Beneficence as a source of competitive advantage. Issue 10 (7th October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Caldwell, Cam; Floyd, Larry; Taylor, Joseph; Woodard, Bryan
• Is Part Of: Journal of management development. Volume 33:Issue 10(2014)
• Page Start: 1057
• Page End: 1079
• Publication Date: 2014-10-07
• Subjects: Executives -- Training of -- Periodicals; Middle managers -- Training of -- Periodicals; Management -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 658.407124
• DOI: 10.1108/JMD-01-2013-0007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0262-1711

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Purpose</title> <p> – The purpose of this paper is to define "beneficence" as a management concept that is the action associated with "benevolence" the intention. This paper explains how beneficence is a critical element for leaders in building trust. The authors identify how beneficence honors the ethical duties owed to followers and creates competitive advantage for organizations. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Design/methodology/approach</title> <p> – The approach of this paper is to present an extensive conceptual review of beneficence as it relates to leaders and managers and to suggest eight propositions identifying how beneficence can create competitive advantage. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Findings</title> <p> – The findings of this paper include eight propositions about beneficence as a source of competitive advantage. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Practical implications</title> <p> – The practical implications of this paper are for practitioners and scholars. This paper provides an opportunity for leaders to recognize the importance of translating good intentions into specific action in acting virtuously toward others. For scholars, this paper provides testable propositions for learning more about beneficence as a source of increased commitment, greater trust, and competitive advantage. </p> </sec> <sec> <title content-type="abstract-heading">Originality/value</title> <p> – Although benevolence has been acknowledged to be a foundation of trustworthiness, benevolence is an attitude or intention. This paper explains the importance of beneficence as the action derived from benevolence as an attitude or intention to do that which benefits others.</p> </sec> </abstract>