Selfish wishes

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the outcomes of executing three wishes that must have a selfish motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is fiction.

Findings

The paper reveals that wishes executed with a business methodology may have greater impact than those executed without prior planning. The emotional source of motivation can be a subjective definition.

Research limitations/implications

The paper implies that definition of “good” and “bad” outcomes may be subjectively defined.

Practical implications

The paper has a limited application to real‐world situation due to fictional constructs. It allows internal consideration of personal motivations.

Social implications

The paper allows discussion of motivation within business and philanthropy. It considers that perhaps the means may justify the ends.

Originality/value

The paper is a fictional story that provokes thought and discussion.

Citation

Dean, D. (2013), "Selfish wishes", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 162-166. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513571311285667