In Search of Virtue: The Role of Virtues, Values and Character Strengths in Ethical Decision Making

Mary Crossan, Daina Mazutis, Gerard Seijts

Journal of Business Ethics · 2013 · Volume 113 · Issue 4

Abstract

We present a comprehensive model that integrates virtues, values, character strengths and ethical decision making (EDM). We describe how a largely consequentialist ethical framework has dominated most EDM scholarship to date. We suggest that reintroducing a virtue ethical perspective to existing EDM theories can help to illustrate deficiencies in existing decision-making models, and suggest that character strengths and motivational values can serve as natural bridges that link a virtue framework to EDM in organizations. In conjunction with the more fully formulated extant research on situational determinants, we present and discuss our model that introduces a virtue based orientation to EDM.

Keywords

Character strengths, Ethical decision making, Virtues, Values

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