RT Article
T1 Epistemological and ethical considerations in conceptualizing and implementing human resource management
JF Journal of business ethics
VO 8
IS 8
SP 597
OP 606
A1 Dachler, H. Peter
A1 Enderle, Georges
A2 Enderle, Georges
LA English
YR 1989
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1785599682
AB As an example of applied social science, the field of human resource management is used to show that ethical problems are not only those of carrying out research, of professional conduct, and of the “distribution fairness” of social science knowledge. A largely overlooked ethical issue is also the implicit choices that are made as an integral part of research and implementation. First, an analysis is undertaken of the implicit assumptions, values and goals that derive from the conception of human problems in work organizations as “managing human resources”. Secondly, it is argued that such a conception is in fact a socially constructed reality with “real” consequences and not a reflection of “objective” states of human and social nature with which we have to live. Thirdly, to the extent that our implicit assumptions are in part based upon conceptual choices that are made by individuals or as a collective act of a discipline or work organization, the development of an ethical framework that could guide such choices becomes a crucial challenge for business ethics.
K1 Ethical Issue
K1 Science Knowledge
K1 Business Ethic
K1 Human Resource
K1 Social Science
DO 10.1007/BF00383028