Business ethics of te’seng in the agricultural sector in Indonesia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/sctconf20251429Keywords:
Accounting, Bugis Culture, Business Ethics, Socio-Economic Sustainability, Sustainable Agriculture, Te’seng BusinessAbstract
Objective: This study aims to examine the concept of ethics and accounting in the te'seng business in Bugis culture in the agricultural sector in Indonesia as a profit-sharing system based on trust between landowners and cultivators.
Method: A qualitative ethnographic approach, influenced by Spradley's methodology, was adopted to explore te'seng's accounting and ethical practices. The researcher conducted participatory observations and interviews with stakeholders, including practitioners, cultural experts, and community members. The study's focus was on capturing the interplay of cultural values and practices, supported by direct involvement in agricultural and livestock management.
Results: The study finds that te’seng, which prioritizes moral and social values, can serve as an alternative model for a more equitable and sustainable economy. With its emphasis on solidarity and sustainability, the te’seng business presents a critique of neoliberal economics, which tends to foster inequality and environmental degradation. Core values of Bugis culture, such as lempu, pacce, reso, and siri, along with acceptance of divine will, constitute the ethical foundation of this business practice.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that a culture- and morality-based approach can strengthen stakeholder relationships and promote socio-economic sustainability.
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