The impact of cognitive strategy, self-control, and emotional intelligence on ethical judgments and intentions

Abstract

Increased awareness to the repercussions of unethical behavior in recent years has led to the development of various ethics training programs and studies examining the factors that influence ethical behavior. Although effective training programs have been established, these programs are lengthy, time intensive, and require sacrifices on the part of the participant. Further, multiple factors have been shown to impact ethical behavior, but research on factors that affect the perception of ethical dilemmas has been limited. The present studies examine of the effect of a cognitive guide map (ACED IT) and two individual factors, trait self-control and emotional intelligence, on participant perceptions of ethical dilemmas. Results indicate that the use of ACED IT positively affects ethical judgments, while emotional intelligence positively affects ethical identifications and intentions.