South Asian Journal of Management

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Values and Trading Ethics among Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs:A Historical Analysis


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1 Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
     

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The main objective of this paper is to explore the values, ethics and trading activities exercised by an ancient entrepreneurs and re-examine the existence of the same in the present practices within the Asian business context, with special focus on Sri Lanka. This paper also shows how the different past experiences have contributed to the current state in which the entrepreneurs perceive values and ethics. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used. Inscriptions, history related text books, archaeological evidence, and research papers were used as secondary data sources of the study. The result of the SEM showed that positive path coefficient exists among ethical concerns of the business in terms of egocentric ethical concern, utilitarian ethical concern and deontological ethical concern. Qualitative insights reveal that values viz., honesty, care, trust, fairness and self-confidence were incorporated into their business to promote ethical concerns in the business. Secondary data revealed that the application of business ethics in Sri Lankan society dates back to the 2nd century AD. Further the study found that culture, society and environment were the focal points in the lives of ancient entrepreneurs of the country. They were basically ischolar_mained in values and ethics. Moreover, historical facts reveal that the values helped maintain united society. Working for others, providing service for the smooth functioning of the society was considered honorable. This research study explores historical facts untouched by other researchers in the field of values and ethics and also opens a door for many further studies in this regard. Further these findings would help to expose our treasured knowledge of values and ethics to re-practice in the field of business in order to maximize the social well-being of the community while doing the right things for the society.

Keywords

Ancient Society, Entrepreneurship, Ethics, Trading activities, Sri Lanka, Values.
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  • Values and Trading Ethics among Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs:A Historical Analysis

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Authors

G. D. V. R. Senadheera
Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

Abstract


The main objective of this paper is to explore the values, ethics and trading activities exercised by an ancient entrepreneurs and re-examine the existence of the same in the present practices within the Asian business context, with special focus on Sri Lanka. This paper also shows how the different past experiences have contributed to the current state in which the entrepreneurs perceive values and ethics. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used. Inscriptions, history related text books, archaeological evidence, and research papers were used as secondary data sources of the study. The result of the SEM showed that positive path coefficient exists among ethical concerns of the business in terms of egocentric ethical concern, utilitarian ethical concern and deontological ethical concern. Qualitative insights reveal that values viz., honesty, care, trust, fairness and self-confidence were incorporated into their business to promote ethical concerns in the business. Secondary data revealed that the application of business ethics in Sri Lankan society dates back to the 2nd century AD. Further the study found that culture, society and environment were the focal points in the lives of ancient entrepreneurs of the country. They were basically ischolar_mained in values and ethics. Moreover, historical facts reveal that the values helped maintain united society. Working for others, providing service for the smooth functioning of the society was considered honorable. This research study explores historical facts untouched by other researchers in the field of values and ethics and also opens a door for many further studies in this regard. Further these findings would help to expose our treasured knowledge of values and ethics to re-practice in the field of business in order to maximize the social well-being of the community while doing the right things for the society.

Keywords


Ancient Society, Entrepreneurship, Ethics, Trading activities, Sri Lanka, Values.

References