Journal
JOURNAL OF BUSINESS ETHICS
Volume 98, Issue 3, Pages 407-424Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s10551-010-0556-4
Keywords
moral identity; self-regulation; social-cognitive theory; status differentiation; group identity; social dominance orientation; love of money; social isolation
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Based on social-cognitive theory, this article proposes a model that seeks to explain why high status organizational members engage in unethical behavior. We argue that status differentiation in organizations creates social isolation which initiates activation of high status group identity and a deactivation of moral identity. We further argue that high status group identity results in insensitivity to the needs of out-group members which, in turn, results in lessened motivation to self-regulate ethical decision making. As a result of this identity activation, we demonstrate how high status individuals will be more vulnerable to engaging in unethical activities. Individual-level moderators of the relationships are also discussed.
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