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The Impact of Moral Intensity on Decision Making in a Business Context

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Abstract

The present paper reports the results of a vignette- and questionnaire-based research project investigating the influence of Moral Intensity (MI) on decision making in a New Zealand business context. The use of a relatively sensitive research design yielded results showing that – in contrast to previous research – objective manipulations, as well as subjective perceptions, of three of the six MI components were of particular importance in accounting for a comparatively large proportion of the variation in four outcome variables. There were no interactions of appreciable magnitude between MI components, or variations across scenarios. Also, no support was found for a reliable multi-dimensional structure of perceptions of Moral Intensity. Implications of the findings are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Aviation, Massey University at Albany, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore MSC, Auckland, New Zealand

    Bernhard F. Frey

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  1. Bernhard F. Frey
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Frey, B.F. The Impact of Moral Intensity on Decision Making in a Business Context. Journal of Business Ethics 26, 181–195 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006139124110

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