Empathy as an Antecedent of Social Justice Attitudes and Perceptions

Matthew Cartabuke (), James W. Westerman (), Jacqueline Z. Bergman (), Brian G. Whitaker (), Jennifer Westerman () and Rafik I. Beekun ()
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Matthew Cartabuke: Appalachian State University
James W. Westerman: Appalachian State University
Jacqueline Z. Bergman: Appalachian State University
Brian G. Whitaker: Appalachian State University
Jennifer Westerman: Appalachian State University
Rafik I. Beekun: University of Nevada

Journal of Business Ethics, 2019, vol. 157, issue 3, No 2, 605-615

Abstract: Abstract At the same time that social justice concerns are on the rise on college campuses, empathy levels among US college students are falling (Konrath et al. 2016). Social injustice resulting from organizational decisions and actions causes profound and unnecessary human suffering, and research to understand antecedents to these decisions and actions lacks attention. Empathy represents a potential tool and critical skill for organizational decision-makers, with empirical evidence linking empathy to moral recognition of ethical situations and greater breadth of understanding of stakeholder impact and improved financial success. This study explores the potential relationship between empathy and social justice, using a multifaceted operationalization of social justice, which includes management actions (corporate social responsibility and socially responsible attitudes) and social sympathies (distributive justice in US society and agreement with the goals of Occupy Wall Street). Results broadly support the positive empathy and social justice relationship and suggest higher education interventions to develop empathy in college business students.

Keywords: Empathy; Social justice; Higher education; Business; Ethical behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10551-017-3677-1

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