In search of ethical profits: Insights from strategic management

This paper expands the focus of ethical analysis to look at the basic approaches to strategy used by business firms. Using a set of criteria historically used to judge ethical issues, three strategy paradigms are evaluated in terms of their likely effects on society as well as the firm. From this analysis, recommendations are offered regarding the ethical pursuit of profit and suggestions made for future research into the relationship between strategy and ethics.Grant Miles is currently completing work on his doctorate in Business Administration. His research and teaching interests lie in the area of strategic management with particular interests in exploring adaptive strategies which may benefit both firms and the larger society.