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Varieties of Win–Win Solutions to Problems with Ethical Dimensions

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Abstract

The purpose of this article is to help educators and managers learn about a variety of win–win solutions to problems with ethical dimensions. The hope is that the larger the variety of win–win solutions we can consider, the higher the probability that we can find at least one that satisfies both ethical and material concerns. This article is motivated by the experiences of managers who have found that they need win–win solutions because it is very difficult to effectively advocate ethical solutions to problems that lose money or do not make money for their organizations. The purpose of the article is not to build theory or a theoretical taxonomy of win–win solutions, but to gather from eclectic theoretical and applied sources a variety of win–win solutions that can help solve problems with ethical dimensions. Examples of the types of win–win solutions are illustrated. Ethical problems with win–win solutions are also considered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, U.S.A.

    Richard P. Nielsen

  2. Visiting Aristides Daskalopoulos Professor in Business Ethics, ALBA, Athens, Greece

    Richard P. Nielsen

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  1. Richard P. Nielsen
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Correspondence to Richard P. Nielsen.

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Nielsen, R.P. Varieties of Win–Win Solutions to Problems with Ethical Dimensions. J Bus Ethics 88, 333–349 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-008-9967-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-008-9967-x

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