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The ‘Logic of Gift’: Inspiring Behavior in Organizations Beyond the Limits of Duty and Exchange

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  • Baviera, Tomás
  • English, William
  • Guillén, Manuel

Abstract

Giving without the expectation of reward is difficult to understand in organizational contexts. In opposition to a logic based on self-interest or a sense of duty, a “logic of gift” has been proposed as a way to understand the phenomenon of free, unconditional giving. However, the rationale behind, and effects of, this logic have been under-explored. This paper responds by first clarifying the three logics of action—the logic of exchange, the logic of duty, and the logic of gift—and then explains how their balanced integration promises to enhance organizational life and outcomes. Having explicated the unique character and contributions of the logic of gift, the paper further suggests practical implications for management. Encouraging the logic of gift fosters more humane relationships within organizations and to enable individuals to be generous in ways that inspire trust and promote creativity.

Suggested Citation

  • Baviera, Tomás & English, William & Guillén, Manuel, 2016. "The ‘Logic of Gift’: Inspiring Behavior in Organizations Beyond the Limits of Duty and Exchange," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 26(2), pages 159-180, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:buetqu:v:26:y:2016:i:02:p:159-180_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Jose Luis Retolaza & Ricardo Aguado & Leire Alcaniz, 2019. "Stakeholder Theory Through the Lenses of Catholic Social Thought," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 157(4), pages 969-980, July.
    2. Diego Arias Padilla & Xabier Barriola, 2023. "Can Gift-Giving Affect Team Performance?," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-10, April.
    3. Marisol Velázquez-Salazar & Germán Scalzo & Carmen Byker Shanks, 2021. "Colored Heirloom Corn as a Public Good: The Case of Tlaxcala, Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-16, February.
    4. Guillaume Mercier & Ghislain Deslandes, 2020. "Formal and Informal Benevolence in a Profit-Oriented Context," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 165(1), pages 125-143, August.
    5. Sandrine Frémeaux & Anouk Grevin & Roberta Sferrazzo, 2023. "Developing a Culture of Solidarity Through a Three-Step Virtuous Process: Lessons from Common Good-Oriented Organizations," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 188(1), pages 89-105, November.
    6. Kévin André & Sylvain Bureau & Arthur Gautier & Olivier Rubel, 2017. "Beyond the Opposition Between Altruism and Self-interest: Reciprocal Giving in Reward-Based Crowdfunding," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 146(2), pages 313-332, December.
    7. Guglielmo Faldetta, 2022. "Forgiving the Unforgivable: The Possibility of the ‘Unconditional’ Forgiveness in the Workplace," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 180(1), pages 91-103, September.

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