Hierarchies and Dignity: A Confucian Communitarian Approach

Abstract

We discuss workers' dignity in hierarchical organizations. First, we explain why a confl ict exists between high-ranking individuals' authority and low-ranking individuals' dignity. Then, we ask whether there is any justifi cation that reconciles hierarchical authority with the dignity of workers. We advance a communitarian justifi cation for hierarchical authority, drawing upon Confucianism, which provides that workers can justifi ably accept hierarchical authority when it enables a certain type of social functioning critical for the good life of workers and other involved parties. The Confucian communitarian perspective shows that promoting workers' good life or well-being is an important condition for protecting their dignity.

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