Abstract
This chapter includes a comparative analysis of Buddhist and Christian value orientations in business. The comparison takes place at the level of value dimensions, represented by the irreducible core values of Buddhism and Christianity. The value orientations of Buddhist entrepreneurs are described by four core values: interconnectedness, mindfulness, moderation, and compassion; while the value orientations of Christian entrepreneurs are described by three core values: human dignity, justice, and solidarity. The core values in business define the ontological conception, the procedural dimension, and the “other directedness” of business practices. Ontological conceptions are determined by the more communitarian core value of interconnectedness in the case of Buddhist entrepreneurs, and by the more individualistic core value of human dignity in the case of Christian entrepreneurs. The procedural dimension is determined by the more individualistic core values of moderation and mindfulness in the case of Buddhist entrepreneurs, and by the more communitarian core value of justice in the case of Christian entrepreneurs. Other directedness is determined by the core value of compassion in the case of Buddhist entrepreneurs, and by the core value of solidarity in the case of Christian entrepreneurs.
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Notes
- 1.
Some parts of this chapter that focus mainly on the methodological aspects of the subject are included in an early paper of mine entitled “The value orientations of Catholic and Buddhist entrepreneurs” (Kovács 2017).
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Kovács, G. (2020). A Comparative Analysis of Buddhist and Christian Value Orientations in Business. In: The Value Orientations of Buddhist and Christian Entrepreneurs . Studies in Buddhist Economics, Management, and Policy. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46703-6_6
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