GoodWork Paper 4: GoodWork in Business

Author(s): Kim Barberich and Howard Gardner

Editor(s): Jeff Solomon, Series Editor

Media: Paper

Description: The first two professional realms examined in the GoodWork® study were journalism and genetics. This paper describes findings from a parallel study of business in which two groups of people were interviewed: 1) Individuals nominated by academics and peers in the business domain for their entrepreneurial achievements and social responsibility; and 2) Individuals selected on the basis of their accomplished reputation in business but not known for their social responsibility. Most of the individuals interviewed were both proficient and ethical. Some created new companies, while others implemented successful changes to already existing organizations. In the aggregate, they see their work as a welcome challenge, they take risks, they sustain their commitment in times of discouragement, and they are more often than not humble about their success. Many made sacrifices while attempting to maintain their ethical and moral integrity. This analysis of this population harbors lessons that could be of use to individuals who are entering business as well as business workers who may have lost their moral compass.