BUSINESS RIGHTS

This week’s theme is your rights in business. Many peopleassume they know their rights. They believe that because they have a moral codewhich they live by automatically applies to the business world. Unfortunately,the world of business is full of shadows with sinister  people lurking around many corners. The roadto riches is not very well lit!

I am, by no means, a legal professional, neither do I offerlegal advice. However, I do suggest you take legal advice on matters beforeproceeding into new ventures. It is a sad truth that the more laws there are,the more criminals there are too. And also more opportunities for people tobreak the law. The legal system upholds the letter of the law instead of  the spirit of the law. Personally, it wouldbe easier to adjudicate on the spirit of the law and get the right convictionfor the right reason to the right person. However, this is not the reality.

The reality is we are left in the dark to explore theminefield that is the legal system. Furthermore, ignorance of the law is not anexcuse for transgression of any law. The law is deliberately kept mysteriousand known only to a few, upheld by a few and made by a few. So it is nosurprise that many people find themselves on the wrong sided of the law inbusiness. From employment to international trade, every contract is open tomanipulation. It is a mistake to think the other party has the same intentions as you. The modern world isincreasingly driven by a “what’s in it for me?” attitude, and many will seek touse you in order to get it. A popular phrase “it’s nothing personal, it’s onlybusiness” will ring in many people’s ears.

Too many adopt a win-lose business model. In this model thelegal vultures are always at the ready too swoop down and pick over the bonesof the loser. I am of the opinion that all business should be win-win. If bothparties are not getting a benefit from the transaction then it should beabandoned. And the gain does not have to be financial either. The beauty ofbusiness  is that more than money isinvolved. The win-lose model goes for maximum profit from the minimum price.It’s about satisfying the shareholders as opposed to the stakeholders. It’s the“what’s in it for me?” syndrome. The win-win model takes the view “how can weall benefit?” it’s an outward=looking model that has the benefit of keeping thelegal vultures at bay.

The win-lose model is one where you have to know yourrights. It’s a minefield, and sooner or later you will get caught out. Thewin-win model is la relaxing barbecue with friends. Business should be fun, itshould be enjoyed by all involved. It should be honest. It  should be free of litigation andcounter-litigation. And it can be when the right approach is adopted from theoutset.