Implicit Mental Processes in Ethical Management Behavior

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This article examines the relationship between implicit mental processes and ethical decisions made by managers. Based on the dual-process view in social and cognitive psychology, it is argued that social cognition (e.g., moral judgments) can rely on two different modes of information processing. On one hand, moral judgments reflect explicit, conscious, and extensive cognitive processes, which are attributed to explicit attitude. On the other hand, moral judgments may also be based on implicit, automatic, and effortless processes referring to implicit attitude. To test this thesis, a study involving 182 participants was conducted. The results support the thesis.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEthics & Behavior
Volume20
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)128-148
Number of pages21
ISSN1050-8422
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 03.2010

    Research areas

  • Business psychology - Ethical decision-making, Implicit mental processes, Implicit social cognition, Managerial behavior, Selective attention