Business Ethics Alliance Addresses Selling and Fundraising During a National Pandemic

The Business Ethics Alliance (www.businessethicsalliance.org) recently addressed the ethical questions about selling and fundraising during a national pandemic to help business owners and nonprofit organizations make associated decisions. In an interview with metroTV’s Andee Hoig, former Business Ethics Alliance Executive Director Beverly Kracher, Ph.D. and current Education Director Eve McLain said transparency about your cause and maintenance of your reputation are crucial considerations. That means putting an ethical lens on the questions you’re asking yourself, with an eye toward maintaining your reputation long-term.

Because business is vital to the Omaha community and the American community, it is appropriate for business owners to do all they can ethically to keep their businesses going. Some companies will not
make it through the pandemic challenges, and others are hustling to reimagine their businesses to maintain relevancy and will look different on the other side.

“The need for transparency extends beyond this situation,” Eve said. “The people making decisions to donate or buy from you are adults. Acting ethically means you are not tricking them into giving a donation or buying what you’re selling. You may need to be vulnerable and go in hat-in-hand and say to the community that while we know we might not be top-of-mind for you right now, we need your help now if we’re going to come through on the other side.”

In the end, Eve said, it is ethical to sell right now, and it is ethical to fundraise right now. “Just be sure you can hold your head high on the other side.”

The Business Ethics Alliance is the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to city-level, business-ethics education. They build leadership, strengthen organizations, and elevate Greater Omaha through positive, practical business ethics. Learn more online at www.businessethicsalliance.org or by calling (402) 280-2235.