Greed, Deception and Organizational Collapse: Theological Insights into Business Ethics

Abstract

Greed and deception continue to undermine organisational integrity and have contributed to some of the most damaging corporate collapses in recent history. Despite extensive governance reforms and regulatory controls, unethical behaviour persists, suggesting deeper moral and cultural roots. This study examines the relationship between greed, deception, and organisational collapse through a Christian theological lens. Adopting a conceptual literature review approach, the paper synthesises recent scholarship in business ethics, organisational behaviour, corporate governance, and theology to analyse how greed and deception become systemic within organisational cultures. The analysis shows that greed operates as disordered desire embedded in incentives and norms, while deception functions as a sustaining mechanism that conceals dysfunction and normalises ethical compromise. The study argues that organisational collapse is best understood as a moral and spiritual breakdown rather than a purely technical failure. It further demonstrates that theological principles such as stewardship, justice, humility, and truth-telling offer practical correctives for ethical renewal. The paper contributes to business ethics by positioning theology as a valuable framework for strengthening organisational resilience and integrity.