How Do Firms Manage Ethically-Contested Organizational Paradoxes? Insights from two Historical Case Studies of Modern Slavery

Dr Nicholas Wong and Dr Ellie Charalambous, Northumbria University

Ethically-contested organizational paradoxes occur when there is an incongruity between the ethical dimensions of a firm’s action. This study considers how Cadburys and Rowntree were lauded for their enlightened treatment of domestic workforces whilst simultaneously being engaged in labour practices overseas that were controversial and exploitative.

About the speaker: Dr Nicholas Wong

Nick is a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Northumbria University. His research examines both contemporary and historical issues related to responsible and ethical business practice, social entrepreneurship, and social innovation largely within the context of multigenerational family business. He is Co-Editor at Business History and Editor of SAGE Business Cases in Business History.