A comparative study of ethical perceptions between business managers and individuals from other occupations in Singapore.

• Main Authors: Lee, Grace Li Xian., Yee, Wanli., Yeow, Wan Ching.
• Other Authors: Aw Ee Ling, Grace
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Business::General::Moral and ethical aspects
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/35539
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study investigates the differences in ethical perceptions, if any, between business managers and individuals from other occupations. Data of working professionals in Singapore were collected via online and self-administered surveys, which contained vignettes of questionable ethical behavior. Subsequently, factor analysis was applied to identify the major ethical dimensions applicable and pertinent in the Singaporean context. Regression analyses were then used to examine the impacts of four variables – managerial designation in the business context, income, gender and ethical work climate on ethical perceptions. With regards to the effect of managerial designation, it was revealed that business managers were less accepting of unethical behavior than individuals from other occupations. Also, females were less accepting of unethical behavior than their male counterparts. However, income and ethical work climate were not correlated to ethical perceptions. Consequently, the paper highlighted some limitations and recommendations for future research. In essence, this study contributes to the understanding of ethical perceptions, which are pertinent for academics and practitioners alike.