OBJECTIONS TO AN OBJECTIVIST APPROACH TO INTEGRITY

This article challenges Becker's objectivist account of integrity in o rganizations. Although existing approaches to workplace integrity are flawed by conceptual and methodological inconsistencies, an objectivis t analysis is unable to resolve these problems and raises new concerns . We develop three lines of argument. First, we critique objectivism a s a philosophical system of questionable legitimacy and coherence. Sec ond, we argue that the fundamental objectivist principle of rational e goism is inferior to existing theories of business ethics as a means o f defining moral behavior in organizations. Third, we contend that the objectivist account of integrity understates the role of social power as a determinant of organizational choices and outcomes.