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The Peaceful Coexistence of Ethics and Quantitative Research

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  • Jeffrey R. Edwards

    (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

Abstract

This essay concerns the extent to which quantitative research (QR) in management and organizational studies is divorced from ethics, as alleged in a recent JBE editorial by Zyphur and Pierides (2017). After carefully examining the criticisms set forth by Zyphur and Pierides and the merits of the alternative they propose, I conclude that the problems with QR and the researchers who conduct it are arguably much less extreme that Zyphur and Pierides claim. This conclusion is informed by a sampling of QR studies recently published in management journals, which could be further corroborated by a more thorough review and evaluation of QR studies using principles drawn from the ethics literature. I believe this assessment would indicate that, despite room for improvement, QR and ethics can and do peacefully coexist, and quantitative researchers are largely aware of the problems and opportunities associated with integrating their work with ethics.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey R. Edwards, 2020. "The Peaceful Coexistence of Ethics and Quantitative Research," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 167(1), pages 31-40, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:167:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04197-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04197-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Michael J. Zyphur & Dean C. Pierides, 2017. "Is Quantitative Research Ethical? Tools for Ethically Practicing, Evaluating, and Using Quantitative Research," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 143(1), pages 1-16, June.
    2. Bentham, Jeremy, 1781. "An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation," History of Economic Thought Books, McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought, number bentham1781.
    3. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226316529 is not listed on IDEAS
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