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Positive Management Ethics

In: Critical Management Ethics

Author

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  • Thomas Klikauer

Abstract

Positive management ethics commenced at the same time and in the same location where philosophy and ethics started, in Greek antiquity. The Sophist philosophers were a group of thinkers who divided facts from values and perceived the world as split into physics (facts) and nomos (thinking). Management follows this division by separating managerial facts and figures from value-creation. The latter is exclusively established for shareholder values while management simultaneously claims that it is itself value-free, unbiased, and neutral. For the Sophists, human values, along with ethics, were of prime importance. For management values relate to markets, dividends, ROI (return of investment), bonuses, and the like. Ethics for management is a somewhat peripheral issue that has no value for The Real Bottom Line but can be effectively managed. Epictetus advised in 100 AD: remember that you ought to behave in life as you would at a banquet. His observation is the best to portray management’s ‘the winner takes it all’ morality. Therefore, Epictetus and the Sophist’s understanding of values are still meaningful for management today.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Klikauer, 2010. "Positive Management Ethics," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Critical Management Ethics, chapter 9, pages 170-192, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-28177-6_9
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230281776_9
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