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The interpersonal diffusion mechanism of unethical behavior in groups: a social network perspective

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  • Duanxu Wang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Xin Pi

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Yuhao Pan

    (Zhejiang University)

Abstract

Previous studies examining the impact of the unethical behavior of a group of colleagues on an individuals unethical behavior have typically employed social learning theory as a theoretical foundation. In this research, we extend these rich yet defective examinations by addressing the largely ignored relationship perspective. Drawing on the social network perspective, we posit that the structure of relationships significantly influences the process of unethical behavior diffusion. Consistent with the theoretically derived hypotheses, our agent-based model simulation results provide general support for our theoretical model: colleagues unethical behaviors positively affect an individuals unethical behaviors, and this influence is positively moderated by group network density, group network closeness centrality and group size. This paper also discusses theoretical contributions, practical values, limitations and directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Duanxu Wang & Xin Pi & Yuhao Pan, 2017. "The interpersonal diffusion mechanism of unethical behavior in groups: a social network perspective," Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 271-292, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:comaot:v:23:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1007_s10588-016-9226-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10588-016-9226-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Thomas Feliciani & Andreas Flache & Michael Mäs, 2021. "Persuasion without polarization? Modelling persuasive argument communication in teams with strong faultlines," Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Springer, vol. 27(1), pages 61-92, March.

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