A Goal Orientation Theory on Behavioral Ethics

Abstract

In response to the calls to advance the study of behavioral ethics beyond the traditional cognitive perspective, the current paper introduces a goal orientation theory on behavioral ethics. Specifically, we investigate how learning and avoidance goal orientations influence ethical choices and examine the generalizability of the results in different populations (working adult and future employees) and across different moral outcomes (unethical business practices and unethical decision-making). In addition, we also dissect the mediating process underlying the link between achievement motivation and ethics. Insights gain from the present investigation can add new evidence-based contents to the discourse on behavioral ethics. They can increase the awareness on key motivation factors that is connected to ethical judgments and behaviors, and inspire future studies that examine policies and practices that promote ethicality.