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Multi-level Organizational Moral Disengagement: Directions for Future Investigation

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  • James Johnson
  • M. Ronald Buckley

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide a theoretical review of the moral disengagement literature, integrating research that has been completed as well as identifying thought lacunas, including the subfield of organizational moral disengagement. It is proposed that because moral disengagement is an inherently interpersonal phenomenon, organizational moral disengagement should be a salient concern of both organizational and management researchers. A conceptual framework of organizational moral disengagement is suggested, examining moral disengagement at both the employee as well as manager/executive level. Lastly, a series of propositions are proffered in order to provide direction to organizational moral disengagement researchers, including the proposition that moral disengagement is a function of interpersonal proximity and the possession or lack of organizational power. Methods for effectively studying organizational moral disengagement are suggested. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015

Suggested Citation

  • James Johnson & M. Ronald Buckley, 2015. "Multi-level Organizational Moral Disengagement: Directions for Future Investigation," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 130(2), pages 291-300, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:130:y:2015:i:2:p:291-300
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-014-2220-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Alexander Newman & Huong Le & Andrea North-Samardzic & Michael Cohen, 2020. "Moral Disengagement at Work: A Review and Research Agenda," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 167(3), pages 535-570, December.
    4. Eric N. Johnson & Linda A. Kidwell & D. Jordan Lowe & Philip M. J. Reckers, 2019. "Who Follows the Unethical Leader? The Association Between Followers’ Personal Characteristics and Intentions to Comply in Committing Organizational Fraud," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 154(1), pages 181-193, January.
    5. Marlond Antunez & Nelson Ramalho & Tânia M. G. Marques, 2024. "Context Matters Less Than Leadership in Preventing Unethical Behaviour in International Business," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 192(2), pages 307-322, June.
    6. Hyemi Shin & Mai Chi Vu & Nicholas Burton, 2022. "Micro-processes of Moral Normative Engagement with CSR Tensions: The Role of Spirituality in Justification Work," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 179(2), pages 597-615, August.
    7. Ulf Schaefer & Onno Bouwmeester, 2021. "Reconceptualizing Moral Disengagement as a Process: Transcending Overly Liberal and Overly Conservative Practice in the Field," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 172(3), pages 525-543, September.
    8. Saqlain Pervez & Muhammad Anwar ul Haq & Mirza Ashfaq Ahmed & Muhammad Usman, 2019. "Linking Cronyism, Psychological Contract Breach, And Moral Disengagement: A Study Of Public Sector University Teachers," IBT Journal of Business Studies (JBS), Ilma University, Faculty of Management Science, vol. 15(1), pages 170-183.
    9. Nicholas Burton & Mai Chi Vu, 2021. "Moral Identity and the Quaker tradition: Moral Dissonance Negotiation in the WorkPlace," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 174(1), pages 127-141, November.
    10. Thang V. Nguyen & Minh H. Doan & Nhung H. Tran, 2021. "The perpetuation of bribery–prone relationships: A study from Vietnamese public officials," Public Administration & Development, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 41(5), pages 244-256, December.
    11. Harris, Lloyd C. & He, Hongwei, 2019. "Retail employee pilferage: A study of moral disengagement," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 57-68.
    12. Saqlain Pervez & Muhammad Anwar ul Haq & Mirza Ashfaq Ahmed & Muhammad Usman, 2019. "Linking Cronyism, Psychological Contract Breach, And Moral Disengagement: A Study Of Public Sector University Teachers," IBT Journal of Business Studies (JBS), Ilma University, Faculty of Management Science, vol. 15(1), pages 15-14.
    13. Gazi Islam, 2020. "Psychology and Business Ethics: A Multi-level Research Agenda," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 165(1), pages 1-13, August.

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