Faculty Publications

The Manager Seeking Virtue: Lessons From Literature

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Business Ethics

Volume

11

Issue

8

First Page

627

Last Page

634

Abstract

The authors argue that studying classic literature (fiction) is useful in strengthening the manager's ability to resolve specific ethical dilemmas. The authors summarize stories, plays and novels that explicitly address a series of ethical trials common to many managers (e.g., whistleblowing, discrimination and greed). Recognizing the multicultural nature of contemporary business practice, the authors draw upon literature from Europe and Asia to illustrate their thesis. Studying literature offers a challenging and personally compelling method for managers (and management students) to improve their moral sensitivity and strengthen the decision making skills used in addressing the ethical ambiguities of business practice. The article concludes with a supplemental reading list that summarizes additional pieces of international literature with strong business ethics themes. © 1992 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Department

Department of Management

Original Publication Date

8-1-1992

DOI of published version

10.1007/BF00872274

Link to Full Text

Comments?

Share

COinS