Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Are You Ethical? Please Tick Yes □ Or No □ On Researching Ethics in Business Organizations

  • Published:
Journal of Business Ethics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the empirical agenda of business ethics research from a methodological perspective. It is argued that the quality of empirical research in the field remains relatively poor and unconvincing. Drawing on the distinctions between the two main philosophical positions from which methodologies in the social sciences are derived – positivism and interpretism – it is argued that it is business ethics' tradition of positivist, and highly quantitative approaches which may be at the root of these epistemological problems. Six distinct aspects of business ethics research are identified and assessed according to their methodological impact. Accordingly, it is argued that more interpretive approaches may offer substantial liberating potential in the development of a stronger and more theory-rich empirical base. The author concludes by arguing for greater plurality and diversity in empirical research methodologies in the business ethics field.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abratt, R. and D. Sacks: 1989, ‘Perceptions of the Societal Marketing Concept’, European Journal of Marketing 23(6), 25–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aldag, R. J. and K. M. Bartol: 1978, ‘Empirical Studies of Corporate Social Performance and Policy: A Survey of Problems and Results’, in L. E. Preston (ed.), Research in Corporate Social Performance and Policy (Vol. 1) (JAI Press, Greenwich, Connecticut).

    Google Scholar 

  • Alvesson, M. and P. O. Berg: 1992, Corporate Culture and Organizational Symbolism (Walter de Gruyter, Berlin).

    Google Scholar 

  • Aupperle, K., A. Carroll and J. Hatfield: 1985, ‘An Empirical Examination of the Relationship Between Corporate Social Responsibility and Profitability’, Academy of Management Journal 28, 446–463.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bain, W. A.: 1995, ‘Ethical Problems in Ethics Research’, Business Ethics: A European Review 4(1), 13–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bird, F. B. and J. A. Waters: 1989, ‘The Moral Muteness of Managers’, California Management Review (Fall), 73–88.

  • Blackler, F. H. M. and C. A. Brown: 1983, ‘Qualitative Research and Paradigms of Practice’, Journal of Management Studies 20(3), 349–365.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonoma, T. V.: 1985, ‘Case Research in Marketing: Opportunities, Problems, and a Process’, Journal of Marketing Research XXII (May), 199–208.

  • Brigley, S.: 1995, ‘Business Ethics Research: A Cultural Perspective’, Business Ethics: A European Review 4(1), 17–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burrell, G. and G. Morgan: 1979, Sociological Paradigms and Organizational Analysis (Heineman, London).

    Google Scholar 

  • Collier, J.: 1995, ‘Business Ethics Research: Shaping the Agenda’, Business Ethics: A European Review 4(1), 6–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, J. W. and C. G. Ganotis: 1973, ‘Is Social Responsibility Sabotaged by the Rank and File?’, Business and Society Review/Innovation (Autumn), 82–88.

  • Crane, A.: 1995, ‘Rhetoric and Reality in the Greening of Organizational Culture’, Greener Management International 12, 49–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crane, A.: 1997, ‘The Dynamics of Marketing Ethical Products: A Cultural Perspective’, Journal of Marketing Management, in press.

  • Diacon, S. D. and C. T. Ennew: 1996a, ‘Ethical Issues in Insurance Marketing in the U.K.’, European Journal of Marketing 30(5), 67–80.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diacon, S. D. and C. T. Ennew: 1996b, ‘Can Business Ethics Enhance Corporate Governance? Evidence from a Survey of U.K. Insurance Executives’, Journal of Business Ethics 15, 623–634.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dooley, R. S. and L. D. Lerner: 1994, ‘Pollution, Profits, and Stakeholders: The Constraining Effect of Economic Performance on CEO Concern with Stakeholder Expectations’, Journal of Business Ethics 13, 701–711.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drumwright, M.: 1994, ‘Socially Responsible Organizational Buying: Environmental Concern as a Noneconomic Buying Criterion’, Journal of Marketing 58 (July), 1–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drumwright, M.: 1996, ‘Company Advertising with a Social Dimension: The Role of Noneconomic Criteria’, Journal of Marketing 60(4), 71–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Easterby-Smith, M., R. Thorpe and A. Lowe: 1991, Management Research (Sage Publications, London).

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisenhardt, K. M.: 1989, ‘Building Theories from Case Study Research’, Academy of Management Review 14(4), 532–550.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evered, R and M. R. Louis: 1981, ‘Alternative Perspectives in the Organisational Sciences’, Academy of Management Review 6(3), 385–395.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fineman, S.: 1995, ‘Moral Meanings and Green Organisational Change’, Paper presented at Academy of Management Meeting, Vancouver.

  • Fineman, S.: 1996, ‘Emotional Subtexts in Corporate Greening’, Organization Studies 17(3), 479–500.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fineman S.: 1997, ‘Constructing the Green Manager’, in P. McDonagh and A. Prothero (eds.), Green Management: A Reader (Dryden Press, London).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford, R. and F. Mclaughlin: 1984, ‘Perceptions of Socially Responsible Activities and Attitudes: A Comparison of Business School Deans and Corporate Chief Executives’, Academy of Management Journal (September).

  • Gladwin, T. N.: 1993, ‘The Meaning of Greening: A Plea for Organizational Theory’, in K. Fischer and J. Schot (eds.), Environmental Strategies for Industry (Island Press, Washington D.C.).

    Google Scholar 

  • Geertz, C.: 1973, The Interpretation of Cultures (Basic Books, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Glaser, B. G. and A. L. Strauss: 1967, The Discovery of Grounded Theory (Aldine, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray, R., R. Kouhy and S. Lavers: 1995a, ‘Methodological Themes: Constructing a Research Database of Social and Environmental Reporting by U.K. Companies’, Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal 8(2), 78–101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray, R., R. Kouhy and S. Lavers: 1995b, ‘Corporate Social and Environmental Reporting: A Review of the Literature and a Longitudinal Study of U.K. Disclosure’, Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal 8(2), 46–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greening, D. W. and B. Gray: 1994, ‘Testing a Model of Organizational Response to Social and Political Issues’, Academy of Management Journal 37(3), 467–498.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harvey, B., S. Smith and B, Wilkinson: 1984, Managers and Corporate Social Policy (Macmillan Press, London).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassard, J.: 1993, Sociology and Organization Theory (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, S. D. and S. J. Vitell: 1986, ‘A General Theory of Marketing Ethics’, Journal of Macromarketing 6 (Spring), 5–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, S. D., V. R. Wood and L. B. Chonko: 1989, ‘Corporate Ethical Values and Organizational Commitment in Marketing’, Journal of Marketing 53 (July), 79–90.

  • Hunt, S. D., P. L. Kieker and L. B. Chonko: 1990, ‘Social Responsibility and Personal Success: A Research Note’, Journal of the Academy of Management Science 18(3), 239–244.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iyer, E., B, Banerjee and C. Gulas: 1994, ‘An Exposé on Green Television Ads’, Advances in Consumer Research, Vol 21 (Association for Consumer Research, Chicago).

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackall, R.: 1988, Moral Mazes (Oxford University Press, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Lill, D., C. Gross and R. Peterson: 1986, ‘The Inclusion of Social Responsibility Themes by Magazine Advertisers: A Longitudinal Study’, Journal of Advertising 15(2), 35–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, J.: 1992, Cultures in Organizations: Three Perspectives (Oxford University Press, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mathews, B. P. and A. Diamantopoulos: 1995, ‘An Analysis of Response Bias in Executive's Self-Reports’, Journal of Marketing Management 11(8), 835–846.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGuire, J. B., A. Sundgren and T. Schneeweis: 1988, ‘Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Financial Performance’, Academy of Management Journal 28, 446–443.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miles, M. B. and A. M. Huberman: 1994, Qualitative Data Analysis, 2nd ed. (Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mintzberg, H.: 1989, Mintzberg on Management (Free Press, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, G.: 1983a, ‘Research as Engagement: A Personal View’, in G. Morgan (ed.), Beyond Method: Strategies for Social Research (Sage Publications, Newbury Park, CA).

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, G.: 1983b, ‘Research Strategies: Modes of Engagement’, in G. Morgan (ed.), Beyond Method: Strategies for Social Research (Sage Publications, Newbury Park, CA).

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, G. and L. Smircich: 1980, ‘The Case for Qualitative Research’, Academy of Management Review 5, 491–500.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nichols, T.: 1969, Ownership, Control and Ideology (George Allen and Unwin Ltd., London).

    Google Scholar 

  • Owen, C. L. and R. F. Scherer: 1993, ‘Social Responsibility and Market Share’, Review of Business 15(1), 11–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pettigrew, A. M.: 1979, ‘On Studying Organizational Cultures’, Administrative Science Quarterly 24, 570–581.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, N. and J. L. Brown: 1993, ‘Analyzing Communications In and Around Organizations: A Critical Hermeneutic Approach’, Academy of Management Journal 36(6), 1547–1576.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prothero, A. and P. McDonagh: 1992, ‘Producing Environmentally Acceptable Cosmetics? The Impact of Environmentalism on the United Kingdom Cosmetics and Toiletries Industry’, Journal of Marketing Management 8, 147–166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Randall, D. M. and A. M. Gibson: 1990, ‘Methodology in Business Ethics Research: A Review and Critical Assessment’, Journal of Business Ethics 9(6), 457–471.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robin, D. P. and E. Reidenbach: 1987, ‘Social Responsibility, Ethics, and Marketing Strategy: Closing the Gap Between Concept and Application’, Journal of Marketing 51 (Jan), 44–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salancik, G. R.: 1979, ‘Field Stimulations for Organizational Behaviour Research’, Administrative Science Quarterly 24, 638–649.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schein, E. H.: 1992, Organizational Culture and Leadership, 2nd ed. (Jossey-Bass, San Francisco).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sethi, S. P. (ed.): 1974, Unstable Ground: Corporate Social Policy in a Dynamic Society (Melville Publishing, Los Angeles).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinclair, A.: 1993, ‘Approaches to Organisational Culture and Ethics’, Journal of Business Ethics 12, 63–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, N. C.: 1991, ‘The Case Study: A Vital Yet Misunderstood Research Method for Management’, in N. C. Smith and P. Dainty (eds.), The Management Research Handbook (Routledge, London).

    Google Scholar 

  • Starkey, K.: 1990, ‘Studies on Transitions: Meanings and Method’, Journal of Management Studies 27(1), 97–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trevino, L. K. and K. A. Nelson: 1995, Managing Business Ethics: Straight Talk About How To Do It Right (John Wiley, New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, B. A.: 1992, ‘The Symbolic Understanding of Organizations’, in M. Reed and M. Hughes (ed.), Rethinking Organization (Sage Publications, London).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ullmann, A.: 1985, ‘Data in Search of a Theory: A Critical Examination of the Relationship Among Social Performance, Social Disclosure, and Economic Performance’, Academy of Management Review 10, 540–577.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vitell, S. J., K.C. Rallapalli and A. Singhapakdi: 1993, ‘Marketing Norms: The Influence of Personal Moral Philosophies and Organizational Ethical Culture’, Journal of the Academy of Management Science 21(4), 331–337.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waters, J. A. and F. Bird: 1987, ‘The Moral Dimension of Organizational Culture’, Journal of Business Ethics 6, 15–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wood, V.R., L. B. Chonko and S. D. Hunt: 1986, ‘Social Responsibility and Personal Success: Are They Incompatible?’, Journal of Business Research 14, 193–212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin, R.: 1989, Case Study Research: Design and Methods (Revised ed.) (Sage Publications, Newbury Park, CA).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiff Business School, University of Wales, Cardiff, Aberconway Building, Colum Drive, Cardiff

    Andrew Crane

Authors
  1. Andrew Crane
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Crane, A. Are You Ethical? Please Tick Yes □ Or No □ On Researching Ethics in Business Organizations. Journal of Business Ethics 20, 237–248 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005817414241

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005817414241

Keywords

Search

Navigation