BUSINESS COMPETITION

Northern Advocate, 21 March 1934, Page 8

BUSINESS COMPETITION

IMPROVEMENT OP RELATIONSHIPS. AX INSTRUCTIV F A DDR MSB, Speaking at a Rotary “forum" in Whangaroi on Saturday evening, Roiarian Holdsworth, ot the Auckland Rotfirv Club, delivered an instructse address on the subject of competition in business. “Manv years ago,” said Mr Holdsworth, “a competitor was a person to 'distrust, to shun, and to be on your guard against. This feeling was expressed in many ways, but received special emphasis in advertising. “Friendly rivalry between cities, localities, and competitors should be encouraged,” continued Mr Holdsworth. •“However, there is no need or call tor bitterness and ill-feeling. There should be a policy of live ami let live. Tears ago ■it was the custom to have high fences, brick Avails finished off AAith broken glass. Today, icnees are disappearing and low rockeries form the line of demarcation between properties. So, in a like manner, factories and large industrial concerns were noted for the signs which made it quite Hear that strangers were not wanted. How different 'today, when factory owners delight in showing people ever their plant and explaining the working of their machinery. Information which a fpAA T years ago was looked upon as strictly confidential regarding turnover, etc., is noAV freely given. j '■ Business Ethics. “I am quite prepared to admit that we have men in business who are not over scrupulous in their methods, and will take an unfair advantage over their competitors, and even alter coming to an agreement, do not hesitate to break it if anything is to be gained. Notwithstanding this, 1 firmly believe, looking at the question from a broad viewpoint, that the standard of business ethics and the relationship of competitors in Auckland is on a high level. “Personallv J think that Rotary has played some part in creating and encouraging .better .understanding among business men and competitors. Governments’ Services. 'While we all delight, in taking the Government'to task for interfering in '■our.'business, if is only right to point out that various Governments have, to some extent, assisted in the development and enforcement ot right practices in business, such as the regulation of hours of employment; i mprnviug working conditions; protecting the pub-

lie under the “Pure Foods AH,” and j legislating against secret commissions and so on. j Trade Associations. One of the most potent factors in establishing a-spirit of co-operation and mutual helpfulness between competitors is the trade association, where business men meet together and discuss problems of mutual interest. Associations of this sort, while not overlooking the social side, can, by their united efforts, lay matters of vital interest to their own particular business before the authorities and carry much more weight than the individual. .Meeting together monthly, and talking over trade matters, enables one to see the other fellow’s viewpoint, broadens one’s outloot:, and often eliminates the parochial and selfish part of one’s nature. Quite apart from any other consideration, co-operation on behalf of competitors often means substantial financial gain. 5 “Business is Business.” “Those who hold fast to tin 1 .saying that ‘business is business,’ will not be prepared to admit there is any room, for sentiment in business, but person;illv 1 am of tin* opinion the (lolden Rule can be applied to many aspects of present-day business, and could In' put into operation with advantage. After all. in any walk of life you get what you give. “Chambers of Commerce can be of outstanding usefulness in the business life of any city, and can go a long way to create a belter understanding between competitor*. It is true that sometimes they rush in where angels fear to tread, but that is only to be expected, and does not detract from the good work they accomplish.” Pertinent Questions. Should competitors go directly to one another for information about their business.' This is done in some cast's, but perhaps only on a limited scab'. Mot again, lie- trade associations give opportunities for exchange of ideas and information which often proves to be of mutual advantage. Should coinpieti tors exchange credit information? This is an aspect which has received great prominence during the past few years. And with organisations like the Xew Zealand Creditmen’s Association, much has been accomplished. The need of an organisation of this description has been amply proved. Of recent years some remarkable cases have come before the public, which demonstrates (he wisdom of an organisation functioning for the protection of credit and for the mutual advantage of the trading community. Then, again, the question arises,

should competitors agree on the service to be given customers, including such terms as delivery, samples, guarantees, etc..’ These are ail worthy of consideration and offer no insurmountable difficulties in finding a solution. Competition in Service, After all, can (here be any real com* petition except in service? Of recent vears a remarkable change has come over many large industrial concerns by their attitude to and interest in their employees, Avhich has been expressed in improved conditions, and proves conclusively that the ideal of service is gaining ground. General Frank says that prophets and seers of men down through the centuries have been haunted by the dream of the day when the world would lie a brotherhood instead of a battleground. The lawyer and the Roman Law tried it, the priest and the Church tried it, the teachers and the great community universities of the middle ages tried it, international republics tried it, ami now the businessman is trying it, through credits, capital and corporate organisations. The businessman is lining more than this through Rotary and kindred organisat ions.