Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A critical evaluation of Etzioni's socioeconomic theory: Implications for the field of business ethics

  • Published:
Journal of Business Ethics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Given the pervasive influence of neoclassical economic theory on the field of business, the opposition of the standard economists to the inclusion of moral factors in economic decisions provides an intellectual resistance to the ideas of many business ethicists. Etzioni (1988) offers a theoretical alternative to the neoclassical model, an alternative that includes a moral dimension. This article: (1) highlights the differences between Etzioni's proposed model and the neoclassical economic paradigm; (2) describes and critically evaluates Etzioni's proposed theory in view of his objective of synthesizing the neoclassical paradigm with a duty-based morality; and (3) discusses the implications of Etzioni's proposed paradigm for the field of business ethics.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ayres, C. E.: 1944,The Theory of Economic Progress (University of North Carolina Press, North Carolina).

    Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson, T.: 1989,The Ethics of International Business (Oxford University Press, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Etzioni, A.: 1988,The Moral Dimension: Toward A New Economics (The Free Press, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Farber, M.: 1970, ‘Values and the Scope of Scientific Inquiry’, in M. Natanson, (Ed.),Phenomenology and Social Reality (Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague, Netherlands).

    Google Scholar 

  • Frederick, W.: 1986a, ‘Toward CSR3: Why Ethical Analysis is Indispensable and Unavoidable in Corporate Affairs’,California Management Review Winter, pp. 126–141.

  • Frederick, W.: 1986b, ‘Theories Of Corporate Social Performance: Much Done, More To Do’,Working Paper Series University of Pittsburgh. Published in S. Prakash Sethi and C. Falbe,Business and Society: Dimensions of Conflict and Cooperation (Lexington Books, 1986).

  • Frederick, W.: 1991c, ‘Anchoring Values in Nature: Preview of a Theory of Business Values’. Presidential Address for the Society for Business Ethics. Miami Beach Florida, August 10.

  • Friedman, M.: 1970, ‘The Social Responsibilities of Business is to Increase Profits’,New York Times Magazine September 13, pp. 122–126.

  • Jackall, R.: 1988,Moral Mazes: The World of Corporate Managers (Oxford University Press, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Weidenbaum, M.: 1977,Business, Government, and the Public (Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dpt. Of Finance & Economics, Robert Morris College, 15232, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Diane Swanson

Authors
  1. Diane Swanson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Diane Swanson is an Assistant Professor of finance and economics at Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is also a doctoral student in Business Environment and Public Policy at the Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Swanson, D. A critical evaluation of Etzioni's socioeconomic theory: Implications for the field of business ethics. J Bus Ethics 11, 545–553 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00881447

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00881447

Keywords

Search

Navigation