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Karma-related influences on moral obligation and empathy: an ethical perspective

Cong Doanh Duong, Dan Khanh Pham, Thi Viet Nga Ngo, Nhat Minh Tran, Van Thanh Dao

International Journal of Social Economics

ISSN: 0306-8293

Article publication date: 20 January 2025

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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

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