Chapter 9: Developing Good Work Ethic

A person's attitude towards work determines the success or failure of one's business or personal
enterprise. Work may either motivate or de-motivate a worker depending on his perception and
towards work itself. This chapter examines the human, philosophical and theological meaning of work
and their implications to the worker himself.

1. Definition of Work
Work is both a personal and a social activity. As a personal activity, it is aimed at developing a
person. As a social activity, its purpose is the preservation of human society. Work therefore, has
moral and legal implications.
Work is the legitimate use of our mental and bodily powers for economic gain or profit.
1. Work is the "use" or application of our physical powers to accomplish certain tasks.
2. The purpose of work is to obtain an economic gain or power.

2. The Meaning of Work in the Holy Bible

From the biblical point of view, God is seen as the as the author of work and He also blessed and
sanctified work. In the Old Testament, God did not only create man, He is also the author of work.
In Genesis Chapter 1, God creates a pattern of work and rest for us to follow. He created the world
for six days and rested on the seventh day. The reason for this respite is for man to appreciate and
value the meaning of work.
In the New Testament, the meaning of work can be well understood from the perspective of the
master of GOds incarnation. When Christ became man, humanity was blessed and sanctified,
including human work. Christ, the Son of God, also worked as a carpenter. Seen from this
perspective, work therefore, is not drudgery, not even a curse, but an activity that has been
blessed and sanctified and therefore, must also sanctify the worker himself.

3. The Theological Meaning of Work According to St. Thomas Aquinas

The angelic doctor of the church, St. Thomas Aquinas enumerates four purposes of work in his
treatise entitled Summa Theologica:
1. It provides for one's daily livelihood;
2. It prevents idleness which is a source of many evils;
3. It curbs the rebellious flesh; and
4. It enables man to give aims from his material surplus.
For St. Thomas Aquinas, man is called to serve God through his work.

4. The Human Perspective of Work

WORK

WORKER

OTHER WORKERS

Object:
- a task to be
done

Subject:
- the human
person

Context:
- others

When he works:

- He accomplishes something
- He defines himself
- He measures his work as a
person

- He develops himself
- He provides an occasion to
relate with others

5. How to Enjoy Work and Create Spiritual Values in the Workplace

1. Practice the Golden Rule;
2. Guard your mouth;
3. Stop the green jokes;
4. Practice ethical behavior;
5. Learn to forgive;
6. Be generous;
7. Respect superiors and coworkers;
8. Be considerate;
9. Perform your work and fulfill your duties to the best of your ability;
10. Be a grateful person;
11. Do not bring the problems at home to the workplace or vice versa;
12. Be an inspiration to others;
13. Read the Bible every day;
14. Develop a personal relationship with God; and
15. Smile and enjoy you work. (Remember: work has been sanctified, it must also sanctify you)

6. Basic Duties of Employers

Respect the dignity of the workers;
Appreciate their work;
Never treat them as a slaves for making money;
Never assign them tasks beyond their strength, nor employ them in work not suited to their
age or gender;
5. Give them commensurate and fair wages;
6. Provide for their health and social recreation;
7. Provide them time for the practice of their religion;
8. Instruct them on how to use their money wisely;
9. Instruct them to love their family; and
10. Provide them with opportunities for promotion.
1.
2.
3.
4.

7. Basic Duties of Workers

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Work honestly and comply with all agreements;

Never inure capital, nor steal from the employer;
Never outrage the person of the employer;
Never employ deceit or violence in presenting a cause; and
Never consult with "agitators" or men or evil principles.

8. Protestant Work Ethic

Martin Luther (1483-1546) who started the Reformation during the Renaissance period as a protest
against some of the doctrines of the Catholic Church also came up with a new perspective of work
for his followers.In summary, Luther believed that:
People could serve God through their work;
A person should work diligently his chosen occupation and should not try to change from the
profession to which he was called. To do so would be to go against God's will;
Work is perceived to be the universal base of society and the cause of differing social classes;
and
Each person should earn an income which would meet his basic needs, but to accumulate
wealth was sinful.
But it was Max Weber who developed further the Protestant Work Ethic, which was founded on
Calvinist tenets. in essence, The Protestant Work Ethic believes in the following principles:
Predestination - the belief that God has chosen the elect.
HARDWORK

SUCCESS

HEAVEN

All men must work, even the rich, because to work is the will of God.
Key Elements of Protestant Work Ethic - Self-discipline, hardwork and ability to save money.
Living ascetically, e.g., frugally, self-denial,taboo pleasures of the flesh.
Reinvest the profits of their labor into financing further ventures.
Selection of an occupation and pursuing it to the achieve greatest profit possible is perceived as
a religious duty.
Other key elements include the following: diligence, punctuality, deferment of gratification, and
primacy of the work domain. For the Protestants, working hard is a mark of commitment to their
religion.

Questions for Discussion

1. What does the Bible team has about the meaning of work?
From the biblical point of view, Gos is seen as the author of work and He is also blessed and
sanctified. In the Old Testament, God did not only create man, He is also the author of work. In
Genesis chapter 1, God creates a pattern of work and rest for us to follow.
2. Explain the phrase: Man is called to serve God through his work.
A person should work diligently his chosen occupation and should not try to change from the
profession to which he was called. To do so would be to go against God's will;
Many people have the misconception that being called by God is something only
missionaries, pastors, nuns, and other church leaders experience. But the Bible says everyone
is called to serve God by serving others.
God is far more interested in why you serve others than in how well you serve them. Hes
always looking at your heart, serving willingly and eagerly out of love for Jesus and gratitude
for all hes done for you.
You are most like Jesus when youre serving others. After washing his disciples feet, Jesus
said, I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
3. As an employer, what do you think is your primary obligation to your workers? And why?
1. Respect the dignity of the workers;
2. Appreciate their work;
3. Never treat them as a slaves for making money;
4. Never assign them tasks beyond their strength, nor employ them in work not suited to their
age or gender;
5. Give them commensurate and fair wages;
6. Provide for their health and social recreation;
7. Provide them time for the practice of their religion;
8. Instruct them on how to use their money wisely;
9. Instruct them to love their family; and
10. Provide them with opportunities for promotion.
4. As an employee, what do you think is your primary obligation to your employer?
1. Work honestly and comply with all agreements;
2. Never inure capital, nor steal from the employer;
3. Never outrage the person of the employer;
4. Never employ deceit or violence in presenting a cause; and
5. Never consult with "agitators" or men or evil principles.
5. Does religion play an important role in the development of ones work ethic?
Religion is absolutely vital to modern society. Religion is what determines the norms by which
a society should operate. Here in America, even though there are many religions within the
nation, Christian character, morals, values and integrity are what keeps the peace. We all
understand that to take a life or to steal is a sin and should be punished. There are societies
where there religion allows them to take the life of someone for no other reason than personal
request. Their religion allows for that and therefore, it is their "norm". A lot of the problems in
our American society today comes from an attempt to change the Christian values by which
this nation was founded upon and therefore change our "norms". One should consider what we
are giving up if we change who we are and how we operate to please a minority.

Chapter 10: Values and Virtues

1. Definition of Values
In his books, Ethics: The Philosophical Discipline of Action (1999), Professor E. Babor comes up
with the following definitions of values:
1. Values are the objects of human desire and striving. They are also the subjective
assessment of a particular object insofar as it is good.
2. Values are our beliefs, those beliefs which we hold to be true and therefor values affect our
thoughts, decisions and actions.
3. Values also refer to the things, persons, ideas, or goals which are important to life. Thus,
they refer to our ideals and our principles by which we live. Values therefore are those
principles by which we live. Values therefore are those which we like, approve, enjoy and
esteem.

2. Classification of Values
In general, values are classified into the following:
1. Intrinsic and Instrumental Values. Intrinsic values are those which are considered as values
in themselves. Instrumental values on the other hand, are those considered as good
because of their worth to us and to others.
2. Accidental and Natural Values. Accidental values are subject to variability, temporality and
impermanence while nature values are those that are permanent in human nature.
3. Primary and Secondary Values. The former refers to values that are obligatory in nature,
e.g., values in the family are necessary to the children.
4. Religious Values. These values enable us to encounter God whim we believe to be the
absolute good.
5. Cultural Values. These values embrace poetry, painting, music, architecture and literature.
6. Social Values. Some examples of social values are patriotism, freedom of the press,
fraternity, economic productivity and politics.
7. Moral Values. Refer to those qualities of an act performed by man freely and knowingly.
This entails that moral values are involved in our freedom to choose an action that we
would like to perform. The, moral values are characterises as basic values, permanent,
universal, absolute, objective and freely chosen by us.

3. Virtues
Virtues are good habits while vices are bad habits. Virtues are those habits that can make a
person perform well. And there are two areas where a person can be said to perform his functions
well as a human being - the intellect and the will. There are three kinds of virtues, to wit:
intellectual, moral or cardinal, and theological virtues.

4. Classification of Virtues
1. Intellectual Virtues
a) Understanding - is the first intellectual value that the person forms in early childhood. A
child understands that the whole is greater than its parts of he understands that
something cannot be there and not there at the same time. Understanding is the
knowledge of the first principle.
b) Science - This is the relationship between the cause and effect and developed further
by a person until it becomes scientific. Science is considered as an intellectual virtue.
c) Wisdom - is the knowledge of the ultimate or first causes.
d) Art - This virtue is developed when a person does something well because of habitual
hard work and practice. Art is also a virtue because it is a good habit.
e) Prudence - is the virtue of knowing what to do under peculiar circumstances. It is also
considered a virtue of the practical intellect.

2. Moral or Cardinal Virtues

a) Justice - is the virtue of giving everyone his due. Its s a virtue that resides in the will.
b) Temperance - it is the virtue of curbing the sensitive appetites. It is also a virtue that
resides in will.
c) Fortitude - is the virtue of staying resolute in the face of overwhelming odds. It is
likewise a virtue that resides in the will of the person.
3. Theological Virtues
a) Faith - is the virtue of believing in God without seeing Him.
b) Hope - is the virtue of trusting the Divine Providence.
c) Charity - is the virtue of loving God and His creatures.

5. Seven Capital Vices

1. Pride - is the overestimation of the self.
2. Gluttony - is an excess of temperance, e.g., inordinate desires for food.
3. Luxury - is the immoderate love of riches.
4. Avarice - is the inordinate desire for material goods in the form of possessions
5. Sloth - is the deficiency of fortitude.
6. Envy - is an exaggerated justice in favour of oneself.
7. Anger - is an excess of temperance.

6. Importance of Studying Values and Virtues in Ethics

According to Professor E. Quito, ethics sees the importance of nurturing moral habits to enable
the human being to facilitate or render easy the task of conforming to the Natural Moral Law.
A virtuous action must be the source of our human act which is the done with right knowledge
and proper exercise of freedom
To attain a virtuous life could be difficult but this is the challenge for everyone. The philosopher
Aristotle even said, Vice is easy and virtue is difficult. He likens the practice of a virtuous life to
hitting the bulls eye: There are several ways of missing it. It is therefore easier to be immoral
than to be moral or to be evil than good. This is the reason why Aristotle had written that good
man is rare and laudable.

7. Importance of Studying Values and Virtues in Ethics

According to Professor E. Quito, the nurturing of habits is related to values. IF a person forms
the moral virtue of prudence, it is because he considers it of immense value to his life. If he
discards temperance, it is because he considers the value of pleasure greater than temperance. If
he cherishes justice, it is because he sees the value of justice to be reciprocal. The same is true of
the other common virtues like honesty, truthfulness, and the like. If honesty or truthfulness is
important to the person, he will cultivate those virtues this affirming the connection between virtues
and values. Every virtue starts with a value. Only when the virtue is considered a value can a
person proceed to cultivating it.

Questions for Discussion

1. Why are values important for man?
1. Values are the objects of human desire and striving. They are also the subjective
assessment of a particular object insofar as it is good.
2. Values are our beliefs, those beliefs which we hold to be true and therefor values affect our
thoughts, decisions and actions.
3. Values also refer to the things, persons, ideas, or goals which are important to life. Thus,
they refer to our ideals and our principles by which we live. Values therefore are those
principles by which we live. Values therefore are those which we like, approve, enjoy and
esteem.
2. Differentiate virtue from vice.
Virtues are good habits while vices are bad habits. Virtues are those habits that can make a
person perform well. And there are two areas where a person can be said to perform his functions
well as a human being - the intellect and the will.
A virtue is a generalized pattern of behaviour that is usually somehow beneficial in terms of its
outcome. A vice is one that is instead often harmful to the individual or society at large.
A virtue is a habit or an acquired human quality of character that allow one to achieve personal
happiness. By definition, then, virtue is something good, an "excellence" of human character.
There cannot be a bad virtue. Vice is the oppositea habit that spoils ones chances of achieving
personal happiness. By definition, vice is bad; there cannot be a good vice.
3. Discuss the relationship between values and virtues.
Values are ideas signed on to by an individual or group that draw boundaries and patterns for
governing intent, attitudes and actions. Virtue is a narrower term that represents a set of selected
values that are considered to be good and desirable as prescribed by Religion or Society
applicable to all individuals and situations uniformly. Individual values may well consist partly of the
prescribed virtues, but can as well have other values which are either outside the ambit of virtues
or even could be opposite when one revolts or opposes the norms set by Religion or Society.....
well, one can even have negative values. Virtue is supposed to be good whereas value denotes
individually set preferences irrespective of whether generally considered good or bad.
Both value and virtue are determined and measured by the good or bad qualities of mankind.
Undoubtedly, our values control our virtues. The well said proverb is honesty is the best virtue. Of
course honesty is something that controls our action and definitely there is only one thing that can
make us virtuous. And its our action.
4. What is the role of moral values in business ethics?
Moral values are the standards of good and evil, which govern an individuals behavior and
choices. A value is a belief, a mission, or a philosophy that is really meaningful to the business. An
example of a business value is: "Customer Satisfaction. Thus a business value is the companys
criteria for achieving a high level of performance.
Good reputation of the business leads to higher value. Reputation and good word of mouth
advertising is essential to business survival in today's wretched economic climate and no business
can afford to ignore an unhappy customer. Unhappy customers have the ability to besmirch your
good reputation in a matter of hours.
5. What are the common Filipino values that are practiced in the business and corporate world?
1. Hospitability. Its one of the most popular traits of Filipinos. We are usually friendly and
welcoming to our guests.
2. Adaptability and resilience. Despite of all the calamities that struck our country, Filipinos are
persistent enough to get back on their feet, even without the solid help from the
government. We can also adapt to any type of environment and mingle with any kind of
people all over the world.
3.

Resourcefulness and creativity. Filipinos are known for ingenuity. Some of our smartest
countrymen can come up with a brilliant idea despite of poverty or lack of financial
resources. We are also good in recycling trash and turn them into ingenious products.

4. Faithfulness. The Filipinos are one of the most faithful people in the world. Whatever our
religion is, we remain faithful and we dont lose hope for a better tomorrow. Our faithfulness
and hopefulness keep us kind, positive, peaceful and determined to achieve our goals no
matter how impossible they may seem.

5. Unity in bayanihan spirit. We are in close relationship with our neighbors. In barangays and
most subdivisions, the people in the neighborhood know each other, talk each other, help
each other, and protect each other. Our communities are organized.
6. Thriftiness. There may be Filipinos who are living beyond their means. But on the brighter
side, there are also many Filipinos who are frugal. We shop wisely to save our money for
future important uses.
7. Politeness. Filipinos are courteous people. Moreover, Filipino workers will always address
their customers with sir or maam to show humility and honor to serve them.
8. Family-oriented. Filipinos are willing to make big sacrifices just to make sure that their
loved ones will have a good life.
9. Bravery. Theres a heros blood running on our veins. We have the most fearless heroes
who only think of defending our homeland.
10. Jolliness and sense of humor. The Philippines is a country of smiles. Nothing can take
away the humor and jolliness of many Filipinos.
11. Discretion and dignity. Perhaps many of our politicians dont have a delicadeza. But our
people, especially the Filipinas, still observe delicadeza. Despite of the growing number of
Filipinos who are giving up their delicadeza, there are still many Filipinos who always think
twice before they make a decision that can affect their dignity and honor. Thanks to their
parents who raised them up with high moral standards.
12. Gratefulness. Aside from being hospitable, Filipinos are also thankful. We dont forget
anyone who helped us, whether he (she) is a Filipino or not. We even build monuments to
show our utmost respect and gratitude to our heroes and other foreign personalities who
helped the Filipino people. We show our warmest gratitude to the international communities
who helped us rebuild our lives after Haiyan and other disasters struck us.
13. Honesty and commitment. Perhaps palabra de honor is not evident among our politicians,
but its still evident among the common Filipinos. When we make a promise, we try our best
to fulfill that promise even if it will undermine ourselves. For us, to fulfill a promise to others
is a great self fulfillment. We are also candor. What we see in you, we will tell you frankly.
14. Helpfulness. Finally, even if the Philippines is not a big and rich country, we still grant aids
to other countries in need. We also send our brave soldiers to protect other nations from
threats and to preserve world peace.
6. Cite some Filipino values that have become disadvantageous to the Filipino culture.
Hiya (shame): it contributes to peace of mind and lack of stress by not even trying to achieve.
Filipino Time, which means things get done whenever they get done. Official Timing of The
Philippines. Filipino hosts deliberately set the time and hour or so earlier, knowing that the guests
will arrive an hour or so late.
Maana or Bukas na (procrastination): something that we have learned from the Spaniards. The
word "Maana" means tomorrow or specified future time also known as procrastination in
plain English, mamaya na in Filipino.
Ningas-cogon (procrastination): refers to the unnerving attitude of starting an initiative but fails to
continue it, or the lack of a follow-up.
Patigasan (test of strength): it is assign that we know our rights and are not easily cowed into
submission. It is Occidental in spirit, hence in keeping with Nietzsches "will to power.
Kasi (because, i. e., scapegoat): one can see both sides of the picture and know exactly where a
project failed. One will never suffer from guilt or self-recrimination.
Another value of the Filipinos is lack of a Palabra de Honor which means a verbal commitment
by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future.
ANTI-FILIPINOS say that Filipinos, because of their colonial mentality, always prefer foreign
talents and products to local ones. This mentality does exist, but it is wrong to accuse us
Filipinos as always practicing it. Colonial mentality is the thinking that foreign talents and
products are always the good, the better, and the best, and that the local ones are of poor or no
quality at all.
Crab mentality, sometimes referred to as crabs in the bucket, describes a way of thinking best
described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you.
Dignity and social status is important. Therefore, some Filipinos tend to lead lifestyles that do not
match their income, just to keep their statuses as high as possible.
Speaking of gossip, this is the unofficial national sport of Filipinos. We gossip about everything:
from this politician's latest girlfriend to an actress' alleged hairy armpits.