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Knowledge Stewardship as an Ethos-Driven Approach to Business Ethics

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  • Stuart M. Belle

    (The George Washington University)

Abstract

As a field spanning interests among researchers and business professionals, business ethics aims to provide guidance on what can be considered morally right, socially acceptable and legally transparent dealings in the human activity of providing goods or services for trade. Yet, cohesive theory of the ethics of business is lacking, and current ethical practices often fall victim to fluctuating business conditions and circumstances. Thus, stewardship theory is proposed as a more enduring and empowering orientation to more mindful business ethics that is borne out of organizational character, and knowledge stewardship is introduced as a set of practices that can support improved ethical behavior in organizations from an ethos-driven perspective. A definition of knowledge stewardship is provided in this article, and its associated outcomes of authenticity, authority and advocacy are highlighted. Practical recommendations are put forward to assist organizations in their development of stronger stewardship behavior, and exploratory research questions that heighten attentiveness to knowledge stewardship are presented.

Suggested Citation

  • Stuart M. Belle, 2017. "Knowledge Stewardship as an Ethos-Driven Approach to Business Ethics," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 142(1), pages 83-91, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:142:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-015-2710-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-015-2710-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Morela Hernandez, 2008. "Promoting Stewardship Behavior in Organizations: A Leadership Model," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 80(1), pages 121-128, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Vladimir S. Zhechev & Denitsa P. Zhecheva, 2019. "Ethical Branding €“ Corporate Commitment Or Compliance With Contemporary Trends," Annals of marketing-mba, Department of Marketing, Marketing MBA (RSconsult), vol. 4, December.
    2. Hadjielias, Elias & Christofi, Michael & Tarba, Shlomo, 2021. "Knowledge hiding and knowledge sharing in small family farms: A stewardship view," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 279-292.

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