The Joint Effects of Machiavellianism and Ethical Environment on Whistle-Blowing

Derek Dalton and Robin Radtke ()

Journal of Business Ethics, 2013, vol. 117, issue 1, 153-172

Abstract: Given the importance of the Machiavellianism construct on informing a wide range of ethics research, we focus on gaining a better understanding of Machiavellianism within the whistle-blower context. In this regard, we examine the effect of Machiavellianism on whistle-blowing, focusing on the underlying mechanisms through which Machiavellianism affects whistle-blowing. Further, because individuals who are higher in Machiavellianism (high Machs) are expected to be less likely to report wrongdoing, we examine the ability of an organization’s ethical environment to increase whistle-blowing intentions of high Machs. Results from a sample of 116 MBA students support our premise that Machiavellianism is negatively related to whistle-blowing. Further, we find that Machiavellianism has an indirect effect on whistle-blowing through perceived benefits and perceived responsibility. Finally, we find that a strong ethical environment, relative to a weak ethical environment, increases whistle-blowing intentions incrementally more for individuals who are higher in Machiavellianism. Taken together, these findings extend our understanding of how Machiavellianism and an organization’s ethical environment impact whistle-blowing. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013

Keywords: Ethical environment; Machiavellianism; Ethical disposition; Whistle-blowing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (20)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10551-012-1517-x

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