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The Detrimental Effects of Ethical Incongruence in Teams: An Interactionist Perspective of Ethical Fit on Relationship Conflict and Information Sharing

Author

Listed:
  • Natalie J. Shin

    (Drexel University)

  • Jonathan C. Ziegert

    (Drexel University)

  • Miriam Muethel

    (WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management)

Abstract

Building from an interactionist view of ethics, this study sought to integrate individual and contextual factors for understanding ethical perceptions in teams. Given the proximal nature of team members, this study specifically explored how individuals comparatively evaluate their own ethical behaviors and team members’ ethical behaviors to arrive at a perception of ethical person–group (P–G) fit within a team. Grounding our theoretical arguments in relational schemas theory (Baldwin, Psychological Bulletin 112:461–484, 1992), we demonstrate that interpersonal ethical perceptions can have distal impacts on perceptions of team functioning. The results support the hypotheses that a perceived ethical incongruence between the self and other team members (i.e., lack of ethical P–G fit) negatively influenced perceptions of relationship conflict and ultimately information sharing. By exploring individual and team level aspects of ethics concurrently, we contribute to a deeper understanding of contextual forces in ethics through an interactionist approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Natalie J. Shin & Jonathan C. Ziegert & Miriam Muethel, 2022. "The Detrimental Effects of Ethical Incongruence in Teams: An Interactionist Perspective of Ethical Fit on Relationship Conflict and Information Sharing," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 179(1), pages 259-272, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:179:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1007_s10551-020-04684-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-020-04684-1
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