Intellectual virtue and virtue epistemology: Leveraging knowledge for sustainable results

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce virtue epistemology as a complementary approach to how we learn and make wise decisions within organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a philosophic history of intellectual virtue and recent research into virtue epistemology, this article presents an applied theoretical approach for practitioners to use in developing a more robust learning environment.

Findings

With robust market and operational databases of information, organizations continue to face the difficult decision of what this data means and what they can do with it. This article suggests intellectual virtue as a tool to develop appropriate knowledge, informed practical actions and sustainable outcomes.

Practical implications

Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity have led to increasing rates of change in organizations. Organizations rely increasingly on their ability to observe, analyze, interpret and ultimately make decisions and act in ways that ensure sustainable results. This article provides an alternative perspective to complement traditional problem solving and decision-making processes.

Originality/value

There is currently limited research into the applicability of intellectual virtue or virtue epistemology to the field of organizational development and learning.

Citation

Bohl, K. (2020), "Intellectual virtue and virtue epistemology: Leveraging knowledge for sustainable results", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 21-24. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-05-2019-0121