1st Edition
Ethical Decision-Making in Management Perspectives of the Philosopher, the Sociologist and the Manager
Moral pragmatism has been largely ignored in Business Ethics, despite its natural attraction and the fact that it is prominent in philosophy and socio-economic theories. The main premise of the book is that the complexity of today’s business world does not permit a grand ethical theory, notwithstanding the different attempts made by scientists. Moral pragmatism is the ‘go-to’ approach where the ethical decision-making of managers varies dependent on different circumstances but it always integrates moral considerations. Ethical decision-making is no longer based simply on known rules, but entails the constant dynamic interaction of circumstances, the development of new rules, managers’ past experiences, their knowledge concerning ethics, and skills of moral reasoning.
This book interweaves the postmodern approach to management studies and, based on its innovative research, reintroduces moral pragmatism in Business Ethics. The combination of decision-making theories, philosophy and postmodernism paves the way for future novel research in Business Ethics, making it an excellent resource for researchers, academics, and advanced students in the field of Business Ethics. Practitioners, on the other hand, will benefit by improving their skills in ethical decision-making and leadership.
Introduction
Part I: The Philosopher's View
1 Postmodern Ethical Theories
2 The Case for Moral Pluralism and Moral Pragmatism in Ethical Decision-Making
3 Theories of Business Ethics and Ethical Decision-Making: Utility, Duty and Virtues in the Business World
4. Decision-Making Theories: From Philosophy to Neuroscience
Part II: The Sociologist’s View
5. Sociological View of Ethical Decision-Making
Part III: The Manager’s View
6. The Manager’s View: Best Practices for Ethical Decision-Making
A Final Word
Biography
Matej Drašček is Finance and Internal Audit Expert and Guest Lecturer for Strategic Management at the School of Economics and Business at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Dana Mesner Andolšek is a Professor of Sociology of Organisation, Business Ethics and Knowledge Management in the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Adriana Rejc Buhovac is a Professor of Strategy in the Academic Unit for Management and Organisation at the School of Economics and Business at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
"The book is a welcome and rewarding contribution to the literature on business ethics. Its sections on moral theory are accessible and enlightening, which alone make the book well worth reading for anyone interested in probing more deeply into what it means to act ethically. Of particular interest to managers is the third part of the book, "The Manager’s View: Best Practices for Improved Ethical Decision-Making." Every manager who wants to enhance their leadership would do well to study what the authors have to say and to put their informed suggestions into practice. The business world and the people it serves would be richer for it." - Bruce Weinstein, Ph.D., The Ethics Guy®, Author, The Good Ones: Ten Crucial Qualities of High-Character Employees
"The book offers a modern insight into the complex process of solving moral dilemmas in the everyday practice of decision-makers. It is distinguished by a combination of theoretical and practical perspectives together with empirically supported findings that every leader should know to make the best possible ethical decisions in the current complex and dynamic business environment." - Robert Šumi, Ph.D., Chief Commissioner of The Commission for the Prevention of Corruption of the Republic of Slovenia
"In the times where most decisions are justified with some level of urgency, we found ourselves in the world of multiple global crisis. The connection between two is more obvious by day. And yet, our knowing of crisis doesn’t bring the best of humanity to the surface, but continue to celebrate those who keep finding ways for increasing profits in the name of stakeholders, employment, democracy etc. This book reminds us of basic human decency and can help co-create a new compass beyond the business world." - Mihela Hladin Wolfe, former Director of Environmental Initiatives, EMEA, Patagonia, Advisor
