Cultivation of virtuousness and self-actualization in the workplace

In Aristotelian ethics, cultivation of virtuous or good behavior is the key to achieving happiness or eudaemonia or human flourishing. Although Abraham Maslow is considered as a twentieth-century “eudaemonist,” there is no comprehensive examination of the link between cultivating virtuousness and self-actualization in the workplace. Work allows people to become self-actualized (Maslow A. Maslow on management. Wiley, New York, 1998). This chapter considers cultivation of virtuousness and self-actualization through work as a process of development of the self toward higher well-being. After reviewing the relevant literature on Aristotelian ethics and positive psychology, we propose cultivating virtuousness and self-actualization at work as a project of the self, a project of growing, becoming, and evolving toward the ideal self. We highlight views that would support such a thesis.