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Loyalty in Business: Subversive Doctrine or Real Need?

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  • Mele, Domènec

Abstract

Loyalty within the firm, though praised by some, is criticized by others. An analysis of the historical and current significance of the concept of loyalty can aid in both understanding its critics and responding to them. Loyalty in the business world is generally understood in three ways: i) transactional retention, ii) sentimental attraction, and iii) willingness to commit oneself. In the third type, the commitment to adhere to a person, cause, or institution may contribute to human flourishing and therefore generate the human virtue of loyalty. The human virtue of loyalty is as far from fanaticism as it is from the betrayal of legitimate commitments freely undertaken. As with all virtues, its content must be rationally determined. Loyalty thus understood enhances the humanity of both persons and business firms and contributes to heightened cohesion and cooperation within the firm. Moreover, according to some recent research, managing a business on the basis of loyalty can enhance economic results.

Suggested Citation

  • Mele, Domènec, 2001. "Loyalty in Business: Subversive Doctrine or Real Need?," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 11(1), pages 11-26, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:buetqu:v:11:y:2001:i:01:p:11-26_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Guglielmo Faldetta, 2011. "The Logic of Gift and Gratuitousness in Business Relationships," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 100(1), pages 67-77, March.
    2. Nasrin Shahinpoor & Bernard Matt, 2007. "The Power of One: Dissent and Organizational Life," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 74(1), pages 37-48, August.
    3. Masakure, Oliver, 2016. "The effect of employee loyalty on wages," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 274-298.
    4. Hildreth, John Angus D. & Gino, Francesca & Bazerman, Max, 2016. "Blind loyalty? When group loyalty makes us see evil or engage in it," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 16-36.
    5. Jukka Varelius, 2009. "Is Whistle-blowing Compatible with Employee Loyalty?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 85(2), pages 263-275, March.
    6. Juan Elegido, 2013. "Does It Make Sense to Be a Loyal Employee?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 116(3), pages 495-511, September.

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