We seek a third way between profit worship and the belief that profit is inherently evil in a world that often prefers the simplicity of either/or options.
Bucking conventional wisdom has never been easy. Pursuit of a world that still rewards motivation, initiative and innovation while seeking to care for “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40) becomes easier when we realize that we’re all in this together.
Early Friends (Quakers) were often deeply literate in the Bible. They understood that adhering to their faith – based in the teachings of Christ – meant a changed life. Christianity was deeply countercultural in Christ’s time, and is no less so today. The importance of co-unity (community) is hard to overstate.
Quaker-owned businesses are grounded in the conviction that there is a better way. We are open to those have a leading to work to make their workplaces kinder, more affirming and productive.
The Quakers and Business Group in Britain (BYM) summarizes it well:
OUR FOCUS
Do the Right Thing – Quakers have a reputation for being trustworthy and ethical. Ethics has been a central theme of Q&B’s work for some time.
Live Your Values at Work – Living your values in business and in the workplace is not always easy. Conflict between personal values and those of the workplace can be a source of anxiety and stress.
What Quaker business people have done and are doing – Quakers, and others, who own businesses have often used their business success to benefit communities and society. We admire the famous names of the past, but we need to share the modern day contributions of organisations and individuals.
The Middle Way – The boundaries between pure capitalism and pure charity are becoming blurred. There are charities that operate trading arms, businesses that are owned by charities and trusts (Scott Bader, Andrews Estate Agent) and social enterprises. These organisations are run to provide benefits beyond the owners, as were the early Quaker businesses.
Source: Quakers and Business Group in Britain (BYM)