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Are Callings Always Ethically Good? Why and When Occupational Calling Inhibits Unethical Decision-Making Among Researchers

Author

Listed:
  • Baoguo Xie

    (Wuhan University of Technology
    Wuhan University of Technology)

  • Xinrou Zhang

    (Wuhan University of Technology)

  • Xueyuan Gao

    (China University of Labor Relations)

  • Xiaoxue Zhou

    (Beijing Jiaotong University)

Abstract

In recent years, attention to researchers’ scientific misconduct has increased dramatically. Although existing research reflects a shared value that occupational calling is an ethical good (i.e., being more likely to make ethical choices), no empirical study has yet examined the ethical outcomes of occupational calling. Drawing on the integrated ethical decision-making model (I-EDM), this study first investigated whether occupational calling inhibits researchers’ unethical decision-making. Secondly, it examined why and when occupational calling relates to researchers’ unethical decision-making. The findings from a four-wave survey, with 257 researchers working in research roles in universities in China, reveal that occupational calling (time 1) inhibits researchers’ unethical decision-making (time 4). Moral disengagement (time 3) provides an explanation for the negative link between occupational calling (time 1) and unethical decision-making (time 4). The moderated mediation analysis further shows that the inhibitory effect of occupational calling (time 1) on researchers’ unethical decision-making (time 4) disappears when the work-unit structure (time 2) is perceived to be organic. These findings provide meaningful theoretical and practical implications for research and practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Baoguo Xie & Xinrou Zhang & Xueyuan Gao & Xiaoxue Zhou, 2024. "Are Callings Always Ethically Good? Why and When Occupational Calling Inhibits Unethical Decision-Making Among Researchers," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 191(2), pages 357-372, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:191:y:2024:i:2:d:10.1007_s10551-023-05471-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-023-05471-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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