S9 - Rawls / Diversity and pluralism in organizations

Question 1

What are the different concepts of Paternalism (7)?

Answer 1

• Moral obligation = organize work
• Authoritarian control of the workforce
• The industrialist is a father
• Manager: considers himself an expert
• Has the legitimacy to indicate THE right path to follow
• Business ethics
• Goal: Increase productivity + return to morality

Question 2

What are the advantages of paternalism?

Answer 2

• Employee well-being at the heart of the company = workforce stability
• Attracts top employees
• Stimulates a sense of community: housing, outings, retirement pensions, etc.

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of paternalism (8)?

Answer 3

• Anti-unionism: McDonald’s, WalMart, etc.
• Intrusion into the lives of others
• Imposing a value system
• Uncreative staff
• Assembly line work = harmful to health
• Creates a form of guilt and accountability
• Affective blackmail = psychological harassment
• Manipulation of the boss ??? (intention)

Question 4

How do we build a just society according to John Rawls?

Answer 4

By the social contract concluded between persons in an original position of equality, which aims to establish the rules of social cooperation.

The veil of ignorance
+
Distributive justice
Redistribution of wealth, progressive tax, social programs (education, health)

Question 5

What are the two principles of the veil of ignorance? What theories does it reject?

Answer 5

Two principles:
- Equal access to fundamental freedoms (of expression, religion, etc.)
- Social and economic equality

Principle of difference: only if the difference benefits the poorest in our society

Rejection of utilitarianism
Rejection of libertarianism
Elimination of moral arbitrariness

Question 6

What is diversity?

Answer 6

Diversity consists of the conditions, expressions and experiences of different groups identified by age, education, sexual orientation, parental status/responsibility, immigration status, Indigenous, status, religion, disability, language, race, place of origin, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status and other attributes.

Question 7

What is equity?

Answer 7

Equity means fairness; people of all identities being treated fairly. It means ensuring that the processes for allocating resources and decision-making are fair to all and do not discriminate on the basis of identity.

Question 8

What is inclusion?

Answer 8

Inclusion requires creating an environment in which all people are respected equitably and have access to the same opportunities. Organizationally, inclusion requires the identification and removal of barriers (e.g., physical, procedural, visible, invisible, intentional, unintentional) that inhibit participation and contribution.

Question 9

What can managers do to include diversity and pluralism?

Answer 9

• Becoming aware of, recognizing, and working to deconstruct our unconscious biases (in relation to colleagues, employees, future job candidates, etc.)
• Becoming aware of and recognizing our privileges (and therefore recognizing that others who do not have these privileges may face more obstacles)
• Making decisions with equity and inclusion in mind

Question 10

What are the differences in Kant and Aristotle approach on rationality?

Answer 10

Kant: emphasizes rationality through universalizable moral principles and duty

Aristotle: focuses on practical wisdom, virtue ethics, and the teleological pursuit of human flourishing.

Kant’s approach is more rule-based and duty-driven, while Aristotle’s is virtue-centered and goal-oriented.