A factor analysis of student responses and perceptions of ethical conduct in business

This study reports how students understand and appreciate the ethical actions of managers as represented in statements about real world situations. One hundred and twelve business majors, both graduate and undergraduate students, responded to 13 statements about real world situations relating to ethics, decision making, and whistle blowing, among other topics. Analysis of students' demographics and other differences was applied using age, income, gender, race, education, profession, college major, professional licensure, religious affiliation, upbringing, and/or certificate. Also, students' past witnessing of unethical acts was considered in the analysis. These findings have implications to the educators who design specific ethics courses and also those who integrate ethics content into other courses (finance, marketing, and others) in the general business program. Key words: Factor analysis, Ethics, Ethical decisions, Student responses.