Wisdom from Africa: Solidarity and Inclusion for an Ethical Economy

Abstract

Wisdom from Africa comes in different forms: proverbs, adages, folktales with moral lessons, the use of figurative speech which transmit deep messages, a variety of wise sayings, songs, etc. Such wisdom guided many interactions including those relating to trade, entrepreneurship and other activities that drive the dynamics of economies. African communities are well known for a sense of communal living and a concern for others often manifested as solidarity. Aggregating the combined data from the preceding chapters, this final chapter in Volume 2 of Responsible Management in Africa explores the role of these two realities that are part of the African cultural heritage in promoting solidarity and inclusion. Four themes emerge: values-based education, mutual trust, personal social responsibility and sustainability factors. Beyond these four, since responsible businesses ought to have inclusive growth among their goal, they can also apply the knowledge of traditional values such as Ubuntu and Omoluabi for tackling challenges to sustainable development and contributing to attaining an ethical economy.

Citation

Ogunyemi, K., Ogunyemi, O. and Anozie, A. (2022), "Wisdom from Africa: Solidarity and Inclusion for an Ethical Economy", Ogunyemi, K., Ogunyemi, O. and Anozie, A. (Ed.) Responsible Management in Africa, Volume 2: Ethical Work and Sustainability, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 155-167. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80382-493-220221019