Ames, M.C., Serafim, M.C. & Ferrero, I. The Evolution of Virtue Ethics in Business: A Bibliometric and Systematic Literature Review. J Bus Ethics (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-025-06199-z

The paper 'The Evolution of Virtue Ethics in Business: A Bibliometric and Systematic Literature Review' by Ames, M.C., Serafim, M.C., and Ferrero, I. explores the dynamics and development of virtue ethics (VE) within the domains of business, finance, and management (BFM). It identifies significant themes and theoretical frameworks, with the study's key objectives including the mapping of VE literature, assessing its adherence or divergence from Aristotelian principles, and identifying research gaps for future inquiry.

The authors conducted a bibliometric and systematic literature review of 295 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2024, utilizing the Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) within the Web of Science. Their analysis resulted in 17 sub-themes categorized into five major thematic clusters: (1) The moral purpose of business; (2) Virtues and ethical decision-making; (3) Virtues and leadership; (4) Practical wisdom in Eastern and Western traditions; and (5) Goods–virtues–practices–institutions for communities of practice^[1].

Additionally, the study provides insights into contemporary adaptations of virtue ethics that address modern challenges in business settings while maintaining a connection to its classical roots^[1]. The authors also outline limitations and propose avenues for future research to further enhance the discourse surrounding virtue ethics in business^[1].