Reconfiguring the future-fit fiduciary using collective phronesis and techné

Mussell, Helen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7581-9713 2026. Reconfiguring the future-fit fiduciary using collective phronesis and techné. Centre for Business Research, University of Cambridge.

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Abstract

This paper argues that a reconfiguration of the practice of the fiduciary – widely cited as a barrier to pursuing sustainability investments and initiatives – presents the opportunity for a promising connection between practical wisdom and business ethics practice. The paper introduces 3 tensions arising from current fiduciary practice which constrain sustainability. A proposed reconfiguration of fiduciary practice to resolve the tensions is then outlined. This reconfiguration pivots on 2 premises. Firstly, that fiduciary practice should be disaggregated into 2 ontologically distinct stages – processual and outcome – and secondly, that different types of wisdom and knowledge are required for each stage – namely collective phronesis for the first processual stage and techné for the second outcome stage. This differentiation creates new divisions of labour for trustees and beneficiaries, with the first stage facilitating joint consultation. The extent this inclusive future-fit fiduciary has for positively impacting sustainability and ethical business practice is highlighted.

Item Type:	Working paper
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Business (Including Economics)
Publisher:	Centre for Business Research, University of Cambridge
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	21 May 2026
Last Modified:	21 May 2026 09:23
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187153

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