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

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  • Rafael Morales-Sánchez
  • Carmen Cabello-Medina

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. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013

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  • Rafael Morales-Sánchez & Carmen Cabello-Medina, 2013. "The Role of Four Universal Moral Competencies in Ethical Decision-Making," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 116(4), pages 717-734, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:116:y:2013:i:4:p:717-734
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-013-1817-9
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    2. Cédric Lesage & Soraya Bel Haj Ali, 2018. "Que disent les auditeurs quand ils ne sont plus silencieux? Le rôle des vertus face aux menaces contre l’éthique des auditeurs," Post-Print hal-01907972, HAL.
    3. Pedro Herrero García & Miguel Ángel Carbonero & Luis Jorge Martín Antón, 2020. "The Moral Competence of Spanish Councilors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-19, July.
    4. Maria Clara Figueiredo Dalla Costa Ames & Mauricio Custódio Serafim, 2023. "Multiple Cases of Pro-life Volunteering in a Neo-Aristotelian Ethical Approach," RAC - Revista de Administração Contemporânea (Journal of Contemporary Administration), ANPAD - Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Administração, vol. 27(Vol. 27 N), pages 210315-2103.
    5. Leslie E. Sekerka & Derek Stimel, 2024. "Ethics from the Start: Embracing Professional Moral Courage in Entrepreneurial Decision-Making," Business & Entrepreneurship Journal, SCIENPRESS Ltd, vol. 13(1), pages 1-1.
    6. Steven Steyl, 2020. "Aristotelian Practical Wisdom in Business Ethics: Two Neglected Components," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 163(3), pages 417-428, May.
    7. Cherise Small & Charlene Lew, 2021. "Mindfulness, Moral Reasoning and Responsibility: Towards Virtue in Ethical Decision-Making," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 169(1), pages 103-117, February.
    8. Claudius Bachmann & André Habisch & Claus Dierksmeier, 2018. "Practical Wisdom: Management’s No Longer Forgotten Virtue," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 153(1), pages 147-165, November.
    9. Pablo Sanz & Joan Fontrodona, 2019. "Moderation as a Moral Competence: Integrating Perspectives for a Better Understanding of Temperance in the Workplace," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 155(4), pages 981-994, April.
    10. Oliver Laasch & Dirk C. Moosmayer & Elena P. Antonacopoulou, 2023. "The Interdisciplinary Responsible Management Competence Framework: An Integrative Review of Ethics, Responsibility, and Sustainability Competences," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 187(4), pages 733-757, November.
    11. Lamberto Zollo & Massimiliano Matteo Pellegrini & Cristiano Ciappei, 2017. "What Sparks Ethical Decision Making? The Interplay Between Moral Intuition and Moral Reasoning: Lessons from the Scholastic Doctrine," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 145(4), pages 681-700, November.
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    13. Christopher Chan & Subramaniam Ananthram, 2019. "Religion-Based Decision Making in Indian Multinationals: A Multi-faith Study of Ethical Virtues and Mindsets," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 156(3), pages 651-677, May.

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