Human thriving through decent work: a multitheoretical framework

Purpose This conceptual study aims to advance the understanding of human thriving in business and service contexts by integrating Needs Theories (NT), Humanistic Management (HM) and Transformative Service Research (TSR). It addresses a critical unresolved issue of how services and service ecosystems can be reconfigured to support just, inclusive and transformative outcomes that promote human development. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts systematic literature reviews, complemented by bibliometric and thematic content analyses, to explore the multiple intersections among NT, HM and TSR. The main insights are systematized into a novel, integrated multitheoretical framework. Findings The intersections among the selected theoretical domains reveal varying degrees of development and give rise to three core constructs: Business Ethics (NT–HM nexus), Holistic Service Management (NT–TSR nexus) and People-Centered Management (HM–TSR nexus). The framework integrates these conceptual linkages and fosters a nuanced, multilevel understanding of human thriving. Central to this integration is the recognition of human dignity as a common, emergent theme connecting all three streams and positions decent work as a vital, but partial, mediating construct. From these linkages, a set of testable propositions is derived to guide future empirical research. Practical implications The framework provides decision-makers with actionable insights to cultivate ethical organizational practices, design services that genuinely empower and include diverse stakeholders and foster equitable service environments. It underscores that prioritizing decent work is not only an ethical imperative but also a strategic driver for sustainable organizational success and broader societal well-being, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goals related to well-being, employment and equality. Originality/value This study offers a novel interdisciplinary integration of distinct yet still emerging theories, relative to dominant service paradigms, to address human thriving from a human-centered, values-based perspective. By synthesizing their conceptual linkages, it provides an original multitheoretical and multilevel framework, highlighting the pivotal, mediating role of human dignity and decent work. The resulting propositions offer fertile ground for future empirical investigation, enhancing theoretical development in both service and business ethics research.