The October 15, 2020 SEH meeting on business ethics was hosted by the Regeneration 2030 Conference in Parma, Italy, which brought together businesses, institutions, academics, non-profit organizations, and spiritual and civil leaders to help realize a transformed society grounded in sustainable development and a regenerative economy. The general topic of our meeting was a reflection on business ethics and the sixth beatitude in the Gospel of Matthew: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (5:8) .
The following questions guided our discussion:
How should businesses bring ethical considerations to bear in balancing the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders (including workers, suppliers, customers, communities, and the polity)?
How can businesses incorporate a “Do No Harm” philosophy into their business practices?
Which legal, regulatory, and other institutional changes are needed to ensure that corporations align with the common good?
What do religious traditions and philosophy teach about “business ethics?”
What do social psychology and neuroscience teach about corporate culture and group dynamics that can help to shape business behavior?