Missing: Morality in the Transformation of Former Socialist Countries

Abstract

Claims that the process of transition of former socialist countries has been misguided. The reform of the economic system is but part of the overall process of social transformation, and it is argued that at the root of the disappointing results has been the fact that instead of focusing on moral redemption, the moral decay of these societies has even been enhanced by the infusion of economic egoism. The present transition can be seen as a process of transformation from primitive socialism to primitive capitalism. Without the sanctity of law and order rooted in the value system of the cultural heritage of Judeo‐Christian ethics, the privatization of state industries and public utilities including the commercialization of education, health, the arts and sciences has been creating conditions for a place far removed from an environment conducive to social peace, political stability and economic growth.

The influence of issues on moral judgment: A comparison of college students and business practitioners in the Republic of Croatia

“…In a thoughtful book on transitioning economies Karklins proffers people in the former Socialist Block are possessed of two ethical codes, one when dealing with the establishment and the other, more ethical, when dealing with family and other intimates (1994). This view is supported by Rhia (1994). A later study by Marnburg (2001) adds a temporal dimension by hypothesizing that there is consistency across time in decision maker moral reasoning.…”

“…Fourth, our findings are complicated by the almost 50 years of Communist rule (Banalievaa et al, 2017; Nguyen et al, 2016; Rhia, 1994). Former socialist nations, struggling with the vicissitudes of economic transition, require sound moral judgments more than ever both as a buffer from the abuses of the past and as a conduit to successes of the future.…”

Ambiguities of justice in a global marketplace

“…In such a context Riha (1994) regrets that morality was a missing factor in the reform of economic systems in the transformation of former socialist countries and Oslington (2000) seeks more explicit inclusion of theological matters in economic discussions and the incorporation of economics in theological discourses. However, there have been some considerable discussions of economic social conditions by Biblical scholars.…”

The Importance of Value Honest: Determining Factors and Some Hints to Ethics

“…This distinction was also mirrored at the organisational level, because on one hand employing organisations represented the state, but on the other hand, honesty played an essential role in fostering good relationships with colleagues. Riha (1994) gives an overview of the reasons why there was no morality in the economic life of the Former Socialist Countries. Longenecker (2001) looks for the reasons why managers fail in Post-Soviet Russia and includes the dynamics of understanding honesty into this analysis.…”