If Aristotle Ran General Motors

Abstract

This paper will examine the book, If Aristotle Ran General Motors, by Tom Morris. The book is based upon the premise that organizations can achieve true excellence by following four timeless historical virtues described by Greek philosopher, Aristotle, in 500 BC. The paper will identify the author’s purpose for the book, its major themes, principles and concepts, and provide an analysis of how they relate to those presented in the Webster University MNGT 5670 textbook, Leadership Research Findings, Practice, and Skills, by Andrew J. DuBrin. While these books have many overlapping principles and concepts, this paper will primarily focus on how the teachings of Morris overlap with those presented by DuBrin as they relate to leadership ethics.

Introduction

What can ancient philosophy contribute to today’s business environment? The answer can be found in, If Aristotle Ran General Motors, by Tom Morris. In this book, the author shares his knowledge of classical philosophy, including the four timeless virtues of Aristotle: Truth, Beauty, Goodness, and Unity. We will see how the application of these four philosophical thoughts can have a positive impact on personal and business excellence. Further, we will compare these concepts and principles to those taught in the MNGT 5670 textbook, Leadership, Research Findings, Practices and Skills, by Andrew DuBrin.

Discussion

Tom Morris tells us “I believe that a few simple but powerful ideas drawn from Aristotle as well as from many other great philosophers of the past can help us reenergize our ways of doing business, reinvigorate our workplaces, and reinvent corporate spirit for our time. Ultimately, greatness is rooted in simplicity, if we make consistent use of the most fundamental, simple concepts and truths about excellence as foundations for everything we do” (Morris, 1997). He notes that business organizations are comprised of people, and it is their...