Investigating the Effects of Anger and Guilt on Unethical Behavior: A Dual-Process Approach

Daphna Motro (), Lisa D. Ordóñez (), Andrea Pittarello () and David T. Welsh ()
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Daphna Motro: University of Arizona, Eller College of Management
Lisa D. Ordóñez: University of Arizona, Eller College of Management
Andrea Pittarello: University of Groningen
David T. Welsh: Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business

Journal of Business Ethics, 2018, vol. 152, issue 1, No 10, 133-148

Abstract: Abstract Although emotion has become one of the most popular research areas within organizational scholarship, few studies have considered its connection with unethical behavior. Using dual-process theory, we expand on the rationalist perspective within the field of behavioral ethics by considering the process through which two discrete emotions, anger and guilt, influence unethical behavior. Across two studies using different methodologies, we found that anger increases unethical behavior whereas guilt reduces unethical behavior. These effects were mediated by impulsive and deliberative processing. Overall, our results shed light on distinct mechanisms through which emotions can influence unethical behavior. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Keywords: Anger; Guilt; Emotions; Behavioral ethics; Unethical behavior; Dual processing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10551-016-3337-x

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