A Business Leader’s Guide to Philosophy

This book provides a unique introduction for business leaders to the philosophical lexicon of classical and contemporary ideas--for and against--that are relevant to business and those destined to lead it. Rather than presenting the reader with a ’philosophy of leadership’ the author uses his experiences in academia and as a leader in business to illustrate the practical application of philosophical ideas and methodologies covering the art and science of being a business leader: motivating stakeholders to deliver the initial phase of a business plan for a new product or service; processing information (and risky ’hidden-information’) that brings the company vision into reality; and ethically managing relationships to enhance the quality of decision-making and its outcomes. Creative aspiration, knowledge and ethical character are the three pillars of leadership. Within that construct, this book challenges leaders to seek their own path to self-development inspired by ideas that shape the ecology of capitalism and the opportunities it provides stakeholders to endow meaning and dignity to their lives through their participation in business.

Lindsay Dawson graduated from the Gordon Institute as a Mechanical Engineer (Dip. Mech. Eng.) and joined Ford Australia in 1966. His 34 year career in Product Development culminated as Director of the Falcon Carline Business. After retiring Lindsay studied and tutored at Deakin University to complete an Arts degree majoring in religious studies, anthropology and philosophy, going on to complete a PhD in philosophy majoring in business ethics. He is particularly interested in historical influences on the development of ideas that have changed the world and has articles published in an edited book (Man in India) and business journals (Philosophy of Management, The Journal of Corporate Citizenship, and Work, Ethics and Values). Lindsay spent several years as a consultant mentoring engineers in the art and science of program management leadership. As a Diversitat volunteer in retirement he mentors young refugees to enter apprenticeships and university. Lindsay is married with two children.