The Cultural Paradigm of Virtue

Author: Crockett, Carter

Source: Journal of Business Ethics, Volume 62, Number 2, December 2005 , pp. 191-208(18)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Social and moral issues in business have drawn attention to a gap between theory and practice and fueled the search for a reconciling perspective. Finding and establishing an alternative remains a critical initiative, but a daunting one. In what follows, the assumptions of two prominent contenders are considered before introducing a third in the form of Aristotle’s ancient theory of virtue. Comparative case studies are used to briefly illustrate the practical implications of each paradigm. In the quest for a better sense-making and sense-giving lens, this paper refines and encourages the search by highlighting some of the key features required of a worthy paradigmatic challenge. The author proceeds to identify a particular type of institutional community, and a promising champion, for the practical unification of strategic and normative excellence.

Keywords: Aristotle; business ethics; cultural paradigm; egoism; entrepreneurship; Kant; morality; socio-economics; virtue; virtue paradigm

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10551-005-0190-8

Affiliations: 1: Economics and Business Department, Westmont College, 955 La Paz Rd., Santa Barbara, CA, 93108, USA, Email: crockett@rgu.ac.uk

Publication date: 2005-12-01