The potential of Catholic social teaching as a source of ethical principles in small and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

PURPOSE: The Social Doctrine of the Church (SDC) broadly addresses economic and financial issues in its foundations. It places human dignity at the centre of its concerns, which should serve as the starting point for conducting business activities and defining the ethics of business operations. The authors attempted to examine the degree of awareness of the SDC's principles and the conscious application of those principles in the business ethics of small and medium-sized enterprises. The main thesis of the paper is as follows: Catholic social teaching can constitute a utilitarian foundation for business ethics models.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study was conducted using a survey method, employing a questionnaire developed independently by the researchers. The questionnaire was distributed via email to small and medium-sized enterprises. A total of 116 enterprises participated in the study.

FINDINGS: The research reveals a very low level of familiarity with Catholic social teaching among entrepreneurs, with as many as 78% declaring a lack of knowledge and only 7% able to identify its main principles. The vast majority of respondents do not apply these principles in running their businesses, and 85% have no opinion on their practical application. On the issue of employee dignity, opinions are strongly polarised, and a large group of respondents is unable to assess whether it constitutes a genuine priority within their organisations. Entrepreneurs recognise the negative consequences of using civil law contracts and therefore rarely employ them in practice. The overwhelming majority of respondents (73%) reject the possibility of grounding ethical codes in Catholic social teaching, preferring more universal values. The findings point to the need to strengthen ethical awareness, build a culture of dignity, and achieve greater coherence between declared values and actual organisational practice.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The low level of familiarity with ethical and social principles among entrepreneurs highlights the need for systematic efforts to raise awareness in this area. Companies should develop training programmes on work ethics, social responsibility, and organisational culture, so that employees and management alike understand the values that underpin the functioning of the enterprise. It is important that such education not be a oneoff event, but rather a continuous process supported by clear standards and practical examples.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article presents original research conducted by the authors. The subject of awareness of the principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church is very rarely examined in the context of its practical application. A research gap exists regarding the application of Catholic Social Teaching in the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises, and this aspect — particularly in relation to the entrepreneurial university — remains rarely explored in the literature.