Virtue theory and organizations: considering persons with disabilities

Purpose - This research aims to apply virtue theory to the under-employment problem of persons with disabilities (PWD). Historically, PWD have been under-employed within society and discriminated against in the workplace. The authors review virtue theory research and illustrate how it can be used to better support the meaningful employment of PWD. Design/methodology/approach - This research reviews the current literature in the areas of virtue theory and the employment challenges of PWD to create a new framework that,can assist in the integration of PWD into the workplace. Findings - Literature on the employment of PWD indicates that significant differences exist in the employment experiences between PWD and persons without disabilities (PWOD). Problems such as stigmatization impede the integration of PWD into the work environment. The review of the virtue theory literature supports the development of a new framework that provides additional ways to address this ongoing problem. Practical implications - This paper suggests human resource management practices that virtuous organizations could use to address the problem of the under-employment and stigmatization of PWD. Originality/value - No research currently applies virtue theory to the under-employment problem of persons with disabilities.