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Status Differentiation and the Protean Self: A Social-Cognitive Model of Unethical Behavior in Organizations

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Abstract

Based on social-cognitive theory, this article proposes a model that seeks to explain why high status organizational members engage in unethical behavior. We argue that status differentiation in organizations creates social isolation which initiates activation of high status group identity and a deactivation of moral identity. We further argue that high status group identity results in insensitivity to the needs of out-group members which, in turn, results in lessened motivation to self-regulate ethical decision making. As a result of this identity activation, we demonstrate how high status individuals will be more vulnerable to engaging in unethical activities. Individual-level moderators of the relationships are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. John H. Sykes College of Business, The University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33606-1490, U.S.A.

    Bella L. Galperin

  2. Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, U.S.A.

    Rebecca J. Bennett

  3. Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z2, Canada

    Karl Aquino

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  1. Bella L. Galperin
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  2. Rebecca J. Bennett
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  3. Karl Aquino
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Correspondence to Rebecca J. Bennett.

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Galperin, B.L., Bennett, R.J. & Aquino, K. Status Differentiation and the Protean Self: A Social-Cognitive Model of Unethical Behavior in Organizations. J Bus Ethics 98, 407–424 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0556-4

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