Universal research ethics and international business studies

Abstract

Research ethics have received comprehensive institutional attention at least since the creation of the U.S. Panel on Scientific Responsibility and the Conduct of Research in 1989. Over the last decade, business scholars have focused on a variety of important questions in research ethics, with significant attention being focused on the “grey” areas of questionable research practices. This editorial adopts a different approach. The normative foundations of research ethics, and the core values that should inform research in international business studies, are identified and related to AIB’s new and revised ethics codes. Explanations for the persistence and growth of research misconduct and detrimental research practices are provided. Finally, best practices for institutionalizing research ethics in international business studies are identified.