Compartmentalization and the Role of Polyphony in Moral Dialogue

Taija Turunen*, Eva-Lena Lundgren-Henriksson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Existing research on identity compartmentalization highlights concerns about moral (ir)responsibility arising from the incomplete integration of multiple role identities necessary for exercising full moral agency. Our study examines the (non)recognition of otherness by managers in morally ambiguous situations during industry-level changes. We adopt a dialogue-based approach, inspired by Bakhtin, and Ricoeur, to analyze compartmentalization from the perspective of polyphonic dialogue. Through an analysis of 61 interviews across four distinct change contexts, we identify five dialogue dynamics that either hinder or facilitate the recognition of alternative moral perspectives, shaping the formation of moral polyphony. We contribute to current understandings of compartmentalization by emphasizing its dialogical and fluid nature, the generative potential of division, and the role of conflicting moral convictions in change situations, as an ideal context for fostering moral polyphony.
Original languageEnglish
Peer-reviewed scientific journalJournal of Business Ethics
ISSN0167-4544
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03.02.2025
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article - refereed

Keywords

  • 512 Business and Management
  • moral
  • compartmentalization
  • Bakhtin
  • Ricoeur
  • polyphny
  • dialogue
  • dialectic

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