Tvrtko Barun
Episode · #364
EKUMENA I ETIKA U POSLOVANJU Tvrtko Barun
Guest Tvrtko BarunHosted by Augustin BašićMay 3, 2026
Tvrtko Barun
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
Conversations about business ethics often stay in the abstract, but Tvrtko Barun, a Jesuit priest and former head of the Jesuit Refugee Service for Southeast Europe, grounds them in the most challenging realities. He discusses how core ethical principles apply to corruption within society, the balance of individual freedom and collective well-being during a pandemic, and the integration of vulnerable populations like refugees and foreign workers. This episode explores what it truly means to build a just and functional society, urging listeners to consider values beyond profit in their professional and personal lives. You will walk away thinking about the practical implications of ethical leadership in a complex world.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Tvrtko Barun reflects on Advent as a time to recognize the divine in the vulnerable, noting that 'no one would recognize the eternal God in a small child in a stable'. This perspective suggests that profound insights and opportunities often lie hidden in the most humble or unexpected contexts, and in supporting those who are most in need.
02
For Tvrtko Barun, ethics in business is fundamentally about 'regulating common life and business' by considering all stakeholders — employees, competitors, the environment, and future generations. It's a reminder that a company's true impact is measured by its holistic contribution to a healthy, just, and sustainable world, not just its profit.
03
Despite high numbers of declared Christians in Croatian society, Tvrtko Barun notes that corruption remains widespread, from politics to media and even within the Church. This disconnect suggests that stated values are insufficient; real change requires a hard look at daily conduct and a commitment to action when 'things are not working'.
04
Tvrtko Barun points to the lockdown measure that limited attendance to 25 people in both a 10-square-meter chapel and a 1000-square-meter cathedral, calling it 'nonsense in itself'. He argues that public trust erodes when rules are applied illogically or inconsistently, even if the intent behind them is good.
05
It's easy to criticize those in power, Tvrtko Barun acknowledges, but he cautions that critics rarely bear the same 'responsibility' as the decision-makers themselves. In complex, difficult times, the burden of making imperfect choices for the common good is immense, and understanding this context is crucial for constructive dialogue.
06
Working with refugees, Tvrtko Barun found it challenging to promote openness, but he framed the appeal not as an abstract ideal, but 'for the sake of the human being, the concrete human being in need'. The most effective advocacy for vulnerable populations anchors itself in the direct, undeniable needs of individuals, cutting through broader societal resistance.
07
Croatian employers urgently 'need workers, there is a lack of workers,' Tvrtko Barun states, adding that foreign labor is essential 'not because they are cheaper, but because there are no Croats' to fill the roles. This economic reality demands that foreign workers receive the same rights and protections as domestic employees, rather than being seen as a cheaper alternative or facing prejudice.
08
Responding to attacks on foreign workers, Tvrtko Barun asserts that 'someone having a different skin color or nationality or religion should not be a problem' so long as they respect the Constitution and laws. This principle underscores that personal attributes are irrelevant to a person's right to live and work peacefully; adherence to legal frameworks is the sole measure of acceptance in a just society.