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The effect of formalism on unethical decision making: The mediating effect of moral disengagement and moderating effect of moral attentiveness

Author

Listed:
  • Rui Dong
  • Ting Lu
  • Qiaolong Hu
  • Shiguang Ni

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between formalism and unethical decision making among Chinese working adults. A total of 316 Chinese adult employees completed measures of ethical predispositions, unethical decision making, moral disengagement, and moral attentiveness. The results showed that formalism was related to a weaker propensity to morally disengage. Moral disengagement positively predicted unethical decision making and mediated the relationship between formalism and unethical decision making. Further, perceptual moral attentiveness negatively moderated the relationship between formalism and moral disengagement. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are presented.

Suggested Citation

  • Rui Dong & Ting Lu & Qiaolong Hu & Shiguang Ni, 2021. "The effect of formalism on unethical decision making: The mediating effect of moral disengagement and moderating effect of moral attentiveness," Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(1), pages 127-142, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:buseth:v:30:y:2021:i:1:p:127-142
    DOI: 10.1111/beer.12315
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