Paper #584

Títol:

Economic rationality and ethical behavior

Autor:

Marc Le Menestrel

Data:

Novembre 2001

Resum:

This paper argues that economic rationality and ethical behavior cannot be reduced one to the other, casting doubts on the validity of formulas like 'profit is ethical' or 'ethics pays'. In order to express ethical dilemmas as opposing economic interest with ethical concerns, we propose a model of rational behavior that combines these two irreducible dimensions in an open but not arbitrary manner. Behaviors that are neither ethical nor profitable are considered irrational (non-arbitrariness). However, behaviors that are profitable but unethical, and behaviors that are ethical but not profitable, are all treated as rational (openness). Combining ethical concerns with economic interest, ethical business is in turn an optimal form of rationality between venality and sacrifice. Because every one prefers to communicate that he acts ethically, ethical business remains ambiguous until some economic interest is actually sacrificed. We argue however that ethical business has an interest in demonstrating its consistency between communication and behavior by a transparent attitude. On the other hand, venal behaviors must remain confidential to hide the corresponding lack of consistency. This discursive approach based on transparency and confidentiality helps to further distinguish between ethical and unethical business behaviors.

Paraules clau:

Rationality, business ethics, economic rationality, transparency, confidentiality

Codis JEL:

A13, M14

Àrea de Recerca:

Economia de l'Empresa i Organització Industrial

Publicat a:

Business Ethics: A European Review, 11, 2, (2002), pp. 157-166

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