Abstract
In this study we argue that there is an interconnection between; the mechanistic worldview and competition, and the organic worldview and cooperation. To illustrate our main thesis we introduce two cases; first, Max Havelaar, a paradigmatic case of how business might function in an economy based upon solidarity and sustainability. Second, TINE, a Norwegian grocery corporation engaged in collusion in order to force a small competitor out of the market. On the one hand, in order to encourage market behaviour that integrates economic, societal and environmental values we find that transparent cooperation within a context of an organic worldview takes care of important intrinsic as well as instrumental values. On the other hand, we find evidence for asserting that cooperation based upon a mechanistic worldview, typically leads to group egotistical consequences undermining the long term common good.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Allinson R. B. (2004). Circles within a Circle: The Condition for the Possibility of Ethical Business Institutions within a Market System. Journal of Business Ethics 53:17–28
Bird, F. and J. Waters: 1989, ‘The Moral Muteness of Managers’, California Management Review, Fall, pp. 73–88.
Boda, Z.: 2001, ‘Conflicting Principles of Fair Trade’, Business Ethics Papers No. 3, (Business Ethics Center, Budapest University of Economic Sciences).
Brinkmann J. and Ims K. (2004). A Conflict Case Approach to Business Ethics. Journal of Business Ethics 53:123–136
Calkins M. (2001). Casuistry and the Business Case Method. Business Ethics Quarterly 11:237–259
Daly H. E. and Cobb J., Jr. (1994). For the Common Good - Redirecting the Economy Toward Community, the Environment, and a Sustainable Future. Beacon Press, Boston
De Witt B. and Meyer R. (1998). Strategy, Process, Content, Context. An International Perspective. International Thomson Business Press, London, 2nd Edition
Durkheim E. (1973). On Morality and Society. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago
Durkheim E. (1991). The Division of Labour in Society. MacMillan Press Ltd., London
EU: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/competition/publications/consumer
Frey B. (2000). The Impact of Moral Intensity on Decision Making in a Business Context. Journal of Business Ethics 26:181–195
Georgescu-Roegen N. (1971). The Entropy Law and the Economic Process. Harvard University Press, Cambridge Mass
Gustafsson C. (1988). Om føretag, moral, och handling. Studentlitteratur, Lund
Habermas J. (1982). A Reply to my Critics. In: Thompson J., Held D. (eds) J. Habermas, Critical Debates. Macmillan Press, Cambridge Mass
Habermas J. (1990). Moral Consciousness and Communicative Action. The MIT Press, Massachusetts
Jones T. (1991) Ethical Decision Making by Individuals in Organizations: An Issue – Contingent Model. Academy of Management Review 16:366–395
Korhonen J. (2002) The Dominant Economics Paradigm and Corporate Social Responsibility. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management 9:67–80
Lunde J. (1967). Etiske normer i næringslivet. Forbrukerorientert markedsetikk. Universitetsforlaget, Oslo
Moore G. (2004). The Fair Trade Movement: Parameters, Issues and Future Research. Journal of Business Ethics 53:73–86
Norges offentlige utredninger: 2002, Avfallsforebygging - En visjon om livskvalitet, forbrukerbevissthet og kretsløpstenkning (NOU 2002:19, Oslo)
Norwegian Competition Authority: 2004, Konkurransemessig vurdering av ordninger for produktgjenvinning (Oslo).
Porter, M. and C. van der Linde: 1995, ‘Green and Competitive – Ending the Stalemate’, Harvard Business Review Sept.–Oct., pp. 120–134.
Ruyter, K. W.: 1995, Kasuistikk som saksbasert problemløsning (Doctoral Dissertation, School of Theology, University of Oslo)
Smith A. (1976). An Inquiry into the nature and Causes of The Wealth of Nations. In: Cannan E. (eds), Two Volumes in One (first edition 1776, the citations are from the 5th Edition). The University of Chicago Press, Chicago
Taylor C. (1985). Human Agency and Language, Philosophical Papers 1. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
TINE: http//www.tine.no
Tranøy K. E. (1999). Det åpne sinn., Moral og etikk mot et nytt årtusen (The Open Mind. Morality and Ethics Towards a New Millennium. Universitetsforlaget, Oslo
Welford R. (1995). Environmental Strategy and Sustainable Development. Routledge, London
Welford R. (2000). Corporate Environmental Management – Towards Sustainable Management. Earthscan, London
Whitehead A. N. (1967a). Science and the Modern World. The Free Press, New York
Whitehead A. N. (1967b). Adventures of Ideas. Macmillan, New York
Whitehead A. N. (1985). Process and Reality. The Free Press, New York
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ims, K.J., Jakobsen, O.D. Cooperation and Competition in the Context of Organic and Mechanic Worldviews – A Theoretical and Case based Discussion. J Bus Ethics 66, 19–32 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-006-9055-z
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-006-9055-z