Abstract
This paper, presented at the Conference on Value Issues in Business at Millsaps College, is divided into three parts. The first sketches the logic of the evolution of U.S. business and suggests reasons for its remarkable success. The second assesses the power of U.S. business in modern society, both from an economic and political perspective. The third attempts to formulate the underlying philosophy of U.S. business using ideals such as ‘the work ethic’, ‘entrepreneurism’, ‘democracy’, and ‘equality’. Some of these ideals, the paper suggests, are irreconcilable.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Additional information
Thomas J. Donaldson is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University of Chicago. His publications in the area of business ethics include numerous articles and two books, Ethical Issues in Business co-edited with Patricia Werhane, and Corporations and Morality.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Donaldson, T.J. What is business in America?. J Bus Ethics 1, 259–266 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382812
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382812