Cultivation of virtuousness and self-actualization in the workplace

Authors

Mario Fernando, University of WollongongFollow
Rafi M. M. I Chowdhury, Bond UniversityFollow

RIS ID

105780

Publication Details

Fernando, M. & Chowdhury, R. M. M. I. (2015). Cultivation of virtuousness and self-actualization in the workplace. In A. Jose G. Sison (Ed.), Handbook of virtue ethics in business and management (pp. 1-13). Dordrecht, Holland: Springer Netherlands.

Abstract

In Aristotelian ethics, cultivation of virtuous or good behavior is the key to achieving happiness or eudaemonia or human flourishing. Although Abraham Maslow is considered as a twentieth-century "eudaemonist," there is no comprehensive examination of the link between cultivating virtuousness and self-actualization in the workplace. Work allows people to become self-actualized (Maslow A. Maslow on management. Wiley, New York, 1998). This chapter considers cultivation of virtuousness and self-actualization through work as a process of development of the self toward higher well-being. After reviewing the relevant literature on Aristotelian ethics and positive psychology, we propose cultivating virtuousness and self-actualization at work as a project of the self, a project of growing, becoming, and evolving toward the ideal self. We highlight views that would support such a thesis.