Toward a Model of Cross-Cultural Business Ethics: The Impact of Individualism and Collectivism on the Ethical Decision-Making Process

Abstract

ABSTRACT. In this paper, we explore the impact of individualism and collectivism on three basic aspects of ethical decision making -the perception of moral problems, moral reasoning, and behavior. We argue that the inclusion of business practices within the moral domain by the individual depends partly upon individualism and collectivism. We also propose a pluralistic approach to post-conventional moral judgment that includes developmental paths appropriate for individualist and collectivist cultures. Finally, we argue that the link between moral judgment and behavior is related to individualism and collectivism.

Being “in Control” May Make You Lose Control: The Role of Self-Regulation in Unethical Leadership Behavior

“…In Japan, for example, expressing anger publicly is considered unseemly, while this is considered necessary (to avoid "boiling over" or "blowing up" at a later point) in the United States (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). Even more directly relevant to the present research question, collectivist cultures place greater importance on acting in line with norms and expectations (Husted & Allen, 2008). Therefore, like our respondents high in moral identity, collectivist cultures should be more experienced in inhibiting their selfish impulses than individualists (Seeley & Gardner, 2003).…”

The influence of construal of self on internal auditors' judgments on whistle‐blowing: Evidence from China

“…Interdependents tend to behave in accordance with the accepted group norms even if their personal beliefs are significantly different from the group norms (Cross et al, ; Hamamura, Xu, & Du, ). Also, they tend to be more accepting of any discrepancy between their personal beliefs and group norms (Husted & Allen, ; Iwao & Trlandis, ; Oyserman et al, ). Interdependents are likely to consider the implications of their whistle‐blowing decisions for the group, and the needs and wishes of the group may influence their whistle‐blowing decisions and actions.…”

“…Compared with interdependents, independents perceive that the world is controllable through individuals' actions, and thus they tend to focus more on their own abilities and characteristics in their judgments (Guan et al, ; Komissarouk & Nadler, ; Parson & Artistico, ). For independents, evidence shows that personal beliefs and values are more important than group norms in ethical judgments (Hoyt & Price, ; Husted & Allen, ; Iwao & Trlandis, ). Independents are likely to view any difference between personal beliefs and group norms as “hypocritical” and will try to minimize such discrepancies (Husted & Allen, ).…”

“…For independents, evidence shows that personal beliefs and values are more important than group norms in ethical judgments (Hoyt & Price, ; Husted & Allen, ; Iwao & Trlandis, ). Independents are likely to view any difference between personal beliefs and group norms as “hypocritical” and will try to minimize such discrepancies (Husted & Allen, ). As a result, independents tend to have a higher consistency between individuals' ethical dilemma judgments and behavior (Husted & Allen, ; Volkema, ).…”

“…Independents are likely to view any difference between personal beliefs and group norms as “hypocritical” and will try to minimize such discrepancies (Husted & Allen, ). As a result, independents tend to have a higher consistency between individuals' ethical dilemma judgments and behavior (Husted & Allen, ; Volkema, ). Therefore, they are more likely to behave in accordance with their ethical dilemma judgments and moral reasoning, rather than be motivated by the maintenance of harmonious relationships.…”