Type of Document	Dissertation
Author	Harvey III, N. Paul
Author's Email Address	nph333@yahoo.com
URN	etd-11132006-191820
Title	The Justification of Unethical Behavior: An Attributional Perspective
Degree	Doctor of Philosophy
Department	Management, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Mark J. Martinko Committee Chair David B. Paradice Committee Member Gerald R. Ferris Committee Member Stephen E. Humphrey Committee Member
Keywords	Ethics Attribution Theory Emotion Attribution Style
Date of Defense	2006-08-10
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract This dissertation expands the logic underlying Weiner’s (1985a) achievement-motivation model, and applies this logic to the justification of unethical behavior. A conceptual model is developed in which causal attributions linked to anger and shame are predicted to increase the degree to which unethical behaviors are seen as justifiable. Conversely, attributions linked to guilt and frustration are predicted to impede the justification of unethical behaviors. Results of two scenario-based studies are reported. Study 1 tests the conceptual model using a sample of undergraduate students, whereas Study 2 samples a population of practicing physicians. Results provided only limited support for the hypotheses, but did indicate that both attributions and emotions are related to justification in some situations. Implications of these findings for the study of ethics and attributions, as well as for promoting ethical behavior, are discussed.
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