Philippine E-Journals

Redefining the Corporation as a Community of Persons: A Theological Reflection on John Paul II's Centesimus annus

Derrick Ting Barria

Discipline: Business, Community Development

 

Abstract:

Pope John Paul II affirms that the purpose of a business firm is not simply to make a profit, but is to be found in its very existence as a community of persons. While many of the manuals, essays, and manuscripts on the social doctrine of the Church do speak of business as a community of persons, this is done merely in passing or as a subsection, and not as a starting point or the conclusion of a developed treatise. Given [he cemrality of the person in the business enterprise, a new theory that satisfies boch the technical and human requirements of the business firm is needed. This article offers a framework for discussion and a deeper reflection of what the business enterprise ought to be, as seen from the perspective of Pope John Paul Il in his encyclical tener "On the Hundredth Anniversary of Rerum Novarum" (Cenusimt15 annus) ..