A complex ethics : critical complexity, deconstruction, and implications for business ethics

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study commences with a critical, philosophical exploration of the ethical theories thatconstitute the normative basis of the dominant business ethics paradigm. It is argued that theuniversal and communitarian notions of the good upon which this paradigm is based, are inadequatein helping us deal with the complexities that define the modern day business environment. It issuggested that a sophisticated and affirmative account of postmodernism is a better suitedalternative, as this paradigm is geared towards assisting us in finding workable solutions to ourproblems in the absence of universal truths or homogenous operating environments.Although postmodernism serves as a useful starting point for challenging the normative basis ofbusiness ethics, this study moves beyond this broad paradigm in providing an analysis of bothcomplexity theory (specifically critical complexity theory), and Jacques Derrida's deconstructivephilosophy. The paradigm of critical complexity presents us with a useful framework forunderstanding, and thinking through the implications that complex phenomena hold for us, for ourpractices, and for our understanding of our responsibilities. Deconstruction (which serves as aphilosophical example of a complex position) contributes to, and supplements this paradigm.Specifically, deconstruction draws attention to the processual nature of ethical decision-making andaction, as well as to the ethical and political implications that arise from our limited knowledge ofcomplex phenomena.Once critical complexity theory and deconstruction are adequately defined, a close reading of acritical text on the relevance of Derrida for understanding business ethics is presented. Inundertaking the close reading, a number of criticisms against deconstruction are addressed, and anargument is made for why a more complex understanding of ethics is preferable to universal orcommunitarian notions of the good – and, therefore, preferable as a normative basis for businessethics.After making the case for a complex ethics, a general circumscription of a complex ethics isprovided. This circumscription is premised on an understanding of ethics as a critical, provisional,transgressive, and imaginative enterprise. The specific implications that such a notion of ethics holdfor teaching business ethics, and for understanding prominent business ethics themes (such ascorporate social responsibility, responsible leadership, and sustainable development) are alsoelaborated upon.In conclusion, it is argued that taking cognisance of the insights and implications that arise from thisstudy will help to support the future viability of business ethics. This is because a complexunderstanding of ethics can promote the development of robust and flexible strategies, which areneeded for dealing with the realities of the modern business environment.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University