Conciliating Work and Family: A Catholic Social Teaching Perspective

Journal of Business Ethics · 2009 · Volume 88 · Issue 3

Abstract

Although work–family conflict is highly relevant for both families and businesses, scarce attention has received from business ethics perspective. This article focuses on the latter, presenting a set of relevant insights from Catholic Social Teaching (CST). After reviewing the foundations and principles presented by CST regarding work–family relationships, a set of normative propositions are presented to develop work–family policies and for a correct personal work–family balance. It is argued that business responsibility with employees’ family should be considered as a part of Corporate Social Responsibility. In addition, the applications of these principles and propositions can lead to a mutual enrichment of both business and family.

Keywords

Catholic Social Teaching, Corporate Social Responsibility, work–family balance, work–family conflict, work–family enrichment

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