Advancing Integrative Social Contracts Theory: A Habermasian Perspective

Gilbert, Dirk Ulrich; Behnam, Michael

doi:10.1007/s10551-008-9995-6

Cited by 45 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 85 publications

(156 reference statements)

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“…These considerations also shape the social contract in this study. We define the social contract as a general normative and hypothetical social contract between the internet user and online businesses (Donaldson & Dunfee, 1994;Gilbert & Behnam, 2009). More specifically, we examine the perspective of the internet user, and therefore we focus on the social contract from their perspective.…”

Section: Theoretical Perspectives and Evidence On Social Contract Theorymentioning

confidence: 99%

Breaching the contract? Using social contract theory to explain individuals’ online behavior to safeguard privacy

2019

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This study applies social contract theory to examine whether perceptions of a social contract explains adaptive behavior to safeguard online privacy. We (1) identify and (2) estimate the prevalence of subgroups that differ in their perceived "social contract" (based on privacy concerns, trust, and risk), and (3) measure how this perceived social contract affects adaptive online behavior. Using a representative two-wave panel survey (N = 1,222), we distinguished five subgroups of internet users; the highly-concerned, wary, ambivalent, neutral (the largest group), and carefree users. The former three were more likely to adapt their behavior than the latter two subgroups. We argue that the implied social contract represents an important construct that helps to identify whether individuals engage in privacy protection behavior.

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Section: Theoretical Perspectives and Evidence On Social Contract Theorymentioning

confidence: 99%

Breaching the contract? Using social contract theory to explain individuals’ online behavior to safeguard privacy

2019

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“…ISCT seems particularly relevant to the discussion of MSI adoption for two reasons. First, it deals with ethical decision-making in the context of value pluralism and the existence of different cultural backgrounds (Gilbert & Behnam, 2009), both of which are relevant to the study of MSIs.…”

Section: Institutionalization -Beyond Utilitarian Motivations To Adopmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives on Sustainability: A Review and Research Agenda for Business Ethics

2019

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Although the literature on multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) for sustainability has grown in recent years, it is scattered across several academic fields, making it hard to ascertain how individual disciplines such as business ethics can further contribute to the debate. Based on an extensive review of the literature on certification and principle-based MSIs for sustainability (n=293 articles), we show that the scholarly debate rests on three broad themes ("the 3Is"): the input into creating and governing MSIs; the institutionalization of MSIs; and the impact that relevant initiatives create. While our discussion reveals the theoretical underpinnings of the 3Is, it also shows that a number of research challenges related to business ethics remain unaddressed. We unpack these challenges and suggest how scholars can utilize theoretical insights in business ethics to push the boundaries of the MSI discourse.

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“…A number of scholars have integrated Habermasian thought into their analysis of stakeholder theory (Foster & Jonker, ; Gilbert & Behnam, ; Rasche & Esser, ; Reed, ; Reynolds & Yuthas, ; Scherer & Palazzo, ; Smith, ). They mainly refer to two bodies of theoretical work: (a) Habermas I: the concepts of discourse and communicative action, outlined in the Theory of Communicative Action (Habermas, ) and elsewhere (Habermas, ), and (b) Habermas II: the concept of deliberative democracy and its relevance in times of globalization (Habermas, ).…”

Section: Habermasian Approach To Stakeholder Theorymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In times of globalization of business and the occurrence of global supply changes, this includes not only domestic but many global issues which the traditional nation state cannot cope with (Rasche & Gilbert, ). Gilbert and Behnam () assess social contracts theory, suggesting that social contracting between stakeholders requires a well‐justified procedural, rather than substantive, focus. They claim that the social contracts approach is a monological, hypothetical concept of reasoning based on social construction (Berger & Luckmann, ) that should be replaced by a pragmatic concept of reasoning.…”

Section: Habermasian Approach To Stakeholder Theorymentioning

confidence: 99%

Stakeholder theory: A deliberative perspective

Richter,

Dow

2017

Business Ethics: A Eur Rev

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Organizations routinely make choices when addressing conflicting stakes of their stakeholders. As stakeholder theory continues to mature, scholars continue to seek ways to make it more usable (and relevant), yet proponents continue to debate its legitimacy. Various scholarly attempts to ground stakeholder theory (empirically, instrumentally, or normatively) have not narrowed down this debate. We draw from the work of Juergen Habermas to theoretically advance stakeholder theory, and to provide practical examples to illustrate our approach. Specifically, we apply Habermas' language-pragmatic approach (which places strong emphasis on dialogue, participation, and procedural justice) to extend stakeholder theory by advancing seven sets of normative axioms (10 axioms in total). We conclude that a deliberative approach, with its focus on the conditions of legitimation and deliberative democracy, has the potential to become a cornerstone of stakeholder theory. The need for global stakeholder discourse and its internalization in corporate structures and institutions is exemplified by a multitude of CSR and stakeholder initiatives that have mushroomed in response to global risk scenarios such as climate change, nuclear warfare, or terrorism.Further research may help to build a functioning global governance system in order to provide guidance for management in the 21st century.

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Advancing Integrative Social Contracts Theory: A Habermasian Perspective

Abstract: integrative social contracts theory, discourse ethics, deliberative democracy, social contracting,

Cited by 45 publications

References 85 publications

Breaching the contract? Using social contract theory to explain individuals’ online behavior to safeguard privacy

Breaching the contract? Using social contract theory to explain individuals’ online behavior to safeguard privacy

Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives on Sustainability: A Review and Research Agenda for Business Ethics

Stakeholder theory: A deliberative perspective

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