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Conscious Business radiates multiple benefits: Does conscious business imply positive development in the business sector? There is a values-based revolution currently taking place in the consciousness of the various levels in the business sector of the economic strata. This is referred to as conscious business. What does it mean and how does it affect the flow of human activities in the business world?

Today, recession confronts the world economies. People are apt to address this situation with urgent quest for various opportunities that could help alleviate economic difficulties, prevent rise in unemployment, retrenchments, and other repercussions brought about by the global crisis. Aside from the economic instability created by the situation, the gradual destruction of our environment has come to the point where humanity should act accordingly to prevent massive negative impact. Everything seems in a precarious situation because of past and present negligence and irresponsibility in the management and use of both man-made and natural resources. This affects not only the external existence of human society but also the internal consciousness of people as they establish an interconnection between their inner and outer states of well-being as individuals and as members of the society. This serves as a point of awakening mankind from a complete slumber of being unresponsive to the adverse effects of selfish motives and unscrupulous decisions made. Humanity has finally reached the point of becoming open to productive measures, positive approaches in dealing with the various points of conflicts and misdeeds, amendments in certain norms and practices as well as involvement in various programs, activities and other endeavors to promote social responsibility, justice, sustainability, material and spiritual enrichment, harmony and excellence through values incorporation, spiritual enlightenment, and self-empowerment. Thus, conscious business has found its place in the mainstream of human consciousness and in the conduct of societal functions in various human endeavors.

The essence of conscious business acts as a catalyst of change in the relevant transformation of the general business perspective that is mainly focused on investments and profits to social and environmental concerns. This marvelous transformation has put the business sector in the forefront of programs promoting economic, social, and environmental well-being. This change has made the business sector realize how massive is its influence in generating positive results for the advancement of material success and spiritual enrichment. In this context, the business enterprise becomes conscious of its social responsibility by considering the effects of its products and services on society and in the environment. This means that the enterprise gives importance to its role by seeking how it can become beneficial to the society and to the environment as well.

There are principles by which conscious business is applied. In the conduct of its business, an enterprise has to ensure that the products or services it offers are safe not only for the consumers but also for the environment. It recognizes its responsibility to uphold high quality and to observe high safety standards in the business process. The enterprise also gives positive value in the triple bottom line model which stresses the key roles of people, planet, and profit in a business endeavor. This means that the internal and the external well-being of the persons involved in the business are taken care of by the formulation of beneficial programs and work incentives for the employees as well as the creation of assistance and outreach programs to communities where the raw materials come from or where the manufacture of products take place. Through this way, the enterprise helps the community involved to develop economically and replenish it environmentally. A conscious business spearheads programs along this line. Communities and people are encouraged to promote and to support recycling programs, to build workplaces with green or zero-impact facilities and materials including the use of solar or wind energy as well as organic, renewable and sustainable materials, and to implement environment-friendly system of packaging the products. Furthermore, a conscious business allocates a part of its profits for worthy causes or campaigns to protect the lives of people and the environment. This is to pursue its role in increasing awareness and promoting beneficial practices in the business system. As a result of this essential development in the business world, people can now transform the economic slowdown into a great opportunity for them to foster personal fulfillment, peace, mutual respect, unity, joy, and attainment of goals.

Although many businesses manifest consciousness in their systems, many enterprises are still unconscious of their role and social responsibility. These seemingly heedless businesses do not care so much for people and nature because of too much desire for material aggrandizement. They continue to exploit resources such as by illegally cutting the trees in the forest which can greatly cause erosion and flood, throw waste anywhere such as in the rivers and at seas which could harm marine life, emit smoke and other chemicals that could further destroy the ozone layer and pollute air. There are also businesses which abuse workers by not giving them the mandated pay and benefits. They make employees work beyond acceptable human condition. Conscious business serves as a great challenge to these enterprises that are operating without considering social responsibility. Is there a way for these businesses to put mind and heart into their system to create business consciousness instead of just thinking on how to maximize their profits? Surely, there is always a way if there is a will to do it. Now is the time for everyone to do his share of saving lives and environment by making this world a safe place to live in. People, community, and organizations must seek to balance personal, socio-economic, and spiritual development by awakening conscience and consciousness in all undertakings. Thus, through the principles by which conscious business translates into awareness and integration of the material and spiritual aspects, the essence of existence and the meaning of social and environmental responsibility shine through. Conscious business, therefore, generates multiple benefits for the humanity and business endeavors.