Content area
Abstract
Empirical literature is reviewed in order to assess which variables are postulated as influencing ethical beliefs and decision making. The variables are divided into those unique to the individual decision maker and those considered situational in nature. Variables related to an individual decision maker - nationality, religion, sex, age, education, employment, and personality - are reviewed. Situation specific variables examined are referent groups, rewards and sanctions, codes of conduct, type of ethical conflict, organization effects, industry, and business competitiveness. The variables identified have been empirically tested in an effort to uncover what is known and what is needed to know about the variables that are hypothesized as determinants of ethical decision behavior.