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Hierarchies and Dignity: A Confucian Communitarian Approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 April 2016

Jessica A. Kennedy ,
Tae Wan Kim  and
Alan Strudler
Jessica A. Kennedy
Affiliation:
Vanderbilt University
Tae Wan Kim
Affiliation:
Carnegie Mellon University
Alan Strudler
Affiliation:
University of Pennsylvania
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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.

Keywords

hierarchyauthoritydignityConfucianismcommunitarianism
Type
Special Section
Information
Business Ethics Quarterly , Volume 26 , Issue 4 , October 2016 , pp. 479 - 502
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Business Ethics 2016 

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