Your Marketing with Strong Work Ethics and Traditional American Values download the guide HERE.