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The heritability of moral standards for everyday dishonesty

Author

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  • Loewen, Peter J.
  • Dawes, Christopher T.
  • Mazar, Nina
  • Johannesson, Magnus
  • Koellinger, Philipp
  • Magnusson, Patrik K.E.

Abstract

Previous research on the acceptability of dishonest actions has focused on the role of social norms and internal reward mechanisms. Using a sample of over 2000 Swedish adult twins, this manuscript examines whether there exists another source that is driving differences in perceptions of the acceptability of dishonest actions: genetic variation. We find that much of the variation in perceptions of the acceptability of dishonest actions is attributable to genetic variation between individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Loewen, Peter J. & Dawes, Christopher T. & Mazar, Nina & Johannesson, Magnus & Koellinger, Philipp & Magnusson, Patrik K.E., 2013. "The heritability of moral standards for everyday dishonesty," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 363-366.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:93:y:2013:i:c:p:363-366
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2013.05.001
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    3. Robert Cialdini & Yexin Jessica Li & Adriana Samper & Ned Wellman, 2021. "How Bad Apples Promote Bad Barrels: Unethical Leader Behavior and the Selective Attrition Effect," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 168(4), pages 861-880, February.

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