Content area
Abstract
Despite the existence of a large number of models to explain the ethical decision-making process, rarely have the models been tested. The use of such models is validated by showing that both issue-contingent variables and individual characteristics affect two commonly-proposed model components: moral judgment and moral intent. As proposed by Jones' (1991) ethical decision-making model and elaborated on, the main effect of an issue-contingent variable, social consensus, and a closely-related variable, seriousness of consequences, influenced both moral judgment and moral intent. Many ethical decision-making models also argue for the inclusion of individual characteristics in the decision-making process. It was found that the individual characteristics of rule orientation and denial of responsibility influenced moral judgment and moral intent, respectively. However, interactions between issue-contingent variables and individual characteristics were insignificant relative to the main effects variables.