Utility of Ethical Frameworks in Determining Behavioral Intention: A Comparison of the U.S. and Russia

Rafik I. Beekun, Jim Westerman, Jamal Barghouti

Journal of Business Ethics · 2005 · Volume 61 · Issue 3

Abstract

Using Reidenbach and Robin‘s ( Journal of Business Ethics 7, 871–879, 1988) multi-criteria ethics instrument, we carried out the first empirical test of Robertson and Crittenden‘s (Strategic Management Journal 24, 385–392, 2003) cross-cultural map of moral philosophies to examine what ethical criteria guide business people in Russia and the U.S. in their intention to behave. Competing divergence and convergence hypotheses were advanced. Our results support a convergence hypothesis, and reveal a common emphasis on relativism. Americans are also influenced by the justice criterion while Russians tend to emphasize utilitarianism.

Keywords

convergence, culture, egoism, ethics, intention to behave, justice, Russia, U.S., relativism, utilitarianism, virtue ethics

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