Altruism – an alternative value in policy formation and decision making

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an alternative approach to the decision‐ and policymaking that has been practiced in most developed countries for more than a quarter of a century. Such policies followed, to a greater or lesser degree, the policies adopted in the UK and the USA since the period of the Thatcher and Reagan administrations, respectively. These policies proclaimed the supremacy of the market and downplayed government intervention in the marketplace.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws upon earlier research by the authors as well as upon published works of other researchers.FindingsSelf‐interest governed the way policies are formed and through a process of extreme capitalism financial leaders took ever‐increasing risks for which executives received lucrative incentive salaries. The recent crash suggests a failure in such policies and this paper proposes an alternative way of operating – the way of altruism. Selfishness and egoism are argued as endemic in economic rationalism and extreme capitalism, replacing selflessness that engenders policies more aligned to altruism.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited by the ability to examine all the research literature in the field at greater depth. However, the examination that has been possibly indicated that self‐interest and greed, endemic in extreme capitalism and economic rationalism, have made significant contributions to the recent subprime and global financial crises.Practical implicationsThis paper provides government and corporate policymakers with an understanding of an alternative value – selflessness as aligned to altruism – than the values of selfishness and greed that are endemic in economic rationalism and extreme capitalism guiding policies that led to the global financial crisis.Originality/valueThe paper fulfils an identified need and supports policymakers seeking to achieve just outcomes for all stakeholders across the globe.

Moderating role of religious beliefs on attitudes towards charities and motivation to donate

“…The theory of altruism explains that charitable donation or a simple act of giving to others is a response to the concern for the welfare of others (Otto and Bolle, 2011;Gates and Steane, 2009;Dixon 2008;Gates and Steane, 2007;Simmons and Emanuele, 2007;Webb et al, 2000). "Altruism" was first conceptualised by Comte (1858Comte ( , 1865Comte ( , 1891 and subsequently scholars have provided numerous definitions of altruism.…”

Selflessness and management - an antagonism?

“…al, 2005. ), altruism (Gates & Steane, 2009), spirituality (delbecq, 1999) and virtue (Grant, 2011). Similar personal values can be found in the universal value scheme of Schwartz (Schwartz, 1992a).…”

İnsani̇ Yardim Kuruluşlarinin Marka İmaji İle Bu Kurumlara Olan Bağlilik Ve Di̇ni̇ İlgi̇leni̇mi̇n Bağişta Bulunma Ni̇yeti̇ne Etki̇si̇

“…İnsanların neden bağışta bulunduklarını anlamak için yapılan araştırmalara bakıldığında; diğergamlık ve sosyal fedakarlık kavramların ön plana çıktığı görülmektedir. Bu kavramların temelinde, kar amacı gütmeyen kuruluşlara bağışta bulunmak ya da başkalarına yardım etmek, diğer insanların refah seviyesinin yükselmesine, mutluluk ve sağlık içinde yaşamalarına sebep olacağı düşüncesi yatmaktadır (Gates ve Steane, 2009;Otto ve Bolle, 2011). Bazı araştırmacılar, bağışta bulunan insanların kendilerine bir fayda sağlayacaklarını düşündükleri için bağışta bulunduklarını belirtmişlerdir (Amos Jr, 1982;Bar-Tal, 1976;Krebs, 1982).…”