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Hierarchies and Dignity: A Confucian Communitarian Approach

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  • Kennedy, Jessica A.
  • Kim, Tae Wan
  • Strudler, Alan

Abstract

We discuss workers’ dignity in hierarchical organizations. First, we explain why a conflict exists between high-ranking individuals’ authority and low-ranking individuals’ dignity. Then, we ask whether there is any justification that reconciles hierarchical authority with the dignity of workers. We advance a communitarian justification for hierarchical authority, drawing upon Confucianism, which provides that workers can justifiably accept hierarchical authority when it enables a certain type of social functioning critical for the good life of workers and other involved parties. The Confucian communitarian perspective shows that promoting workers’ good life or well-being is an important condition for protecting their dignity.

Suggested Citation

  • Kennedy, Jessica A. & Kim, Tae Wan & Strudler, Alan, 2016. "Hierarchies and Dignity: A Confucian Communitarian Approach," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 26(4), pages 479-502, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:buetqu:v:26:y:2016:i:04:p:479-502_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Insuk Han, 2021. "Development of Professional Identity and Related Metacognitive Thinking Procedures of English Language Teachers Through Spontaneous Collaboration for Pedagogical Problem-Solving," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(2), pages 21582440211, April.
    2. Alejo José G. Sison & Ignacio Ferrero & Dulce M. Redín, 2020. "Some Virtue Ethics Implications from Aristotelian and Confucian Perspectives on Family and Business," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 165(2), pages 241-254, August.
    3. Tae Wan Kim & Alan Scheller-Wolf, 2019. "Technological Unemployment, Meaning in Life, Purpose of Business, and the Future of Stakeholders," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 160(2), pages 319-337, December.
    4. Sandrine Frémeaux, 2020. "A Common Good Perspective on Diversity," Post-Print hal-03232779, HAL.

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