The amplifying and buffering effects of virtuousness in downsized organizations

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Arran Caza, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Virtuousness refers to the pursuit of the highest aspirations in the human condition. It is characterized by human impact, moral goodness, and unconditional societal betterment. Several writers have recently argued that corporations, in addition to being concerned with ethics, should also emphasize an ethos of virtuousness in corporate action. Virtuousness emphasizes actions that go beyond the “do no harm” assumption embedded in most ethical codes of conduct. Instead, it emphasizes the highest and best of the human condition. This research empirically examines the buffering and amplifying effects of virtuousness in organizations. The study hypothesizes that virtuousness has a positive effect on organizations because amplifying dynamics make subsequent virtuous action more likely, and buffering dynamics reduce the harmful effects of downsizing. The study reveals that two types of virtuousness – tonic and phasic – are associated with these effects.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Business Ethics, 64 (3), 249-269. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-005-5904-4
Language: English
Date: 2006
Keywords
ethics, virtuousness, virtues, downsizing

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