The Role of Altruism in a Digital Era: Developing an Ethical Framework for Responsible Managers in a Finite World

An alternative ethical model for business, based on the altruistic traditions prevalent in Japan, may function more effectively than Western business norms. Industrial civilization has relied heavily on individualistic pursuits for personal wealth enhancement. However, we are gradually becoming aware that the success of industrialization has damaged the environment, which no longer has the capacity to absorb the resulting externalities. Digital technologies are being used to exploit and to manipulate individuals for economic gain, at the expense of societal cohesion and human dignity. The exploitation of AI’s potential poses its own novel challenges. Business practices based on exploiting all resources and all innovations may no longer be sustainable. The digital economy, with characteristics such as network externalities and low marginal costs, warrants a shift towards sharing. This shift could also reduce excessive resource consumption. Altruistic thinking, fundamentally based on honoring others, can extend to include respect for nature. In a finite world, an altruistic mindset, where contribution to others is the ultimate virtue, may be imperative to avoid ecological and societal collapse. In conclusion, we propose considering trust as the final frontier to be cultivated in the cyber civilization.