Can corporate capitalism be redeemed? business ethics and the search for a renewed faith in work

Abstract

This chapter investigates the relationship between faith, work, corporate capitalism and business ethics. The faith perspective with which it is concerned-though sharing some common elements with the faith associated with some religious traditions-is not tied to a particular religion or theology, but constitutes an existential commitment that guides people amidst the limitations inherent to human understanding. The authors assert that all work is guided by a faith that gives it purpose. However, over the last century the dominant system for organizing work has been corporate capitalism, which is guided by a faith according to which the ultimate purpose of work is profit maximization and personal enrichment. It is argued that this is a debasing faith and that work needs to be redeemed by a faith consistent with business ethics that affirms the dignity of work through service to the greater good.