Pellegrini, Massimiliano M., Ciappei, Cristiano, Lamberto, Zollo and Boccardi, Andrea (2016) Finding the extraordinary and creating the unexpected: Gnome and Genius combined in an entrepreneurial ethical heuristic. Journal of Management Development, 35 (6). pp. 789-801. ISSN 0262-1711
Preview |
PDF
Pellegrini et al. forthcoming.pdf - Accepted Version Download (90kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to present an integrated framework for ethical decision making in uncertain conditions, such as those of entrepreneurship. The model aims to build an exceptional ethical heuristic employable by entrepreneurs.
Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical framework is anchored to Aquinas’ theory of practical reason virtue, specifically its minor virtue gnome, and the Kantian faculty of genius or to better say its modus operandi. Thanks to the composition of these prima facie distant ontologies it is possible to build a ‘ready-to-use’ heuristic.
Findings – The paper through a philosophical discussion offers a ready-to-use heuristic that may help entrepreneurs and businesspersons when ‘navigating’ uncertain and troubled situations. In such situations, firstly it is important to recognize the ‘exceptionality’ of the situation, disregarding where necessary the ordinary criteria of judgment (an act directed by gnome). Secondly, a creative reconstruction of available knowledge able to re-shape the ‘rules of the game’ is needed (an act directed by PR but with connotations drawn from genius).
Research limitations/implications – The paper provides only a theoretical conceptualization of the heuristic model. However, the result is a ready-to-use heuristic rule for entrepreneurs, who work in uncertain and unclear conditions. Empirical validation of the framework can represent an opportunity for future research to test the operative impact of such an exceptional ethical heuristic.
Originality/value – Little attention has been dedicated to ethical decision making in the entrepreneurial setting built on a virtue ethics approach. This paper’s proposed model may represent an innovative alternative to strictly rational models for ethical decision making.
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Identifier: | 10.1108/JMD-09-2015-0130 |
Additional Information: | © Emerald Group Publishing Limited 2016 |
Keywords: | Ethical decision making, Entrepreneurship, Heuristics, Gnome, Genius, Aquinas, Kant |
Subjects: | Business and finance |
Depositing User: | Max Pellegrini |
Date Deposited: | 16 Jun 2016 16:39 |
Last Modified: | 06 Feb 2024 15:46 |
URI: | https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/2641 |
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year
Actions (login required)
View Item |