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A Critical Perspective of Integrative Social Contracts Theory: Recurring Criticisms and Next Generation Research Topics

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Abstract

During the past ten years Integrative Social Contracts Theory (ISCT) has become part of the repertoire of specialized decision-oriented theories in the business ethics literature. The intention here is to (1)␣provide a brief overview of the structure and strengths of ISCT; (2) identify recurring themes in the extensive commentary on the theory including brief mention of how ISCT has been applied outside the business ethics literature; (3) describe where research appears to be headed; and (4) specify challenges faced by those who seek to reform ISCT. Key themes in the critiquing literature relate to (a) the identification process for hypernorms; (b) justification of the recognition of hypernorms; (c) proposals for considering meso or meta norms; (d)␣clarification of the relationship between stakeholder concepts and ISCT; (e) problems with potentially unoccupied moral free space; (f) sources of ethical obligation within the ISCT framework; and (g) the potential role for concepts of stakeholder dialogue and engagement.

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Acknowledgements

Tom Donaldson, Nien-he Hsieh, Pursey Heugens, Hans Van Oosterhout, Alan Strudler, Danielle Warren, Ben Wempe and Adam Zimbler provided helpful comments and suggestions. Yin L. Yin, Francisco Martin-Rayo and Aileen Nowlan supported the project with high quality research assistance. I particularly thank Tom Donaldson for his insights, creativity and friendship. Any errors and all opinions are the sole responsibility of the author.

Note: A number of references are for papers given at a conference sponsored by the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research at The Wharton School in November, 2004. Copies of the papers can be obtained by contacting the Zicklin Center or by contacting Professor Dunfee at dunfeet@wharton.upenn.edu

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    Thomas W. Dunfee

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Correspondence to Thomas W. Dunfee.

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Thomas Dunfee is the Kolodny Professor of Social Responsibility at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a former president of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business and the Society for Business Ethics. He is a former director of the Wharton Ethics Program and the Carol and Lawrence Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research. Professor Dunfee has written widely on topics in business law and business ethics.

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Dunfee, T.W. A Critical Perspective of Integrative Social Contracts Theory: Recurring Criticisms and Next Generation Research Topics. J Bus Ethics 68, 303–328 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-006-9016-6

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