The hungry thief: Physiological deprivation and its effects on unethical behavior

Kai Chi Yam, Scott J. Reynolds and Jacob B. Hirsh

Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 2014, vol. 125, issue 2, 123-133

Abstract: We conducted five studies to examine the effects of physiological deprivation on unethical behavior. Consistent with predictions from Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory, we found that physiologically deprived participants engaged in unethical behavior related to obtaining physiological satiation. Contrary to models in which deprivation increases global unethical behavior, hungry and thirsty participants also engaged in less physiologically-unrelated unethical behavior compared to control participants (Studies 1–3). Studies 4 and 5 confirmed that the effects of physiological deprivation on both types of unethical behavior were mediated by a heightened engagement of the Behavioral Approach System (BAS). In addition, we found that the salience of an organizational ethical context acted as a boundary condition for the mediated effect. Participants reminded of the organizational ethical context were less likely to engage in need-related unethical behavior even when physiologically deprived. We conclude by considering the theoretical and practical implications of this research.

Keywords: Physiological deprivation; Behavioral ethics; BAS; Organizational ethical context; Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:125:y:2014:i:2:p:123-133

DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2014.07.002

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