Moral intensity and ethical decision-making

Abstract

This paper explores the role of an individual's perception of situation-specific issues on decision-making in ethical situations. It does so by examining the influence of moral intensity on a person's perceptions of an ethical problem, and subsequent intentions. Moral intensity (Jones, 1991) is an issue-contingent model of ethical decision-making based on the supposition that situations vary in terms of the moral imperative present in that situation. An individual's decision is guided by his or her assessment of six different components that collectively comprise the moral intensity of the situation. The relationship between the components of moral intensity and the decision-making process is tested through the use of scenarios that present IS-related ethical situations. The results indicate that moral intensity plays a significant role in shaping the perceptions and intentions of individuals faced with IS-related ethical situations. The conclusion drawn from this is that, consistent with prior research, the decision-making process is influenced by an individual's perception of situation-specific issues; that is, the moral intensity of the situation.