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Empathy as an Antecedent of Social Justice Attitudes and Perceptions

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew Cartabuke

    (Appalachian State University)

  • James W. Westerman

    (Appalachian State University)

  • Jacqueline Z. Bergman

    (Appalachian State University)

  • Brian G. Whitaker

    (Appalachian State University)

  • Jennifer Westerman

    (Appalachian State University)

  • Rafik I. Beekun

    (University of Nevada)

Abstract

At the same time that social justice concerns are on the rise on college campuses, empathy levels among US college students are falling (Konrath et al. 2016). Social injustice resulting from organizational decisions and actions causes profound and unnecessary human suffering, and research to understand antecedents to these decisions and actions lacks attention. Empathy represents a potential tool and critical skill for organizational decision-makers, with empirical evidence linking empathy to moral recognition of ethical situations and greater breadth of understanding of stakeholder impact and improved financial success. This study explores the potential relationship between empathy and social justice, using a multifaceted operationalization of social justice, which includes management actions (corporate social responsibility and socially responsible attitudes) and social sympathies (distributive justice in US society and agreement with the goals of Occupy Wall Street). Results broadly support the positive empathy and social justice relationship and suggest higher education interventions to develop empathy in college business students.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Cartabuke & James W. Westerman & Jacqueline Z. Bergman & Brian G. Whitaker & Jennifer Westerman & Rafik I. Beekun, 2019. "Empathy as an Antecedent of Social Justice Attitudes and Perceptions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 157(3), pages 605-615, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:157:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-017-3677-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-017-3677-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ganegoda, Deshani B. & Shukla, Jigyashu & Shapiro, Debra L., 2024. "Garnering support for social justice: When and why is “yes” likelier for “allies” versus “disadvantaged group advocates”?," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
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    4. Bernerth, Jeremy B., 2020. "You’re offended, I’m offended! An empirical study of the proclivity to be offended and what it says about employees’ attitudes and behaviors," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 314-323.
    5. Zhe Zhang & Xintong Ji, 2023. "A Virtual Net Locks Me In: How and When Information and Communication Technology Use Intensity Leads to Knowledge Hiding," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 187(3), pages 611-626, October.
    6. Yanina Rashkova & Ludovica Moi & Francesca Cabiddu, 2024. "Addressing the Societal Challenges in Organizations: The Conceptualization of Mindfulness Capability for Social Justice," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 189(2), pages 249-268, January.
    7. Reut Livne-Tarandach & Erica Steckler & Jennifer Leigh & Sara Wheeler-Smith, 2021. "Cultivating Organizations as Healing Spaces: A Typology for Responding to Suffering and Advancing Social Justice," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 6(3), pages 373-404, December.

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