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Ambiguities of justice in a global marketplace: How are ethical and theological considerations relevant to policymakers?

Donald Gates (Macquarie University, North Ryde, Australia)
Peter Steane (RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia)

Management Decision

ISSN: 0025-1747

Article publication date: 5 September 2008

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address questions policymakers, working in a global marketplace, might ask about ethical and theological considerations of ambiguities or uncertainties of justice issues in the global markets in which they operate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on earlier research and published works in examining four specific questions about ambiguities of justice, from ethical and theological perspectives, and their relevance for policymakers in the global marketplace.

Findings

Justice, including social justice, is a significant value impacting on decision and policymakers in government and other types of organizations in a global marketplace. However, the value “justice” exhibits ambiguity or uncertainty. Even if a claim that economic policies developed through prudential judgement are not subject to the moral or ethical code is accepted, it does not absolve individual participants in the policymaking and administrative processes from ethical and moral responsibility if the outcomes of the policies are deemed to be selfish and unjust.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited by the ability to examine all the literature in the field at a greater depth. However, this has been ameliorated by examining a sufficient sample of theological and social scientific literature and relating these to the writings of the theologian, Paul Tillich, on questions about the four ambiguities of justice.

Practical implications

This paper provides a useful appraisal of the various social justice issues that might be encountered by managers working in a global marketplace. It provides some definitive alternatives from which policymakers may select a course of action for their organizations in individual and collective markets throughout the world.

Originality/value

An identified need is fulfilled in this paper in that it supports executives and managers who may have doubts about ethical and theological justice issues that arise through the policies adopted and processes employed in their operations in the global marketplace.

Keywords

Citation

Gates, D. and Steane, P. (2008), "Ambiguities of justice in a global marketplace: How are ethical and theological considerations relevant to policymakers?", Management Decision, Vol. 46 No. 8, pp. 1146-1165. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740810901354

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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