concept of the ‘mean’ (Fisher and Lovell 2009:104)
Cardinal virtues (Plato): wisdom, justice, temperance (self-control), courage
Linked to the idea of human happiness or flourishing, the good life (“eudemonia”): a virtuous life is one that allows individuals to achieve true happiness – both for themselves and for their communities
Moral virtues are acquired in a particular community of practice
‘Modern’ virtues may include: honesty, courage, faithfulness, trustworthiness, integrity, fairness, generosity, patience, compassion …
What virtues do you value in your culture?
What virtues do you value in a business person in your culture?
Are your answers to the questions above identical – why/why not?
Virtue Ethics and Business
the virtuous organisation (Collier 1995, Solomon 2004)
economic success is just one part of the good business life, other aspects are important, too: a good product/service, employees fulfilling their human potential, harmonious relationships with all stakeholders
business organisations as moral communities: developing virtuous managers and employees
virtue approach reflected in mission statements
e.g. Merck (pharmaceutical company)
Critique of Virtue ethicsThe Essay is provided by UK Assignment http://www.szdhsjt.com
Which way of life exemplifies flourishing or true happiness?
Different communities have different ideals: accumulation of wealth vs valuing of excellence, social relationships etc.
Virtue ethics may not help us if we face serious ethical dilemmas
Confucian Ethics – an Eastern virtue ethic
Confucius (551-479 BCE)
a humanist, collectivist ethic
“The nature of a person’s self is defined and constituted by the bundles of his or her social relationships in the world” (Ip 2009)
de: virtue, character formation through personal cultivation of virtues (Junzi: moral person)
Harmony seen as the primary goal of personal and social life
Confucian Ethics
5 cardinal virtues of humanity (lived out and learned in social relationships)
ren: capacity of compassion or benevolence for fellow human beings, human-heartedness
zhong shu: the Confucian formulation of the Golden Rule (neg version)
positive act of moral engagement in others’ moral welfare and development
yi: a sense of moral rightness
li: conventional propriety; etiquettes, norms and protocols in both personal and institutional lives
e.g. xiao: filial piety
zhi hui: wisdom
xin ren: trustworthiness
Confucian Ethics in Business and its limitations
business an activity embedded in social matrix – effect of one’s action on social matrix should always be considered | 
