Relational attachment and ethical workplace decisions: The mediating role of emotional burnout

Abstract

Working is an inherently relational act that requires the management of relationships in many of the same ways as other domains in our lives. In two studies, the association between attachment orientation and unethical decisions in different workplace scenarios was examined. In both studies, attachment avoidance was associated with more unethical workplace decisions. In Study 2, emotional exhaustion mediated the association between avoidance and unethical decisions. Findings are discussed with respect to individual differences in ethical decision-making in organizations.