An Eastern Orthodox Perspective on Humanizing Business: The Case of Greek Orthodoxy

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to offer a theoretical framework for examining the potential implications of Eastern Orthodoxy in general and Greek Orthodoxy in particular, for a humanely-oriented business ethics. The paper examines the basic concepts, tenets and principles of Greek Orthodoxy’s worldview which is grounded on personalism, the latter underlying a relational view of self that emerges in specific faith communities. It then applies this notion of personhood to value-based business pursuits and assesses their potential impact on various stakeholders’ motivation and action. Particular emphasis is attributed to the societal relevance of this comprehensive worldview that is in a position to harmonize the goals of individuals, organizations, and the society. In this respect, it is argued that Greek Orthodoxy’s personalist ethos informs binding principles that have to be examined in their relationship to cohesive communities that foster human flourishing and promote a conception of common good defined in terms of ultimate human ends. In the last section devoted to the historical framing of such communities, the paper demonstrates that there is a rationale in viewing Greek Orthodoxy’s person-centered ontology as manifested in community good that serves as a condition for the realization of personal good. Implications of the present study, as well as areas of prospective research, are equally taken into consideration.