| The purpose of this dissertation is to explore to what degree it is possible to integrate business and social justice through a study of the current state of work, capitalism and democracy, leadership and, ultimately, the possible integration of a business curriculum that focuses on ethics. The context of Chapter I is a concentration on the current state of work domestically as well as fitting the United States into the larger global picture as a comparison of work norms prevalent in today's multiethnic, global society. Poverty-level wages, millions of children without childcare, growing income disparity between our citizens, uneven levels of taxation between the rich and the poor, as well as eroding family structures make us question life in the richest and most powerful nation in the world.; Implicit in Chapter II are the writings of David Purpel, Svi Shapiro, Matthew Fox and Michael Lerner. This chapter is an effort to explore what these authors say about social responsibility, social justice and an equitable place of work in the midst of a mature capitalistic society. Continued exploration of work and organizational structures through a discussion of the basic premises of capitalism and democracy follow. Also included in this chapter is a discussion of the limits and possibilities of social responsiveness in a capitalistic society.; The focus of Chapter III is to illustrate the possibilities through leadership and decision making in organizations that are a stark contrast from those making headlines today. The research in this chapter focuses on leaders in the midst of tremendous pressure from their communities, their boards of directors, their stakeholders and stockholders who are making powerful decisions in a conscientious manner that have the potential to erode the bottom line, yet, will enhance the lives of many.; The conclusion in Chapter IV challenges to analyze what differentiates leaders and what is it about these leaders that gives them the courage to make the tough decisions in a midst of a culture and society that emphasizes maximizing profits. Lastly, a course in business ethics, experiences in teaching the subject matter and primary data obtained from a student survey are discussed from the standpoint of the possibilities of envisioning social and economic fairness through a business curriculum. |
