Psychometric Properties of the Reidenbach–Robin Multidimensional Ethics Scale

Joan McMahon () and Robert Harvey ()

Journal of Business Ethics, 2007, vol. 72, issue 1, 27-39

Abstract: The factor structure of the Multidimensional Ethics Scale (MES; Reidenbach and Robin: 1988 , Journal of Business Ethics 7, 871–879; 1990 , Journal of Business Ethics 9, 639–653) was examined for the 8-item short form (N = 328) and the original 30-item pool (N = 260). The objectives of the study were: to verify the dimensionality of the MES; to increase the amount of true cross-scenario variance through the use of 18 scenarios varying in moral intensity (Jones: 1991 , Academy of Management Review 16, 366–395); and, to examine the items for measurement precision using item-response theory (IRT) methods. Results of confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis failed to conclusively support the hypothesized 3- (short form) or 5-factor (long form) structure; both instruments were instead dominated by a general factor. Item response theory analyses using Samejima’s ( 1969 , Psychometrika Monograph Supplement 34, (4, Pt. 2)) graded response model revealed that many items in the 30-item pool performed very well, and suggested that a different collection of items be used to form a short-form version of the MES. Our proposed 10-item instrument includes more discriminating items than the 8-item version, and has the added advantage of including two items from each of the five ethical philosophies represented in the original 30-item pool. Copyright Springer 2007

Keywords: ethical decision-making; ethical judgment; factor analysis; multidimensional ethics scale (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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DOI: 10.1007/s10551-006-9153-y

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