The core idea in this paper is that to think ethically in the practice of management requires an appreciation of the detailed context for specific actions. Ethical theory, as typically offered on programmes for managers, is based on abstract concepts which call for judgement in their real-world application. Thus the 'disorderliness' of management practice must be recognized; this is part of the context in which moral discourse in organizations is conducted, decisions taken, and behaviour enacted. Furthermore, such discourse and action go well beyond the 'ethical decision-making' often assumed in texts and teaching; individuals' everyday conduct and demeanour must also be considered. Case material and other learning resources should therefore provide a basis for relating ethical thinking to the detail of particular situations so that such contextualization for decisions and everyday conduct is appreciated. To this end, it is suggested that literature may provide a valuable aid to learning.
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