Title: Multiple levels of decision making: ethical management in various business contexts

Authors: Marcel Van Marrewijk

Addresses: Virtu et Fortuna BV – Corporate Dynamics, Westplein 5d, Rotterdam 3016 BM, The Netherlands

Abstract: This paper describes a set of ideal type organisations, constructed according to a developmental sequence. Each organisation type is based on a specific set of values or value systems. Because such systems shape institutional structures, they influence the role of leadership, governance and decisions. As they are based on Spiral Dynamics, known as Emerging Cyclical Levels of Existence Theory (ECLET), the organisation types are labelled as order, success, community and synergy. Moreover, they interact with changes in the environment, or life conditions, and can determine an individual|s ||worldview||, causing different interpretations of common phenomena, such as corporate sustainability and corporate responsibility. As an overview, a transition matrix is presented which indicates the paradigm shifts per discipline or department, manifested in the subsequent ideal type organisations.

Keywords: ethics; decision making; corporate sustainability; corporate responsibility; community-driven organisation; European Corporate Sustainability Framework; ECSF; spiral dynamics; ethical management; organisational culture.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2005.006552

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2005 Vol.6 No.3/4, pp.257 - 272

Published online: 21 Mar 2005 *

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