The influence of nationality and gender on ethical sensitivity: an application of the issue-contingent model
Author
Simga‐Mugan, C.
Daly, B. A.
Onkal, D.
Kavut, L.
Date
2005Source Title
Journal of Business Ethics
Print ISSN
0167-4544
Electronic ISSN
1573-0697
Publisher
Springer
Volume
57
Issue
2
Pages
139 - 159
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
125
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457
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Abstract
When a member of an organization has to make a decision or act in a way that may benefit some stakeholders at the expense of others ethical dilemmas may arise. This paper examines ethical sensitivity regarding the duties to clients and owners (principals) employees (agents) and responsibilities to society (third parties). Within this framework ethical perceptions of male and female managers are compared between the U.S. and Turkey - two countries that differ on power distance as well as the individualism/collectivism dimensions. Our results show that ethical sensitivity varies depending upon whether the interests of principals agents or third parties are affected by a given ethical dilemma. We also find that contingent upon the principal-agent-society relationships the nationality and gender of the decision-maker influences ethical sensitivity.
Keywords
ContextCross-cultural
Ethical sensitivity
Ethics
Gender
Hofstede
Issue-contingent model
Kohlberg
Nationality
Roles