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A Typology of Moral Problems in Business: A Framework for Ethical Management

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  • Aviva Geva

Abstract

This paper develops a typology of moral problems in business. The cross-classification of two fundamental dimensions of ethical conduct: judgment and motivation, is employed to distinguish four types of moral problems: genuine dilemmas, compliance problems, moral laxity, and no-problem problems. Actual cases are brought to illustrate each type of problem, and corresponding coping strategies are presented. The paper highlights the need to design a dynamic strategy that will take into account the relationships among different types of ethical problems. In its capacities as both an analytical tool for identifying and clarifying an ethical problem and a strategic tool for handling it, the typology has direct implications for developing ethical awareness, assigning accountability, and unfolding typical rationalizations in business activity. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2006

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  • Aviva Geva, 2006. "A Typology of Moral Problems in Business: A Framework for Ethical Management," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 69(2), pages 133-147, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:69:y:2006:i:2:p:133-147
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-006-9072-y
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    3. Barbara Culiberg & Katarina Katja Mihelič, 2017. "The Evolution of Whistleblowing Studies: A Critical Review and Research Agenda," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 146(4), pages 787-803, December.
    4. Rosa Fioravante, 2024. "Beyond the Business Case for Responsible Artificial Intelligence: Strategic CSR in Light of Digital Washing and the Moral Human Argument," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-16, February.
    5. Anna M. Cianci & James Lloyd Bierstaker, 2009. "The effect of performance feedback and client importance on auditors' self- and public-focused ethical judgments," Managerial Auditing Journal, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 24(5), pages 455-474, May.
    6. George Gotsis & Zoe Kortezi, 2010. "Ethical Considerations in Organizational Politics: Expanding the Perspective," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 93(4), pages 497-517, June.
    7. James R. Van Scotter & Karina De Déa Roglio, 2020. "CEO Bright and Dark Personality: Effects on Ethical Misconduct," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 164(3), pages 451-475, July.
    8. Poulis, Konstantinos & Kastanakis, Minas, 2020. "On theorizing and methodological fetishism," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 38(5), pages 676-683.
    9. Ndubisi, Nelson Oly & Nataraajan, Rajan & Lai, Rebecca, 2014. "Customer perception and response to ethical norms in legal services marketing," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(3), pages 369-377.
    10. Anna Lašáková & Anna Remišová & Ľubica Bajzíková, 2021. "Differences in Occurrence of Unethical Business Practices in a Post-Transitional Country in the CEE Region: The Case of Slovakia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-33, March.
    11. Vatt Bankoson, 2021. "Global Moral Standards as Viewed by the Thai Professionals," International Journal of Publication and Social Studies, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 6(1), pages 56-71, June.
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