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The Cultural Paradigm of Virtue

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Abstract

Social and moral issues in business have drawn attention to a gap between theory and practice and fueled the search for a reconciling perspective. Finding and establishing an alternative remains a critical initiative, but a daunting one. In what follows, the assumptions of two prominent contenders are considered before introducing a third in the form of Aristotle’s ancient theory of virtue. Comparative case studies are used to briefly illustrate the practical implications of each paradigm. In the quest for a better sense-making and sense-giving lens, this paper refines and encourages the search by highlighting some of the key features required of a worthy paradigmatic challenge. The author proceeds to identify a particular type of institutional community, and a promising champion, for the practical unification of strategic and normative excellence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Economics and Business Department, Westmont College, 955 La Paz Rd., Santa Barbara, CA, 93108, USA

    Carter Crockett

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  1. Carter Crockett
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Correspondence to Carter Crockett.

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Crockett, C. The Cultural Paradigm of Virtue. J Bus Ethics 62, 191–208 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-005-0190-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-005-0190-8

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