The Exercise of Moral Imagination in Stigmatized Work Groups Articles uri icon

authors

  • ROCA I BATLLORI, ESTHER

publication date

  • September 2010

start page

  • 135

end page

  • 147

issue

  • 1

volume

  • 96

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0167-4544

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1573-0697

abstract

  • This study introduces the concept of moral imagination in a work context to provide an ethical approach to the controversial relationships between dirty work and dirty workers. Moral imagination is assessed as an essential faculty to overcome the stigma associated with dirty work and facilitate the daily work lives of workers. The exercise
    of moral imagination helps
    dirty workers to face the moral conflicts inherent in their
    tasks and to build a personal stance toward their occupation.
    Finally, we argue that organizations with dirty work groups
    should actively adopt measures to encourage their employees' exercise
    of moral imagination. This study investigates how
    organizations might create conditions that inspire moral imagination,
    particularly
    with regard to the importance of organizational culture as a
    means to enhance workers' moral sensitivity. Furthermore, this
    investigation analyzes different company practices that may
    derive from a culture committed to moral imagination.