Keywords

behavioral ethics, moral judgment-moral action gap, cognitive moral development

Abstract

The field of behavioral ethics has seen considerable growth over the last few decades. One of the most significant concerns facing this interdisciplinary field of research is the moral judgment-action gap. The moral judgment-action gap is the inconsistency people display when they know what is right but do what they know is wrong. Much of the research in the field of behavioral ethics is based on (or in response to) early work in moral psychology and American psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg’s foundational cognitive model of moral development. However, Kohlberg’s model of moral development lacks a compelling explanation for the judgment-action gap. Yet, it continues to influence theory, research, teaching, and practice in business ethics today. As such, this paper presents a critical review and analysis of the pertinent literature. This paper also reviews modern theories of ethical decision making in business ethics. Gaps in our current understanding and directions for future research in behavioral business ethics are presented. By providing this important theoretical background information, targeted critical analysis, and directions for future research, this paper assists management scholars as they begin to seek a more unified approach, develop newer models of ethical decision making, and conduct business ethics research that examines the moral judgment-action gap.

Original Publication Citation

"Moral development in business ethics: An examination and critique", Journal of Business Ethics, Edition 6, Volume 170, Pages 429-448, Springer, R. Edward Freeman, 2021

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2019

Publisher

Journal of Business Ethics

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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