Purpose Over Profit!

Ethics concern an individual’s moral judgement about right and wrong. The word ethics is derived from the Greek Word ‘Ethos’ which translates to ‘Character’. It is true that morals and values differ for an individual. In today’s world, there is often a conflict between business and ethics. Ethics are usually bound and nurtured by religion, family values, etc. Such forms cannot work well in business where you are expected to be professional and practical.

When people are pressurized to do things, they tend to ignore ethics. Many unethical things are done in well-known companies, but they never get highlighted. Even if they are revealed, for some time, the company will face troubles in its shares and profits but eventually, things get back to normal.

The answer lies between leadership.

Businesses cannot run effectively in the long run if they are not led by an ethical leader. Being ethical is not a choice in a business. You cannot choose as to when to be ethical. The everyday decisions in business need to be ethical. With increasing media exposure, businesses have no choice but to ensure that each and every individual working in the company has ethical standards.

I think, there has to be a balance between being ethical and unethical. The intensity of both stances should be at nominal level. Many companies are unethical with respect to environment and safety of their employees though they are running. Because at the end of the day the profit matters the most for them. There’s nothing wrong in making profit but making profit by unethical means could cost a lot of people harm. Being ethical in business creates a sense of responsibility towards society. We all want to make quick money but being ethical takes a toll on you.

Looking back on my days as a PGDM student, I realize just how much my growth was influenced by my experience at Vivekanand Business School (VBS Mumbai). What began as a simple personal opinion gradually turned into a deeper understanding of what it truly means to lead with intention. VBS didn’t just teach me management theories, it opened my eyes to the real-world importance of making ethical choices and staying true to core values in leadership.

At Vivekanand Business School, ethics is not simply a subject it is something that we live as well as something we experience every day as PGDM students. Whether it is through learning cases, interacting with industry, or discussing internally, VBS constantly challenges each of us to think even deeper beyond numbers and profits and reflect on the responsibility which comes with leadership.
Since I was part of the VBS PGDM program, my eyes opened up to how necessary it is for future managers to be conscious regarding the impact they make on people, businesses, and society. Strategy for the corporation and vision are frequent topics for discussion. Trust, transparency, and also ethics are instead fundamental for successful organizations.

Sevvarth, which is VBS Mumbai’s three-week Social Immersion Program, was one of the most impactful experiences for me in the time of my PGDM program as I did participate in it. This initiative gave me and my classmates the chance to work closely with NGOs throughout India because we stepped into spaces where business solutions met real-life social challenges.

Sevvarth showed me situations where ethical choices were real not theoretical experiences. How can you bring change about if you do not impose? How can you build lasting influence? This is achievable while being humble and inclusive. These questions couldn’t be answered by books alone. Action answered them there on the ground.

We worked in regard to women’s health along with educational awareness also with sanitation projects. This experience shaped my comprehension of responsible leadership past what any textbook could teach.
I saw firsthand how true leadership starts with empathy and how leading with core values can bring about real, lasting change.

The VBS PGDM: Shaping Leaders Who Truly Care
My experience at Vivekanand Business School in Mumbai was about beyond academics; it was a journey of personal growth. Every class, workshop, and project reminded us that making money without a purpose feels empty. That lesson stuck with me long after. As upcoming managers and decision-makers, we have to realize that our job isn’t just about boosting profits. It’s also about creating workplaces where honesty and fairness are front and center. That’s exactly what VBS encourages—a culture where we talk about beyond job placements and salaries, and instead focus on what kind of leaders we’re becoming. The PGDM program at VBS Mumbai isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder. It’s about understanding the responsibilities that come with our choices, the impact we can have, and the kind of world we help shape through our work.

My Final Reflection
For me, ethics isn’t a limit—it’s a guiding light. And VBS Mumbai has helped shape that light through consistent messages about values, real-world CSR experiences, and an environment that pushes us to reflect. I’m proud to say that what I’ve learned here isn’t just useful for business; it applies to life itself. As I move forward in my career, I carry these lessons with pride and gratitude—knowing I’m stepping into the business world not just equipped with knowledge, but with a heart that understands the difference between profit and purpose.

Vaishnavi Wagh
PGDM Batch: 2020–2022
Vivekanand Business School