Paragons of Virtue

Abstract

Model employees exhibit characteristics of altruistic behavior, and colleagues are able to take advantage of their presence through the process of emulation. When a living role model is not present, an historical figure may fill the gap. This study of the "moral gap" between ordinary employees and exemplars sees Florence Nightingale as a vital role model today. Although born into wealth, she used her education and family connections to improve the lives of the poor and uneducated, and thereby challenged the foundations of English society.

Keywords:

• Florence Nightingale
• moral exemplar
• virtue ethics