Does the Intent to Whistle Blow in Business Support Finn’s Model for Individual Employment Options?

• In Event: History and Public Interest

Abstract

This study surveys 208 students enrolled in business classes in a private institution located in Northeastern United States on the process of ethical decision making. This study tests whether or not a model developed by Finn can be used in ethics research. Our analysis indicates that student’s views on whether cheating in a classroom environment was wrong, dishonest, or unethical did not associate with whether they would whistle-blow in a corporate environment. However, these views did associate with the students’ intention to remain with or leave the corporation. The results of this study show that Finn’s model is useful in understanding the motives and associations that drive employees’ behaviors in an ethical decision-making process.

Authors

• Richard A Bernardi, Roger Williams University

• Magee S. Kmec, Roger Williams University

• Kathryn E. McCusker, Roger Williams University

• Michelle E. Possidente, Roger Williams University

• Ryan A. Techiera, Roger Williams University