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A ‘Grey’ Side of Family Business Ethics? Looking into the Interplay of Internal and External Ethical Orientations: Empirical Insights from the Wine Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Elena Casprini

    (University of Siena)

  • Rocco Palumbo

    (University Rome “Tor Vergata”)

  • Jacopo Cammeo

    (University of Siena
    European University Institute, Florence School of Regulation)

  • Lorenzo Zanni

    (University of Siena)

Abstract

Drawing on virtue ethics and stakeholder theory, the article investigates the unfolding of business ethics in the wine industry, with a focus on family businesses. Attention is specifically paid to the interplay of internal (i.e., employees-centeredness and organizational inclusiveness) and external (i.e., people-centeredness and territorial development) ethical orientations. A unique sample of 164 Italian wine businesses was built to get evidence of how the nexus of internal and external ethical orientations is handled, emphasizing the distinctive traits of family businesses. We found that employee-centeredness nurtured organizational inclusiveness and fostered people-centeredness. Interestingly, the family businesses’ concern for territorial development curbed the positive implications of employee-centeredness on people-centeredness. The study results extend scholarly knowledge, shedding light on a ‘grey’ side of family businesses’ ethics.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Casprini & Rocco Palumbo & Jacopo Cammeo & Lorenzo Zanni, 2025. "A ‘Grey’ Side of Family Business Ethics? Looking into the Interplay of Internal and External Ethical Orientations: Empirical Insights from the Wine Industry," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 198(4), pages 749-770, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:198:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-025-05944-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-025-05944-8
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