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The Role of Four Universal Moral Competencies in Ethical Decision-Making

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Abstract

Current frameworks on ethical decision-making process have some limitations. This paper argues that the consideration of moral competencies, understood as moral virtues in the workplace, can enhance our understanding of why moral character contributes to ethical decision-making. After discussing the universal nature of four moral competencies (prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance), we analyse their influence on the various stages of the ethical decision-making process. We conclude by considering the managerial implications of our findings and proposing further research.

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Notes

  1. As we will discuss below, cardinal virtues are prudence or practical wisdom, justice, fortitude or courage, and temperance (moderation) or self-control. The term “cardinal” comes from the Latin cardo, meaning hinge, because they are hinges on which all moral virtues depend.

  2. In business research, the terms competency and competence are both available and widely used. There is not a specific and different meaning for each word. Thus, in this paper we are going to use the word that is appropriate for the author or perspective that we are dealing with.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful for helpful suggestions from Professor Domènec Melé and two anonymous referees.

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  1. Pablo de Olavide University, Ctra. Utrera, Km. 1, 41013, Seville, Spain

    Rafael Morales-Sánchez & Carmen Cabello-Medina

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  1. Rafael Morales-Sánchez
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  2. Carmen Cabello-Medina
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Correspondence to Rafael Morales-Sánchez.

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Morales-Sánchez, R., Cabello-Medina, C. The Role of Four Universal Moral Competencies in Ethical Decision-Making. J Bus Ethics 116, 717–734 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-013-1817-9

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