Is it unrealistic to expect others to live by the golden rule?

In order
to answer this question, you must first specify how to apply the term realistic when it comes to
this concept regarding business matters. In addition, it is important to understand that the
golden rule refers to the adage of doing unto others what you would want done unto
yourself.

In this sense, realistic could be interpreted to mean reasonable in
serving the interest(s) of the business party while complying with basic ethical practices. This
means something must provide tangible benefits for the business, such as profit. At the same
time, these benefits should not come at the expense of other parties, such as consumers or
business partners.

When applied this way, one could certainly argue that it
is realistic to apply the so-called golden rule to the business world. For example, a consumer
should be able to assume that a business is selling a safe product for a price that is
reasonable, trusting that the product is also accurately portrayed. Consumers assume this
because business owners are themselves consumers, and since all consumers want to be treated
fairly, it stands to reason that businesses would do so in the interest of upholding ethical
principles.

Conversely, one could argue that it is actually unrealistic to
assume that businesses operate according to the golden rule. Because the goal of all businesses
is to be economically viable and profitable, most businesses place their needs above the needs
of the customers they serve. For instance, when the demand for a product increases, most
businesses will also increase prices for those products. This is intended to maximize profits at
a time when consumers are willing to pay more for a desired product. Certainly this economic
practice does not reflect the charitable spirit of the golden rule. Under that standard,
businesses would not price gouge regardless of the increased demand and opportunity for higher
profit margins, since most people would agree that they do not want to pay more than what a
product is worth.

However, one could also counter this argument by asserting
that the worth of a product is not fixed. Instead, worth is determined by consumer wants and
needs. Therefore, worth is a flexible quality that can change depending on economic conditions.
As a result, businesses would not be in violation of the golden rule for increasing prices, as
everyone would want to be paid what something is worth in the current market.

Depending on your definitions of realistic and your interpretation of common business
practices, you could argue for either side of the issue.