An examination of the 2012–2022 empirical ethical decision‐making literature
A quinary review
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21259613 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jana L Craft (0000-0002-7049-4427, Winona State University, corresponding author), Kimberly R Shannon (Accounting Department Winona State University Winona Minnesota USA), Kimberly Shannon (0000-0001-6200-6000, Winona State University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 701-721 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2694-6416 • E-ISSN: 2694-6424 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/beer.12676 |
| OpenAlex | W4392714732 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 127 |
This review summarizes the empirical ethical decision‐making (EDM) research in business published between 2012 and 2022. Utilizing Rest's (Moral development: advances in research and theory, Praeger, New York, 1986) four‐step model for EDM and Jones' (Acad Manag Rev, 16(2): 366‐395, 1991) theory of moral intensity, 85 articles, resulting in 388 findings, were analyzed. Empirical findings in awareness, intent, judgment, and behavior were categorized by their application to individual and organizational factors resulting in the application of 624 and 62 factors, respectively. A maturing of the research environment is seen through the need for grouping individual factors into themes, essentially forming new connections within EDM research. This article prioritizes new factors and themes, such as bad behaviors, customers and selling, fantasy and imagination, and negative experiences. Additionally, new research in reoccurring themes such as demographics, feelings, personality, and power have elements that were seen in prior reviews but are more nuanced in the current. Furthermore, this quinary review discusses the evolution of EDM research highlighting the relationships studied and modifiers and mediators used. These themes help shape the landscape of EDM research by illustrating the intersectionality of variables. This article advances the understanding of how these foundational models are being nuanced to understand more deeply the EDM process. A call for future research incorporating intersectionality, the continued pursuit of complex relationships, longitudinal research, and major societal and organizational movements is included. Research into the effects of underrepresented demographics such as gender identity, veteran status, and ability is suggested. Furthermore, we question whether Rest (1986) and Jones' (1991) models are inherently Western and if comparing outcomes with a decolonialized research method might give insight into EDM. We present this latest 10‐year collection of EDM empirical research based on Rest (1986) and Jones (1991) as a tool for new and future scholars to utilize in their research endeavors
Classical economics · Economics · Empirical examination · Empirical research · Engineering ethics · Epistemology · Management science · Metallurgy · Quinary · Sociology · Computer Science · Engineering · Ethics in Business and Education · Experimental Behavioral Economics Studies · Materials Science · Philosophy · Psychology · Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment
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A Meta-analytic Review of Ethical Leadership Outcomes and Moderators
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The Role of Religiosity in Ethical Decision-Making
Analogical Encoding Fosters Ethical Decision Making Because Improved Knowledge of Ethical Principles Increases Moral Awareness
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When Are We More Ethical? A Review and Categorization of the Factors Influencing Dual-Process Ethical Decision-Making
The Effects of Spirituality and Religiosity on the Ethical Judgment in Organizations
Culture and the self
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Self-consciousness, self-attention, and social interaction
Spirituality and national culture as antecedents to ethical decision-making
Understanding and Using Mediators and Moderators
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |