Teaching ethics makes a difference

The purpose of this study was to examine whether completing ethics training (either as a course in higher education or as work-related training) would predict ethical awareness, judgment, and intent in college students and business professionals. Some predictors of ethical behavior have been identified as age, gender and personality. The present study examined fixed (age, gender, and personality) and modifiable predictors (ethics training) separately and together in decision-making scenarios, controlling for social desirability bias. Results indicated that completing ethics training, either at work or in college, significantly predicted ethicalness. Further, completing ethics courses or training both in college and at work, more strongly predicted ethical awareness, judgment, and intent.

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