The fair-play rule

But to be fair, there were plenty of more positive findings in our research on English workers as well, not least to do with fairness. Although I often use the terms interchangeably, I have chosen the term �fair-play rule’ rather than �fairness rule’ for the title of this section, as I feel that �fair play’ conveys a wider and somewhat less rigidly egalitarian concept that more accurately reflects the English values I am trying to describe. �Fair play’, with its sporting overtones, suggests that everyone should be given an equal chance, that no-one should have an unfair advantage or handicap, and that people should conduct themselves honourably, observe the rules and not cheat or shirk their responsibilities. At the same time, �fair play’ allows for differences in ability and accepts that there will be winners and losers – while maintaining that playing well and fairly is more important than winning. Some would claim that this last element is archaic and no longer applied, but my research has convinced me that it is still a rule in the sense of an ideal standard to which the English aspire, even if it is not often achieved.

In some respects, the fair-play rule serves us well in the world of work and business. While we undoubtedly have our share of rogues and cheats, and the rest of us are by no means saints, the English are generally still regarded, with some justification, as relatively fair and straight in their conduct of business – and there is certainly less blatant tolerance of bribery, corruption and cheating here than in most other countries. When we hear of such incidents, most of us do not shrug in a knowing, worldly manner, as if to say �Well, yes, what do you expect?’ We are shocked, outraged, righteously indignant. This may be partly because the English take great pleasure in being shocked and outraged, and righteous indignation is one of our favourite national pastimes, but the feelings expressed are nonetheless genuine.

When asked to compare English working and business practices with those of other cultures, all of my foreign and immigrant informants commented on the English sense of fair play, and specifically on our respect for the law and our relative freedom from the corruption they felt was endemic and tacitly accepted (albeit in varying degrees) in other parts of the world. Many felt that we were not sufficiently aware or appreciative of this fact. �You just take it for granted,’ a Polish immigrant complained. �You assume that people will play fair, and you are shocked and upset when they do not. In other countries there is not that assumption.’

So, we may be a bit dull and excessively moderate, but perhaps, without wishing to come over all patriotic, this fair-play ideal is something we could still take a bit of pride in.

Дата добавления: 2015-09-06