Do religiosity and ethical principles influence ethical decision-making in a multi-faith context? Evidence from India

Abstract

Based on Hunt and Vitell’s theory of ethics, using three vignettes, we tested intrinsic and extrinsic religiosities and five ethical principles (justice, deontology, relativism, egoism, and utilitarianism) in the ethical decision-making process of 232 Indian business professionals. Intrinsic religiosity is positively related to ethical recognition and intent and extrinsic religiosity is negatively related to ethical intent in the vignette concerning duty of care. Although intrinsic religiosity predicted justice, deontology and relativism in three vignettes, it is also positively related to utilitarianism in one vignette. Egoism is not related to intrinsic and extrinsic religiosities. Extrinsic religiosity is negatively related to justice (one vignette), deontology (two vignettes), relativism (two vignettes) and utilitarianism (one vignette). Moreover, the intrinsic religiosity-ethical recognition and extrinsic religiosity-ethical intent relationships are varyingly mediated by the ethical principles. We extend Hunt and Vitell’s theory in a multi-faith context and our findings have implications for Indian business leaders and employees.