Ethics and Ethos: The Buffering and Amplifying Effects of Ethical Behavior and Virtuousness

Abstract

Logical and moral arguments have been made for the organizational importance of ethos or virtuousness, in addition to ethics and responsibility. Research evidence is beginning to provide empirical support for such normative claims. This paper considers the relationship between ethics and ethos in contemporary organizations by summarizing emerging finding that link virtuousness and performance. The effects of virtue in organizations derives from its buffering and amplifying effects, both of which are described. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]