Saint Vincent de Paul and the Mission of the Institute for Business and Professional Ethics: Why Companies Should Care About Poverty

Presenter Information

Patricia H. Werhane Ph.D.
Laura P. Hartman J.D.
Scott P. Kelley Ph.D.

Abstract

The mission of DePaul University’s Institute for Business and Professional Ethics (IBPE) is “to encourage ethical deliberation among decision makers by stirring the moral conscience, encouraging moral imagination, and developing models for moral decision-making in business.” In 2006, it added an element: “to inspire companies to address poverty reduction both globally and locally through for-profit initiatives.” The authors make the following assertions: “(1) the poor do not lack resources; (2) poverty alleviation is an evolving, dynamic process; (3) poverty often results from patterns of exclusion; and (4) many feasible approaches to poverty reduction have been and can be created through commerce.” The thinking behind this is explained and illustrated with specific cases. Connections between these propositions and Vincent de Paul’s legacy are made explicit.

Recommended Citation

Werhane, Patricia H. Ph.D.; Hartman, Laura P. J.D.; and Kelley, Scott P. Ph.D. (2010) "Saint Vincent de Paul and the Mission of the Institute for Business and Professional Ethics: Why Companies Should Care About Poverty," Vincentian Heritage Journal: Vol. 28: Iss. 2, Article 11.
Available at: https://via.library.depaul.edu/vhj/vol28/iss2/11