Γιατί πρέπει η επιχείρηση να είναι ηθική; Μια νεοαριστοτελική προσέγγιση

Abstract

The author argues in favor of a neo-Aristotelian approach. According to this approach, theses such as that of Milton Friedman, namely that “the only responsibility of a business is to maximize its profits” are rather naïve and tautological. They assume that economic activity is an abstract and a-social process, leaving aside all human relationships that are developed and involved in the production and distribution of goods and services. A business is not only an economic machine; it is primarily a social institution which purposefully produces wealth and many other unintended externalities. Business operates within a social - value system but also creates such a system through its activity as a collective entity. These values constitute the character of a business which must be seen as quite different from the mere existence of a business culture. Developing vectorial relationships with its customers and other stakeholders, a business cannot but act morally. Ultimately, business ethics must be seen as the way in which a corporation orders its collective life.