5.1. Youth Code of Business Ethics Extended Version
Introduction
As a result of summer school and follow-up seminar, a Youth Code of Business Ethics has been written by young participants. It is a blue print that can be adjusted by anyone to her or his convictions and regardless of her/his position and responsibilities as well as the type of business (profit; non-profit; public; etc.). It is meant to become a very personal commitment.
In a nutshell, Gen Y students generally felt that: •
Business today is currently at a crossroad between on the one hand still more fierce, neo-liberalistic like competition often at any price for the planet and the people, on the other hand a humanistic entrepreneurship, well-balanced between the 3 P’s (Profit, Planet, People) where the Person is the central focus point.
•
People/citizens are at the crossroad of at the one hand a never-ending escalation to more individualistic behaviour to the detriment of their neighbour and on the other hand a less self-centred behaviour, open to alterity and solidarity.
•
There is a strong urgency to deepen their own values through a solid spirituality and act accordingly.
The Code
As a young person aspiring to become an ethical business leader I dream of a World in which •
each and every one can live a life in dignity;
•
the human person is always the end but never means to an end;
•
everyone can find his personal fulfilment in community with and through others;
•
the world of business is embedded in a broader world of family and friends, culture and even religion;
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