Human Action in Business

Book excerpt: Praxiology deals with working and doing from the point of view of effectiveness. It has three components: analysis of concepts involving purposive actions; critique of modes of action from the viewpoint of efficiency; and normative advisory aspects in recommendations for increasing human efficiency. This fifth volume of the Praxiology series is devoted to "Human Action in Business: Praxiological and Ethical Dimensions." The adjective "praxiological" here means not only related to praxiology as human theory, but also assessed against the dimensions of effectiveness and efficiency. Adding also the ethical dimension, one defines the universe of the discourse about conduct characteristic of business, the economy, and management. Topics in business and management philosophy and theory are discussed by eminent contributors from different corners of the world: P. Ulrich (Switzerland); M. Bohata (Czech Republic); S. K. Chakreborty (India); J. Donaldson, Adding the ethical dimension focuses the discourse on the moral aspects of business, the economy, and management. H.E. Sternberg and P. Graham (U.K.); H. van Lujik and H. Hummels (The Netherlands); O. Loukola (Finland); Y. Pesqueux and I. Tovey (France); F. W. Gasparski, A. Lewicka-Strza_ecka and J. S3/4jka (Poland); R. E. Freeman, R. G. Kennedy, S. Natale, J. A. Matel, N. Bowie, D. McCann, L. V. Ryan, P. Werhane, and K. Goodpaster (United States). Selected speeches by Pope John Paul II addressed to managers, businessmen, and general audiences involved in the economy are also included in this volume. In Volume 5, invited specialists examine the praxiological and ethical aspects of human action under the rubric of the "Triple E" Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Ethics. The volume opens with contributions reflecting on the praxiological and ethical foundations for business followed by sections discussing human action from the perspectives of religious beliefs and cultural diversity. Another section illustrates the application of these principles to business. The concluding chapters examines praxiology and ethics as the moral agenda for professional education. The volume is a must read for economists, businesspeople, social scientists, and policymakers.