Abstract
This paper presents the responses of 118 executives to a mail survey which examined their views of business ethics and various business practices. In addition to identifying various sources of ethical conflict, current business practices are also examined with respect to how ethical or unethical each is believed to be. Results are also presented which outline executive responses to four ethical business situations. Overall conclusions to the study are outlined, as well as future research needs.
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Scott J. Vitell is Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Mississippi. His most important publications include ‘A General Theory of Marketing Ethics’ (1986) (with Shelby D. Hunt) and ‘Marketing's Contribution to Economic Development: A Look at the Last 30 Years’ (1985) (with Van R. Wood).
Troy A. Festervand is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Mississippi. Dr. Festervand obtained his Ph.D. in 1980 from the University of Arkansas. His publications have appeared in the Akron Business and Economic Review, Journal of Small Business Management, and elsewhere. He is active in a number of organizations and a frequent participant at professional meetings.
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Vitell, S.J., Festervand, T.A. Business ethics: Conflicts, practices and beliefs of industrial executives. J Bus Ethics 6, 111–122 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00382024