Chapter 7: Self-Care and Compassion Enablers and Stumbling Blocks: The Personal Costs within the Context of Capitalism

The prevalent view in management circles, heavily influenced by classic economic theories, posits that individuals are primarily motivated by self-interest – a concept embedded in the rationale of managerial strategies and practices, which are influenced by a neoliberal ideology (Friedman, 1953; Mueller, 1986; Rocha & Ghoshal, 2006). This ideology reinforced by scholars and practitioners the world over has been critiqued for its detrimental effects on societal cohesion (Chomsky, 1998; Lips-Wiersma & Nilakant, 2007), exacerbating social issues such as poverty and alienation, and manifesting in what Taylor (1994) described as modern societal malaise characterised by extreme individualism, the dominance of instrumental reasoning, and a subtle form of authoritarian control (Ruiz & Mínguez, 2001, p. 155). Organisational theories and practices today largely reflect a transition from pure self-interest towards a more nuanced concept of ‘enlightened’ self-interest. It is argued that personal interest is influenced not just by tangible benefits but also by an individual’s political alignments and ideologies. Chong et al. (2003) observed that individuals with lesser personal stakes in political issues tend to act out of self-interest but are also swayed by their beliefs, social affiliations, and value systems, particularly when presented with information that triggers broader societal concerns. Moreover, Rocha and Ghoshal (2006, p. 585) as well as Maharaj and April (2013) have questioned the binary opposition of ‘self-interest’ versus ‘altruism’, suggesting a paradigm shift towards ‘self-love’. This concept suggests an orientation towards seeking one’s own welfare that can paradoxically lead to greater service to others and society, fostering a more cooperative and holistic approach to well-being.