AKHISM PRACTICES AND ORGANIZATIONAL VIRTUE IN TODAY'S BUSINESSES

Abstract

Akhism is a national and local Turkish organization that is based on the understanding of futuwwah on the basis of fraternity, unity, togetherness and solidarity. It was founded by Ahi Evran in the 13th century in Anatolia and played an active role in the regulation of social and economic life. However, the Akhism organization aims to provide vocational training to individuals based on moral values such as being good-natured, honest and virtuous. Virtue requires honesty, humility and tolerance. Virtuous behavior indicators in business life also form the basis of organizational virtuousness.

The aim of this study is to investigate the reflections of the principles and practices of the Akhism organization, which has existed in our lands for centuries, and the relationship between organizational virtue. In this context, a survey was conducted with the owners and employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Turkey. The “Modern Akhism” scale developed by Battal and Durmuş (2017) was used for Akhism values. For organizational virtue, the "Organizational Virtue Scale" developed by Cameron, Bright & Caza (2004) and adapted into Turkish by Erkmen and Esen (2012) was used. According to the findings obtained in the research, the operating periods of the enterprises and the long working hours in the enterprises are effective in the adoption of Akhism practices and organizational virtue. As a result, ahi-order practices in today's businesses affect organizational virtue.