Nistler CoBPA Faculty Research

Celebrate the impact of our research.

Dr. Sean Valentine Paper Accepted in the Journal of Business Research

Sean Valentine

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Sean Valentine, Professor of Management for his recent paper accepted for publication in the Journal of Business Research, which is a Level 4 journal on the CoBPA Journal Quality List.

Title: “Moral Intensity, Ethical Decision Making, and Whistleblowing Intention”

Authors: Sean Valentine (University of North Dakota) and Lynn Godkin (Lamar University)

Journal of Business Research – JQL Level 4

Abstract:

Given the importance of organizational whistleblowing, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships among individuals’ perceptions of moral intensity, ethical decision making, and whistleblowing intentions. Using information collected from employees’ working for varied firms, the analysis indicates that several dimensions of moral intensity, predominantly seriousness of consequences and social consensus, are positively related to components of ethical decision making, namely the recognition and perceived importance of an ethical issue, ethical judgment, and ethical intention. The results also show that the recognition and perceived importance of an ethical issue and ethical judgment are positively related to whistleblowing intention. Finally, seriousness of consequences is positively related to whistleblowing intention. The managerial implications of these findings are discussed, including the development of an ethical work context and programs that enhance ethical sensitivity. The research limitations and suggestions for future research are also highlighted.