Abstract
In Buddhist philosophy, what really “is” are relations and processes. Things exist in a state of dependence on the relations that constitute them. The intrinsic worth of relationality, and the responsiveness of humans to this worth through gratitude, compassion and care, form the basis for ethics which permeates the ground of being. The insights of relationality extend to big, human-made and materially oriented institutions such as corporations and economies. Recognition of symmetric mutuality opens our thinking to ways in which co-workers might treat one another with respect. The recognition of asymmetric mutuality further opens up the possibility of thinking about relations of respect among people with different levels of power and different roles. Not all workers in an enterprise have equal abilities in leadership, inventiveness or finance. Enterprises can be structured in ways that take advantage of people’s different qualities of power, while still retaining a fundamental attitude of mutuality.
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Nelson, J.A. (2011). The Relational Economy. In: Zsolnai, L. (eds) Ethical Principles and Economic Transformation - A Buddhist Approach. Issues in Business Ethics, vol 33. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9310-3_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9310-3_2
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