The value-orientations of Catholic and Buddhist entrepreneurs
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore and compare the core operating values of Catholic and Buddhist entrepreneurs.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is an empirical investigation of the value-orientations of Catholic and Buddhist entrepreneurs in Hungary. By applying qualitative content analysis, document analysis and qualitative comparative analysis, the study presents the distinctive spiritual values in business.
Findings
Regardless of their different approach, Catholic and Buddhist value-orientations are implemented in the same value-dimensions that are: the ontological conceptions, procedural aspects, and the other-directedness of business activities.
Social implications
The findings substantiate the understanding of the behavior and the motivations of spiritually value-oriented entrepreneurs, furthermore Catholic and Buddhist values may serve as inspirations of genuine ethical behavior in business. By promoting these values a more ethical, more sustainable economic framework can be established.
Originality/value
Spiritual values are studied by comparing the value-orientations of Catholic and Buddhist entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the study explores Catholic social teaching and Buddhist economics, and their practical implementation in a comparative way.
Keywords
Citation
Kovács, G. (2017), "The value-orientations of Catholic and Buddhist entrepreneurs", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 44 No. 12, pp. 2428-2449. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-07-2016-0200
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited