Relational Ontology for an Ethics of Work Relationships

Society is currently facing profound crises which threaten the stability, development, and individuals’ well-being. Specifically, health, institutional, emotional, and relational crises have rendered people increasingly isolated and alienated. In this transformative environment, companies fulfill a vital role: promoting the enhancement and re-conceptualization of interpersonal relationships. Indeed, businesses are organizations that enhance the human sense of cohesion, social development, and innovation. Failure to achieve these priority aims may have major implications for society. Moreover, firms should foster relationships among employees that overcome instrumental logic by embracing a relational ontology perspective. Following the ontological approach, interpersonal relationships are considered as sui generis realities and not as mere instrumental interactions among a firm's employees. Firstly, the research tries to offer a clear definition of relational ontology through the re-reading of the thought of ancient and contemporary philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Edgar Morin. In addition, the various contributions will be summarized in the sociological construct of Relational Good. Relational Good is the benefit derived from the union of intersubjectivity and reflexivity. These aspects promote empathy and reciprocity, enabling individual and societal growth. Finally, we discuss the importance of applying Relational Goods in business and work relationships through a conceptual model based on the Self-Determination Theory.