Temptation and the propensity to engage in unethical behaviour

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the propensity of business students to engage in unethical behaviour in the field of work. The study further examines the effect of temptation on the propensity of an individual to engage in an unethical conduct.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method of research was used, and a set of questionnaires was developed and administered to the respondents. Data were collected from 551 undergraduate students from University of Ghana Business School and the partial least square structural equation modelling technique was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results indicate that the likelihood of students engaging in an unethical conduct is high when tempted. Students who are desirous of getting rich, who lack self-control and whose way of thinking are affected when found in tempting situations have high propensity to engage in unethical conduct.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide some useful insights to the corporate world on the behavioural intentions of future graduates in tempting situations.

Originality/value

This study highlights the effect of temptations on an individual’s propensity to engage in an unethical conduct.

Citation

Owusu, G.M.Y., Amoah Bekoe, R., Koomson, T.A.A. and Simpson, S.N.Y. (2019), "Temptation and the propensity to engage in unethical behaviour", International Journal of Ethics and Systems, Vol. 35 No. 1, pp. 43-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOES-04-2018-0057