The article clarifies the way in which ‘the aesthetic’ is conceptualised in relation to business ethics in order to assess its potential to inform theory building and developmental practices within the business ethics field. A systematic review of relevant literature is undertaken which identifies three ontologically based accounts of the relationship between the aesthetic and business ethics: ‘positive’ ones, ‘negative’ accounts and ‘Postmodern’ renderings. Five epistemologically based approaches are also made explicit: those in which the aesthetic is thought to develop (...) enhanced perceptual discernment, those in which the aesthetic catalyses emotional sensitivity, those in which the aesthetic contributes to imaginative capacity, those in which the aesthetic prompts integrative apprehension and those in which the aesthetic is seen to foster critical reflexivity. The review reveals two key findings: firstly, the dearth of empirically based research to substantiate claims made about the aesthetic’s ability to foster ethical capabilities, which leads to proposals for further research; secondly, the analysis indicates the significance of critical reflexivity both in resolving the apparent dichotomy between ontologically based perspectives asserting the aesthetic’s ability to lead to ethically sound or egregious behaviour, and in underpinning the capacities of perceptual discernment, emotional connectivity, imagination and integrative apprehension which epistemologically based approaches assert the aesthetic can foster. (shrink)

This paper offers an alternative to deontological and utilitarian approaches to making ethical decisions and taking good actions by organisational leaders. It argues that the relational and context-dependent nature of leadership necessitates reference to an ethical approach which explicitly takes these aspects into account. Such an approach is offered in the re-conceptualisation of ethical action on the part of leaders as a process of "coming into right relation" vis-à-vis those affected by their decisions and actions. Heidegger's notion of "dwelling" is (...) explored as a means of "coming into right relation". Three aspects of dwelling: "staying with", "comportment" and "active engagement" are described and ways in which they might be practically enacted by leaders are suggested. The paper concludes by reflecting on the ways adopting a "dwelling" approach to resolving ethical issues implies a re-conceptualisation of leadership itself. (shrink)

In view of the ethical crises that have proliferated over the last decade, scholars have reflected critically on the ideal of management as a value-neutral, objective science. The alternative conceptualization of management as a craft has been introduced but not yet sufficiently elaborated. In particular, although authors such as Mintzberg and MacIntyre suggest craft as an appropriate alternative to science, neither of them systematically describes what “craft” is, and thus how it could inform an ethical managerial orientation. In this paper, (...) we draw from the literature to elaborate three caring orientations associated with craft practices: caring for materials, caring for process, and caring for end-users. We suggest that conceptualizing management as a craft in these terms offers an approach to business ethics that goes beyond the “ethics of compliance” and toward a more embodied and embedded form of ethical enactment within organizations. (shrink)

' Restoration ' is a contested term holding important implications for public policy decisions in the areas of land development and use. A number of environmental philosophers including Eric Katz and Robert Elliott have argued against ' restoration ', on the principle that human efforts can never restore natural landscapes to their pre-disrupted value, and that the assumption of our ability to do so implies 'domination'. This paper argues that restoration attempts should not be dismissed 'out of hand', and can (...) be conducted outside of a 'dominator logic' provided four criteria are enacted: 1) humans see their role as co-creators working alongside nature, 2) the aim of restoration is seen to be increase of land health and bio-diversity 3) there is a commitment to learning from the land and 4) the land's own 'projects' are taken into account. (shrink)

Engaging and accessible, this book is ideal for anyone looking to teach leadership and organization - from lecturers to human resource professionals and managers alike.'Donna Ladkin gives us an entirely novel and creative approach to thinking about, and importantly, doing and teaching ethics. The book is practice-based in the best sense of the word, using meditation and other attention techniques to enhance awareness, inquiry, and ultimately ethical insight at the personal and organizational levels. It is accessible to students at all (...) levels of learning, with exercises that will generate personal insights. At the same time, it is grounded in a wide range of sources, both philosophical and managerial, that enhance the credibility of its approach. This book will enhance the ethics and the lives of people who read it and practice its approaches.'- Sandra Waddock, Boston College Carroll School of Management, USWith the use of exercises, reflective prompts and case studies, Mastering the Ethical Dimension of Organizations offers a practice-based approach to developing the skills critical to responding ethically to organizational dilemmas. Engagingly and accessibly written by a leading communicator in the field, this book will be essential for postgraduate students of business, management or leadership.Starting from the premise that ethical issues within organizations rarely come 'packaged', this book encourages an understanding of ethics beyond organizational compliance systems or codes of conduct. It argues that our ability to respond ethically requires ethical perception, moral imagination and discernment akin to aesthetic judgment; capabilities it fosters through a clear, programmed approach. (shrink)

This innovative textbook provides a systematic approach to developing practices of perception, reflection and inquiry to facilitate sound ethical action in organizational settings. Now in its second edition, Donna Ladkin's Mastering Ethics in Organizations invites readers to reflect and experiment on ethical behaviors with targeted activities in unique organizational contexts. Key features of the second edition include: A step-by-step approach to developing ethical astuteness Brand new case studies on companies including Volkswagen, Amazon and Boeing Art-based pedagogical material, including unique storytelling (...) approaches through mythology and film Guided and informed discussions about contemporary ethical issues concerning the use of social media, artificial intelligence and human-centred design. Offering curated contextualised insights into the field, this textbook will be ideal reading for MBA business ethics courses, as well as Masters courses in leadership. It will also benefit Continuing Professional Development audiences dealing with ethical situations. (shrink)

This paper offers an alternative to deontological and utilitarian approaches to making ethical decisions and taking good actions by organisational leaders. It argues that the relational and context-dependent nature of leadership necessitates reference to an ethical approach which explicitly takes these aspects into account. Such an approach is offered in the re-conceptualisation of ethical action on the part of leaders as a process of “coming into right relation” vis-à-vis those affected by their decisions and actions. Heidegger’s notion of “dwelling” is (...) explored as a means of “coming into right relation”. Three aspects of dwelling: “staying with”, “comportment” and “active engagement” are described and ways in which they might be practically enacted by leaders are suggested. The paper concludes by reflecting on the ways adopting a “dwelling” approach to resolving ethical issues implies a re-conceptualisation of leadership itself. (shrink)