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Investigating the Effects of Anger and Guilt on Unethical Behavior: A Dual-Process Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Daphna Motro

    (University of Arizona, Eller College of Management)

  • Lisa D. Ordóñez

    (University of Arizona, Eller College of Management)

  • Andrea Pittarello

    (University of Groningen)

  • David T. Welsh

    (Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business)

Abstract

Although emotion has become one of the most popular research areas within organizational scholarship, few studies have considered its connection with unethical behavior. Using dual-process theory, we expand on the rationalist perspective within the field of behavioral ethics by considering the process through which two discrete emotions, anger and guilt, influence unethical behavior. Across two studies using different methodologies, we found that anger increases unethical behavior whereas guilt reduces unethical behavior. These effects were mediated by impulsive and deliberative processing. Overall, our results shed light on distinct mechanisms through which emotions can influence unethical behavior. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Daphna Motro & Lisa D. Ordóñez & Andrea Pittarello & David T. Welsh, 2018. "Investigating the Effects of Anger and Guilt on Unethical Behavior: A Dual-Process Approach," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 152(1), pages 133-148, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:152:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-016-3337-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-016-3337-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Marilyn Giroux & Jungkeun Kim & Jacob C. Lee & Jongwon Park, 2022. "Artificial Intelligence and Declined Guilt: Retailing Morality Comparison Between Human and AI," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 178(4), pages 1027-1041, July.
    3. Yueqiao Qiao & Zhe Zhang & Ming Jia, 2021. "Their Pain, Our Pleasure: How and When Peer Abusive Supervision Leads to Third Parties’ Schadenfreude and Work Engagement," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 169(4), pages 695-711, April.
    4. Zhe Zhang & Xintong Ji, 2023. "A Virtual Net Locks Me In: How and When Information and Communication Technology Use Intensity Leads to Knowledge Hiding," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 187(3), pages 611-626, October.
    5. Shubo Liu & Qianlin ZHU & Feng Wei, 2019. "How Abusive Supervision Affects Employees’ Unethical Behaviors: A Moderated Mediation Examination of Turnover Intentions and Caring Climate," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-14, October.
    6. Ting Wang & Xue Wang & Tonglin Jiang & Shiyao Wang & Zhansheng Chen, 2021. "Under the Threat of an Epidemic: People with Higher Subjective Socioeconomic Status Show More Unethical Behaviors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-14, March.

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