Abstract
In this article, I propose a business paradigm that allows and enables the integration of environmental ethics into business decisions while creating a competitive advantage through the use of an ethical framework based on classical American pragmatism. Environmental ethics could be useful as an alternative paradigm for business ethics by offering new perspectives and methodologies to grant consideration of the natural environment. An approach based on classical American pragmatism provides a superior framework for businesses by focusing on experimentation and innovation, driving a long-term focus, and providing actionable clarity. Under a pragmatic approach to ethics, the choice for sustainability becomes self-evident for business performance and moral reasons.
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Acknowledgment
The author would like to gratefully acknowledge helpful comments received on an earlier draft of this paper by Willis Jenkins, Pat Werhane, and Stasi York and the support of the Batten Institute at the Darden Graduate School of Business in conducting this research.
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York, J.G. Pragmatic Sustainability: Translating Environmental Ethics into Competitive Advantage. J Bus Ethics 85 (Suppl 1), 97–109 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-008-9950-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-008-9950-6