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Using dimensions of moral intensity to predict ethical decision-making in accounting

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  • Deborah Leitsch

Abstract

Many ethical decisions are based on the intensity of the moral conflict. Embezzling large sums of money is seen as more unethical, by most people, than stealing a pen or a piece of paper from one's workplace. This study examines the importance of the underlying characteristics of moral issues and how they directly affect accounting students' ethical decision-making process (moral sensitivity, moral judgment and moral intentions). A four stage model presented by Rest (1986) and expanded by Jones' (1991) was used to measure the moral decision-making process. The study highlights the results of a sample of 110 accounting majors in a small business college in the USA. The research suggests that moral intensity appeared to have two dimensions: “perceived corporate concern” and “perceived involvement effect”. These dimensions did not significantly predict moral sensitivity. However, when they were combined with moral sensitivity they did significantly predict the students' moral judgment. Likewise, moral judgment and the dimensions of moral intensity significantly predicted accounting students' moral intentions. The findings presented here extend current understanding of the influence of the moral intensity components on the moral decision-making process. The results can also be used to enhance ethics coursework and training programs in educational and industrial settings.

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  • Deborah Leitsch, 2006. "Using dimensions of moral intensity to predict ethical decision-making in accounting," Accounting Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(2), pages 135-149.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:accted:v:15:y:2006:i:2:p:135-149
    DOI: 10.1080/06939280600609151
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Singhapakdi, Anusorn & Vitell, Scott J. & Kraft, Kenneth L., 1996. "Moral Intensity and Ethical Decision-Making of Marketing Professionals," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 245-255, July.
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    1. Sarah Bayer & Henner Gimpel & Serkan Sarikaya, 2019. "Bank customers’ decision-making process in choosing between ethical and conventional banking: a survey-based examination," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 89(6), pages 655-697, August.
    2. Yves Mard & Christelle Chaplais & Sylvain Marsat, 2014. "De la possibilité d'accroître l'éthique de l'auditeur : Le cas d'une formation," Post-Print hal-01899102, HAL.
    3. Tara J. Shawver & William F. Miller, 2017. "Moral Intensity Revisited: Measuring the Benefit of Accounting Ethics Interventions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 141(3), pages 587-603, March.
    4. Ahmed Musbah & Christopher J. Cowton & David Tyfa, 2016. "The Role of Individual Variables, Organizational Variables and Moral Intensity Dimensions in Libyan Management Accountants’ Ethical Decision Making," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 134(3), pages 335-358, March.
    5. Miller, William F. & Shawver, Tara J. & Mintz, Steven M., 2020. "Measuring the value of integrating GVV into a standalone accounting ethics course," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    6. Jana Craft, 2013. "A Review of the Empirical Ethical Decision-Making Literature: 2004–2011," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 117(2), pages 221-259, October.
    7. Özgür Özmen Uysal, 2010. "Business Ethics Research with an Accounting Focus: A Bibliometric Analysis from 1988 to 2007," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 93(1), pages 137-160, April.
    8. Yeoh Khar Kheng & Sethela June, 2016. "The Ethical Decision Ma king Intention of Small & Medium Entrepreneurs in Malaysia," Quarterly Journal of Business Studies, Research Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 2(4), pages 181-192.
    9. Chieh‐Wen Sheng & Ming‐Chia Chen, 2010. "The influence of environmental practices on ethical attitudes: internal principles vs external factors," Social Responsibility Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 6(4), pages 510-521, October.
    10. Jana L. Craft, 2018. "Common Thread: The Impact of Mission on Ethical Business Culture. A Case Study," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 149(1), pages 127-145, April.
    11. Apostolou, Barbara & Hassell, John M. & Rebele, James E. & Watson, Stephanie F., 2010. "Accounting education literature review (2006–2009)," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 28(3), pages 145-197.
    12. Razana Juhaida Johari & Zuraidah Mohd Sanusi & Arumega Zarefar, 2019. "Auditor¡¯s Ethical Judgments: The Influence of Moral Intensity, Ethical Orientation and Client Importance," International Journal of Financial Research, International Journal of Financial Research, Sciedu Press, vol. 10(3), pages 77-87, May.

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