In an age where more of us than ever care about where our money goes, ethics in business should be at the forefront of any entrepreneur’s mind. As well as helping you to stand out from the crowd, something like a focus on ethical practices ensures you can connect with customers and earn respect. Getting on board with things like local fundraising is also your best chance of doing good with your influence. 

It’s important to note, though, that business ethics are a double-edged sword. As much as they can boost your profile, they can also cost you sales if you’re found to go against ethics you’ve claimed in the past. This is why you should only ever express values which are dear to your heart. It’s also why you might want to go careful when outsourcing.

Most companies now outsource various services to save time and money. If you aren’t careful about the companies you’re outsourcing with, though, they could compromise the values and reputation you’ve built for yourself. If you’ve spent a lot of time building a moral company compass, then, consider keeping things in-house to avoid the following faux pas.

Working with a company who have bad business practices

As a manager, you should do whatever you can to incorporate the best business practices possible. Sadly, you can’t say the same for outsourced companies. If your outsourced IT services come from a company famed for bad employee practices, you could soon fall under scrutiny, too. If you want to set a clear example of positive business in every aspect of what you do, then, it’s worth keeping things in-house as much as possible. 

Funding a company who don’t share your eco-efforts

Making an effort to reduce your business’ carbon footprint is always positive. This effort alone can help you appeal to a young audience. Unless, of course, you outsource services such as delivery through companies who don’t share your efforts. When they buy from you, customers are trying to do their bit. If they find out that your courier service guzzles fuel by using old vehicles, they may soon turn away. Instead, you may be better off with in-house options like the vans and bodies available from Truckcraft Bodies. With 5% reduced emissions, these are sure to serve your company morals better than an ill-fitting courier, even if it means delivery takes you a bit longer. 

Connections with a company who outsource to contradictory brands

It’s also worth noting that outsourced companies don’t just outsource to you. They work with other brands too, many of whom may be contradictory to your cause. Worse, you have no way of accessing this information before signing a contract. Still, if a leak occurred which connected your health-based company with a cigarette manufacturer, for example, you’d be in real trouble. If you’re worried about what associations with brands could do to you, then, keep things close to home. That way, you can choose precisely who you’re associated with at all times.