A Study of Ethical Decision Making by Physicians and Nurses in Hospitals

Journal of Business Ethics · 2009 · Volume 90 · Issue 3

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of various factors on ethical behavior of 180 not-for-profit hospital employees. Ethical behavior of peers, ethical behavior of successful managers, and emotional intelligence had a significant positive impact on ethical behavior of respondents. Physicians and hospital employees with political connections within the organization were significantly less ethical than other employees. The results have many implications for researchers and healthcare practitioners.

Keywords

hospitals, emotional intelligence, ethical behavior, physicians, nurses, overclaiming, ethical optimism

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