Sustainable Human Ecologies: Principles for Ethical Work in Africa

Abstract

Ecology is a word commonly used in many circles with a focus on the environment and human interactions with it. Human ecology as a concept studies human interaction with the environment in different cultures. Human cultural backgrounds differ and the way the traditional beliefs influence human activities varies from place to place. In entrepreneurship, traditional values can play a role as they often shape the character of practitioners. In the quest for sustainable development, one cannot underestimate the influence of these cultural tenets in shaping the dynamics of the practitioners’ activities. This chapter explores the role of African cultural beliefs, philosophies in cultivating principled entrepreneurship. It presents some traditional values that influenced the mindset of entrepreneurs in the past towards ethical work. These tenets guided the dynamics of trade and responsible management of resources for the benefit of one’s community and of oneself.

Citation

Ogunyemi, K., Ogunyemi, O. and Anozie, A. (2022), "Sustainable Human Ecologies: Principles for Ethical Work in Africa", Ogunyemi, K., Ogunyemi, O. and Anozie, A. (Ed.) Responsible Management in Africa, Volume 2: Ethical Work and Sustainability, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80382-493-220221003