Knut J. Ims

Holistic Problem Solving

Today’s management practice tends to reduce every problem to the technical dimension. This often results in the “Error of the Third Kind” (E3), which means solving the wrong problem precisely (Mitroff, 1998). The controversial case of the World Bank is an insightful illustration of this point (Box 7.1).

Ethics of social innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the main reasons for social innovations to be successful in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, four famous cases of social innovation are studied and contrasted in the following dimensions: goals, means and skills/resources needed by the user. Findings – Exemplary social innovations do not have profit as their primary objective but emphasize social, spiritual and humanitarian goals such as minimizing suffering, empowering people and strengthening local communities. Originality/value – The paper shows that sensitivity to local culture and an ethos for serving the common good are preconditions of successful and lasting social innovations by business.

Happiness and Human Flourishing

The chapter explores the concept of human flourishing drawing on two traditions, the Aristotelian–Thomistic virtue ethics tradition, and the new research tradition of positive psychology. These traditions may seem very different in origin, but they have some fundamental similarities. Martin Seligman , one of the founders of positive psychology has summed up human flourishing using the acronym PERMA , where each letter indicate one element; Positive emotions, Engagements, Relationship, Meaning and Accomplishment. Seligman emphasizes the problems of hedonic pleasure and “happyology” in describing human flourishing.

Rhetoric and performance on the budgetary stage

In this paper a metaphor borrowed from the performing arts, more specifically from the theatre, is used to spotlight the actors and their performances in determining the sales budget of a business organization. In a longitudinal participation study it was observed that the participants acted opportunistically within the limits of their ascribed roles, that situational factors influenced the budgetary drama, and that the sales budget was used primarily for the purpose of renewing organizational trust and commitment in a masterly performance by the actor playing the lead. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Laszlo Zsolnai, Friend and Moral Scientist

The Liber Amicorum in honour of Professor Laszlo Zsolnai’s 60th birthday expresses a deep feeling of gratitude towards a colleague, who is a pioneering academic in the field of business and economic ethics. In the introductory chapter you will find an overview of his philosophy, career and publications. What binds together his work and life is a spiritual humanism inspired by Buddhist, Christian and eco-philosophical sources. His disinterested way of ‘doing things’ explains the circle of friendship around his person and work.

Nature, Economics, and Scream

A close interconnection between man and nature is the point of departure. The focus is on the close relationship with all kind of animals. Some strong examples of violence towards animals are presented. The violence is a direct result of methods applied by big scale farm-industries, supported by economists’ recommendations of profit maximization. The cure might consist of multiple remedies – a change in worldview from mechanistic to organic – a profound shift in mindset from a distanced and abstract view on other species to being in nature in a more unmediated and unreflective way. Instead of extensive abstract thinking about nature, we as human beings should be more fully aware that we are nature and need nature in order to fulfillment of our potential. Consequently, we should pay high respect to other animals and grant them intrinsic value. In the conclusion, it will be suggested that a more non-violent and frugal attitude to nature will be steps in the right direction. Munch’s painting Scream is used to illustrate the immense pain and suffering that are inflicted upon nature, not the least animals, in the modern industrialized society.

Deep Ecology and Personal Responsibility

Inspired by Arne Naess’ writings on ecology, this paper explores his viewpoint about the necessity of a Deep Ecological approach and the need to take a personal ecosophical position. According to Naess, deep ecology is proceeding in two directions; it is trying to bring about a change and it is trying to develop an alternative philosophy called “eco philosophy”. While eco philosophy is a descriptive science without fundamental postulates about values, ecosophy includes the development and eliciting of norms. Arne Naess invites everybody to work out their own individual ecosophy, by which he means a philosophy of ecological harmony. This kind of sophia or wisdom is normative and contains value priorities as well as norms.

Peace in an Organic Worldview

Abstract The purpose of the chapter is to explore peace economics in the perspective of an organic worldview. Peace economics are discussed on two levels – the level of individual economic actor and the macro level related to the systemic interplay between economic actors. The main argument is that a change from shallow authenticity and competition towards deep authenticity and cooperation presupposes a paradigmatic shift from a mechanical to an organic worldview. Such a change in mindset should be supported by introducing peace economics in the curriculum on different levels of education. In an education for peace-building there should be a focus on what constitutes true personal development in the sense of obtaining more ‘inner’ peace as well as more peaceful interpersonal interactions. On the ‘outer’ spheres, the need for equity and joint projects is fundamental. The concept of equity emphasizes mutuality, equality and co-creative responsibility.