Methodology in Business Ethics Research: A Review and Critical Assessment

Donna M. Randall, Annetta M. Gibson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

Using 94 published empirical articles in academic journals as a data base, this paper provides a critical review of the methodology employed in the study of ethical beliefs and behavior of organizational members. The review revealed that full methodological detail was provided in less than one half of the articles. Further, the majority of empirical research articles expressed no concern for the reliability or validity of measures, were characterized by low response rates, used convenience samples, and did not offer a theoretic framework, hypotheses, or a definition of ethics. Several recommendations, including a reviewer rating form addressing methodological decisions and inclusion of methodologists on the review panel, are offered to improve methodological rigor in published ethics research.
Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationCitation Classics from The Journal of Business Ethics
Subtitle of host publicationCelebrating the First Thirty Years of Publication
EditorsAlex C. Michalos, Deborah C. Poff
Place of PublicationDordrecht, Netherlands
PublisherSpringer
ISBN (Print)9789400741263, 9789400741256
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

Publication series

NameAdvances in Business Ethics Research
Volume2

Disciplines

  • Business Law, Public Responsibility, and Ethics

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