Organizational Virtues and Organizational Anthropomorphism

Abstract Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human features to non-human subjects. Anthropomorphized organizations acquire in minds their members a unique identity, which becomes capable guiding members’ motivations, with important managerial implications. Ashforth et al. (Acad Manage Rev https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2016.0496 , 2018) offered theoretical model anthropomorphism organizations, including “top-down” and “bottom-up” processes organizational as antecedents, sensemaking sense social connection organization outcomes. Using SEM, this study operationalizes al.’s using two-trait scale virtue (Empathy Courage) derived from Chun (J Bus Ethics 57:269–284, 2005), measures CSR OCB justice affective commitment The tested on survey data seven UK managed service hotels, logistics legal sectors. As secondary contribution, moderation analysis undertaken by industry, offering further insight into evaluation anthropomorphism. Firstly, we note that high evaluations Empathy influence Courage through halo effect. Secondly, heuristic firm’s practice also influences perceptions Courage. paper includes discussion critique virtues ethicists an effort advance dialogue between two traditions.