Karma-related influences on moral obligation and empathy: an ethical perspective
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how the three dimensions of karma – karmic duty orientation, indifference to rewards and equanimity – influence empathy and moral obligation, with implications for social economics.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted on a valid sample of 401 university students in Vietnam, using hierarchical regression to test formulated hypotheses.
Findings
The analysis reveals that karmic duty orientation and indifference to rewards significantly enhance empathy and moral obligation, indicating that individuals with a strong sense of moral duty and intrinsic motivation are more likely to engage in ethical and pro-social behaviors. Equanimity was not found to impact empathy or moral obligation significantly.
Practical implications
Organizations and policymakers should focus on cultivating moral duties, intrinsic motivations and resilience in ethical behavior to promote social responsibility and sustainability and ensure long-term social and economic stability.
Originality/value
This study contributes to social economics by integrating ethical dimensions of karma into the analysis of moral behavior, offering a fresh perspective that challenges traditional economic models centered on self-interest. The research provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how moral principles influence economic decisions and social outcomes.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-07-2023-0571
Keywords
Citation
Duong, C.D., Pham, D.K., Ngo, T.V.N., Tran, N.M. and Dao, V.T. (2025), "Karma-related influences on moral obligation and empathy: an ethical perspective", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSE-07-2023-0571
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited