The Exposed Self: A Multilevel Model of Shame and Ethical Behavior
Steven A. Murphy, Sandra Kiffin-Petersen
Journal of Business Ethics · 2017 · Volume 141 · Issue 4
DOI: 10.1007/s10551-016-3185-8
Abstract
In this article, we review the shame and ethical behavior literature in order to more fully develop theory and testable propositions for organizational scholars focusing on the behavioral implications of this ‘moral’ emotion. We propose a dual pathway multilevel model that incorporates complex relationships between felt and anticipatory shame processes and ethical behavior, both within and between persons and at the collective level. We propose a holistic treatment of shame that includes dispositional and organizational (contextual) influences on the cognitive and emotional forces that shape ethical behavior in organizations. The implications of our review of shame for ethical behavior, organizations, and concrete research action are discussed.
Keywords
Ethical behavior, Shame, Managerial thinking and cognition
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