The Complex Nature of the African Business Environment

Abstract

The complex issues encapsulated in the African business environment can be settled from a moral perspective. For instance, the problem of corruption, poverty, unemployment, poor working conditions, poor systems of social control, illiteracy, bad governance and the lack of proper information disclosure. Such dilemmas in most cases emerge from undemocratic systems of governance. Undemocratic systems undermine democratic structures, systems of checks and balances, and the safe-guarding of common well-being. The consequences are a palpable increase in social injustices cum corrupt practices that include rampant embezzlement of funds and nepotism. As such, these consequently lead to an unwarranted violation of human rights.1 Such immoral practices project a tragic failure in our duty as human beings and responsible stewards vested with the noble duty to safeguard/protect the dignity of others. This is emphasized by the teachings of the Christian worldview2: “In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25: 40).3