Ubuntu, the profit motive and the quest for meaning in a firm
Date
2009-11-10T10:59:17Z
Authors
Ayiotis, Costa
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Abstract
Abstract
My research report addresses the question of how adopting Ubuntu values in order to promote meaning in the lives of employees working in a firm can be reconciled with the profit motive. How can a CEO add more meaning to the lives of employees by implementing Ubuntu values in the workplace? My aim is to explore how relationships within a firm can become more worthwhile or meaningful from an Ubuntu perspective. The central argument in my report is that a CEO should promote meaning in workers lives, should do so via Ubuntu and should adopt and implement policies and practices in the workplace such as worker consultation or participation in the decision-making process, employee profit-sharing, share ownership and voting. I recommend an innovative and practical method to increase employee participation, collaboration and involvement in running the firm using a visual mapping or storyboard process. My thesis is that the democratic idea of employees participating in meetings and being involved in the decision- making process as well as having shares in the firm is better from both an Ubuntu and a meaning perspective.