Fairness – equality and justice

Fairness means treating everyone equally and not being influenced by personal feelings when making decisions. This strength requires cognitive judgement, which includes both logical thinking and the ability to put oneself in other people's shoes.

The principle of justice, which is rooted in fairness, plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship. As John Rawls emphasised: ‘Justice is the first principle of social institutions, just as truth is the first principle of theory.’ Entrepreneurs who possess the strength of fairness take various moral considerations and responsibilities into account when making decisions. They give everyone a fair chance and do not let personal feelings lead them astray.

Implications for peer learning

The values of fairness and justice have a significant influence on the choice and development of an enterprise. Entrepreneurs who possess these strengths strive to create a corporate culture characterised by transparency, equal treatment and respect. They place a high value on creating fair working conditions, setting fair prices and maintaining fair business practices. These companies could focus on industries where social justice and ethical principles are paramount, such as sustainable development, social entrepreneurship or education.

It is important that entrepreneurs with a strong sense of justice seek economic success in a fair and ethical way. They should focus on a entrepreneurail design that create fair opportunities and access for all, while maximising social benefit.

Resources:

• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of . Harvard University Press; also Jsutice as Fairness @ Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
  
  
• Sen, A. (2009). The Idea of . Harvard University Press