lighthouse - September 2012

Light – Fingered Economics

Do you know the connection between the following items:- towels, cushions, bathrobes, Christmas balls, a suit or armour, wooden ducks, clothes hangers and low energy bulbs? They all feature in the lists of items “borrowed” by hotel guests. It appears that worldwide, because of the economic problems, there’s an increase in the inclination to “borrow” things which will not be missed. Everyday parlance is to call such guests, along with others who have taken to petty pilfering, as being “Light-fingered” and they exist in all walks of life whether in sports clubs and schools, shops, stores and the workplace.

A new book by Dan Ariely called “The (Honest) Truth about Dishonesty” came to conclusion that nearly everyone cheats in such ways, but usually only a little. However I am reminded of the proverbial rhyme:

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Although this proverb is centuries old it demonstrates how a seemingly insignificant event can grow into something dramatically disastrous. It’s easy for “light-fingers” to justify that their actions, believing that pinching little things, have no consequences. In an atmosphere where others are doing the same why not say, “Everyone else is doing it…so why shouldn’t I?” The adverse impact this attitude has on trust within a team, workplace, college and even one’s own family is overlooked. This is why I consideration of the horseshoe nail proverb is so relevant because it prompts ones imagination to consider the logical consequences of any action. Petty pilfering an office pen might seem irrelevant, until you cannot find one to write an important note during telephone conversation. Between the time taken looking for a pen and trying to call the client back you may lose the order but who knows what you may then subsequently miss out on?

Shortly after the economic downturn started, a UK national newspaper article focused on the amount of petty pilfering that was taking place, especially in the work environment. “Light-fingered economics” was rising in popularity! It seems that four out of five people thought it was acceptable to pilfer things from work. This similar lax attitude to the value of what is yours and what is not included illegally downloading music and shoplifting. The facts also showed that the notion of honesty varies considerably from one person to another.

But is anyone or anything to blame for the apparently increasing pilfering?

Certainly an article about millionairess Britney Spears, appearing to have taken to petty pilfering, does not help. She was photographed leaving a petrol station store in Los Angeles, holding a disposable lighter; when it was pointed out that she had not paid for it. It was reported that Britney Spears seemed quite proud of herself retorting to the paparazzi: “I stole something. Oh, I’m bad. Ohhhhh!”

A completely different outcome springs to mind, told by my headmaster at my school assembly in the 1960’s.  He related the story of the son of a very rich father who, when it came to his final day before leaving at the age of 18, said he wished to confess that he had been petty pilfering small items for several terms. When the items were returned what had been the headmaster’s response? It would have been very easy for the student to have said nothing as no one had been aware that he had been responsible for the items disappearing. The headmaster realised that the student, who was due to start at university, had put his “head on the chopping block”. But the headmaster  said, “You started here as a boy, and what you have done today demanded considerable courage and an acceptance of the need to go through life upholding ethics which are honest and true, not only to yourself but also to others. By returning all these items…..you may hold your head high and leave our school as a MAN!” The student went on to become very successful, known as a person who was steadfastly trustworthy.

So it’s worth remembering that the next time you see someone who is “light-fingered” they may well be “borrowing” something which, whilst only small, ends up losing you a winning opportunity. This is why, if I ever feel the urge to participate in “light-fingered” economics, I make sure I keep my hands firmly in my own pockets! I would hate for someone to miss out simply because someone light-fingered had “borrowed” a horseshoe nail!