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Business Friends: Aristotle, Kant and Other Management Theorists on the Practice of Networking

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  • Schonsheck, Jonathan

Abstract

Quite frequently, business periodicals feature articles on the importance of building and maintaining a “network” of business friends. Typically, these articles offer practical suggestions for “networking.” This article is a philosophical investigation of business friends, and business friendships. Relying upon Aristotle’s classic analysis, I argue that business friendships are instances of “incomplete friendships for utility.” Viewed in this way, much is revealed about what business friendships are; even more is revealed about what business friendships are not, It is perfectly natural to say that business friends use one another; this raises the issue of whether business friendships violate the Kantian “categorical imperative.” I argue that they need not, and that—so long as they are truly “friendships”—they do not. What this discussion makes clear, however, is that business friendships are in continuous peril of eroding into relationships that cannot survive moral scrutiny. I conclude with a few practical suggestions—and philosophical cautions.

Suggested Citation

  • Schonsheck, Jonathan, 2000. "Business Friends: Aristotle, Kant and Other Management Theorists on the Practice of Networking," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 10(4), pages 897-910, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:buetqu:v:10:y:2000:i:04:p:897-910_00
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    Cited by:

    1. repec:dau:papers:123456789/3995 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Domènec Melé, 2009. "The Practice of Networking: An Ethical Approach," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 90(4), pages 487-503, December.
    3. Ned Dobos, 2017. "Networking, Corruption, and Subversion," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 144(3), pages 467-478, September.
    4. repec:dau:papers:123456789/8678 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Claus Dierksmeier & Michael Pirson, 2009. "Oikonomia Versus Chrematistike: Learning from Aristotle About the Future Orientation of Business Management," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 88(3), pages 417-430, September.

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