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An Empirical Investigation of Japanese Consumer Ethics

Journal of Business Ethics volume 18, pages 35–50 (1999)Cite this article

Abstract

One of the gaps in the current international marketing literature is in the area of consumer ethics. Using a sample drawn from Japanese consumers, this study investigates these individuals' reported ethical ideology and their perception of a number of different ethical situations in the realm of consumer behavior. Comparisons are then made across several demographic characteristics. The results reveal differences which provide theoretical support for expanded research in the area of cross-cultural/cross-national consumer ethics and highlight the need for managers to consider possible differences in the ethical behavior of consumers when entering a new international market. In addition, this study extends current knowledge in international marketing ethics by utilizing a research design and survey instruments similar to previous studies on consumer ethics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, USA

    Robert C. Erffmeyer

  2. Department of Marketing and Quantitative Analysis, Southwest Missouri State University, 901 South National, Springfield, MO, 65804, U.S.A

    Bruce D. Keillor

  3. The University of Tampa, USA

    Debbie Thorne LeClair

Authors
  1. Robert C. Erffmeyer
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  2. Bruce D. Keillor
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  3. Debbie Thorne LeClair
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Erffmeyer, R.C., Keillor, B.D. & LeClair, D.T. An Empirical Investigation of Japanese Consumer Ethics. Journal of Business Ethics 18, 35–50 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006025724126

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006025724126

Keywords

  • Economic Growth
  • Marketing
  • Research Design
  • Current Knowledge
  • International Market