The Influence of Unethical Peer Behavior on Observers’ Unethical Behavior: A Social Cognitive Perspective

Michael O’Fallon () and Kenneth Butterfield ()

Journal of Business Ethics, 2012, vol. 109, issue 2, 117-131

Abstract: The relationship between unethical peer behavior and observers’ unethical behavior traditionally has been examined from a social learning perspective. We employ two additional theoretical lenses, social identity theory and social comparison theory, each of which offers additional insight into this relationship. Data from 600 undergraduate business students in two universities provide support for all the three perspectives, suggesting that unethical behavior is influenced by social learning, social identity, and social comparison processes. Implications for managers and future research are discussed. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012

Keywords: Ethical decision making; Social learning theory; Social identity theory; Social comparison theory; Peer influence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (24)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10551-011-1111-7

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