In this book relationships, interactions, and actions mean the
product of human activities in general, and within organizations
and social boundaries. The concept of an action per se may differ
from its definition as in the form of a relationship with another
variable, or in the form of an interaction with another variable
(another action or the outcome from an action). The criterion for
treating an action within the parameters of this book is that such
an activity or "event" is not an isolated occurrence. Rather it has
some form of outcome, or continuity, or consequence. These
forms of outcomes may thus appear as relationships or
interactions with the action (event).

Distinctions should be made between the actions and the
actors, as well as the ethical aspects of actions and intentions. In
this book, actions are a conceptual structure which encapsulates
a given activity, bounded by the circumstances in which it occurs
and by the parameters of its materialization. The actors may be
at any level of analysis, such as individuals, groups, or entire
organizations.

Philosophers have long pondered the issue of intent and the
causal link between actions and consequences, in which usually a
moral parameter plays a crucial role. ¹ Two opposing groups have
emerged. The first group has been termed consequentialists,
which argues that the right or moral action is to cause a
maximized good for those affected by the action. ² The second
group (nonconsequentialists) argues that the most good is only
one parameter to consider. Ethical issues are thus brought into
the equation of the actions to be taken, the intent of the actor, and
the resulting outcome. The inclusion of intent assumes that in

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