1. Feminist theory and business ethics.
- Author
-
Derry, Robbin
- Subjects
FEMINISM ,BUSINESS ethics ,ETHICS ,RESEARCH ,METHODOLOGY ,RESEARCH ethics - Abstract
Feminist theory includes a broad range of thinking about the roles and experiences of women; however, contemporary research in business ethics demonstrates little awareness of feminist theory. Two broad areas hold potential for the integration of business ethics and feminist theory: the articulation of ethical theory, and the research methodologies underlying ethical theory and practice. The use of feminist theory and research methods could significantly extend the scope of issues addressed and the depth of learning from research in the field of business ethics. In this paper, the following topics are discussed: feminist ethical theory, application of ethical theories, feminist research methods, and application of research methods. The author believes that feminist research methods hold the potential for greatly increased learning on the three levels of 'the person, the problem, and the method.' He concludes that if we are willing to explore beyond the positivist process, we may learn about ourselves and the research method as well as the problem under study. And, if we are willing to admit and discuss that learning in the context of our research presentations and publications, we will be doing the field a much greater service than if we merely write up the numerical or theoretical results of our research.
- Published
- 1999