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Mutually Enhancing Responsibility: A Theoretical Exploration of the Interaction Mechanisms Between Individual and Corporate Moral Responsibility

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  • Mihaela Constantinescu
  • Muel Kaptein

Abstract

Moral responsibility for outcomes in corporate settings can be ascribed either to the individual members, the corporation, or both. In the latter case, the relationship between individual and corporate responsibility has been approached as inversely proportional, such that an increase in individual responsibility leads to a corresponding decrease in corporate responsibility and vice versa. In this article, we develop a non-proportionate approach, where, under specific conditions, individual and corporate moral responsibilities interact dynamically, leading to a mutual enhancement of responsibility: the more the corporation is responsible, the more the individuals become responsible and vice versa. We develop this mutually enhancing approach in terms of normative ascriptions of responsibility, while leaving aside empirical implications in terms of mutual awareness of responsibility between individuals and corporations. We explore conceptually the conditions and mechanisms that generate this mutual enhancement and also discuss the implications for research and practice. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015

Suggested Citation

  • Mihaela Constantinescu & Muel Kaptein, 2015. "Mutually Enhancing Responsibility: A Theoretical Exploration of the Interaction Mechanisms Between Individual and Corporate Moral Responsibility," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 129(2), pages 325-339, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:129:y:2015:i:2:p:325-339
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-014-2161-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kaptein, Muel & Wempe, Johan, 2002. "The Balanced Company: A Theory of Corporate Integrity," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199255511.
    2. McMahon, Christopher, 1995. "The Ontological and Moral Status of Organizations," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 5(3), pages 541-554, July.
    3. Phillips, Michael J., 1995. "Corporate Moral Responsibility: When it Might Matter," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 5(3), pages 555-576, July.
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    5. Velasquez, Manuel, 2003. "Debunking Corporate Moral Responsibility," Business Ethics Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, vol. 13(4), pages 531-562, October.
    6. Niki A. Nieuwenboer & Muel Kaptein, 2008. "Spiraling Down into Corruption: A Dynamic Analysis of the Social Identity Processes that Cause Corruption in Organizations to Grow," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 83(2), pages 133-146, December.
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    Cited by:

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    8. Xiaobei Liang & Xiaojuan Hu & Hu Meng, 2020. "Truly Sustainability or Hypocrisy: The Effects of Corporate Sustainable Orientation on Consumers’ Quality Perception and Trust Based on Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-20, March.

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