John Mackey's 'Conscious Capitalism'

Abstract

This paper draws attention to cultural typology as a factor relevant to the stewardship of offices – in particular those of the business community – and within that focus the notion of dignity is upheld as against that of cynicism. The arguments are developed in the context of entrepreneur John Mackey’s 'conscious capitalism,' the best canopy label under which to include more specific endeavors such as 'social entrepreneurship' or 'creative capitalism' because it implies a known and considered responsibility to certain normative, chiefly ethical, ends.

Keywords: John Mackey, conscious capitalism, corporate responsibility, cultural typology, legal history, stewardship, honor, dignity, cynicism

JEL Classification: Z13, K00, K42, L21, L26