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Ethical frameworks of “Tomorrow’s Business Leaders”

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International Journal of Value-Based Management

Abstract

This research explores the influence of five ethical frameworks on business students’ decision regarding the resolution of an ethical dilemma in a simulation. The frameworks of ethical tests are: Utilitarianism (the greatest good for the greatest number); Self-interest (maximizing the benefits to the individual); Categorical Imperative (universal principles of morality); Legality (rules, laws, etc.); and Light of Day (possibility of one’s actions being discovered). Results showed that the strongest influences were the Categorical Imperative, Self-Interest, and Legality. Among demographic variables, only age was related to the students’ decision or the ethical tests.

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Dahl, J.G., Mandell, M.P. & Barton, M.E. Ethical frameworks of “Tomorrow’s Business Leaders”. Int. J. Value Based Management 1, 65–81 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03184883

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