Introduction
When business ethics and integrity are present all parties dealing with the business know they can rely on the standards with which the business conducts its business transactions. Recognizing the significance of business ethics as a tool for achieving your desired outcome is only the beginning. A small business that instills a deep-seated theme of business ethics within its strategies and policies will be evident among customers. It's overall influence will lead to a profitable, successful company. Click here to read more: http://akoladefatokun..com/

With all the corruption, bribery and behind the scenes maneuvering that goes on in Nigeria, is it possible to be ethical and have integrity, and still run a successful business?

@ texanomaly: There is no right way to do a wrong thing.

iafatok: @ texanomaly: There is no right way to do a wrong thing.

I agree. However, that does not answer my question. If corruption abounds, and nothing can be accomplished without greasing someone's palm, can success (financial success) be achieved, by someone who possess and practices these qualities?

@texanomaly. The issue you raised is real.....as in real. The way out is that you should prepare yourself for low margins as you have to use differentiation strategy most times to create a niche. Secondly build a vast business network. I have seen it many times over and agree that the nigerian business environment is filled with deal cutting. The norm now is they wait for you at payment point to frustrate you. Even when you get the job or business on merit. I've just gotten a start up running and I'm bent on running it ethically. So far my clients where gotten cos they know ill deliver. I'm also familiar with the CEOs.......so nobody messes with me when my invoice arrives on their table.

There is also a business principle that you must take care of all stakeholders. How to work through that principle ethically is a daily challenge. I must confess that I don't have all the answers yet. But ill let you in on a strategy being used. The deal is that you are only carrying out the contract on behalf of you know who with your firm....then you split profits. How does that sound texanomaly.

@ kolokolobi
It sounds exhausting.

@texanomaly....exhausting...wow.

kolokolobi: @texanomaly....exhausting...wow.

I'm just saying... It's a shame one must jump through flaming rings, simply to do the right thing.

Ok. Don't see any flames. What if I told you I've made a turn over of 15m in my start up within the last 5 months without offering anything to nobody. But I said earlier I'm dealing from the top most times so no one tries to mess with me. Although im careful to maintain a cordial relationship with the system as power could shift hands. Others are coming through referals.

kolokolobi: Ok. Don't see any flames. What if I told you I've made a turn over of 15m in my start up within the last 5 months without offering anything to nobody. But I said earlier in dealing from the top most times. Others are coming through referals.

I would say, that is great! I'm glad to hear that. It renews my faith in ethical standards making business successful. Thanks

May I also add that I'm currently expending over 1m currently in gifts to my clients. Its unsolicited but I know from my years of experience that everyone loves gifts and recognition. Just a tip.

@kolokolobi and texanomaly: Thanks for your thoughtful contributions. However, the topic can be viewed from various perspective has analysed by both of you but we should keep in mind that there is a cost for everything.

Relationship mgt cost money. If I break down cost time and stress of going to different parts of the country to attend client related engagements you'd be shocked. But I know its a price to pay to stay relevant.

iafatok: @kolokolobi and texanomaly: Thanks for your thoughtful contributions. However, the topic can be viewed from various perspective has analysed by both of you but we should keep in mind that there is a cost for everything.

Please elaborate.

What constitutes ethical behaviour varies from one person to another, from industry to industry.... For example one person who finds 20 millions of naira on the floor believes that it is okay to stick it in his pocket, whereas another feels compelled to turn it in to the lost-and-found department.

iafatok: What constitutes ethical behaviour varies from one person to another, from industry to industry.... For example one person who finds 20 millions of naira on the floor believes that it is okay to stick it in his pocket, whereas another feels compelled to turn it in to the lost-and-found department.

There is no variance here. One is a thief, and the other is not. If you don't know the difference, I can't help you.

Meaning that an individual has the liberty to define what ethics means base on his personal beliefs about whether a behaviour, action, or decision is right or wrong.

@iafatok, I cherish your write-up, please do more.

Bro i beg to disagree with you. Nigeria is country where anything is possible. But you can keep to your 'oyibo' theories and see if they can work for you. Good luck.