Ethics and Religion
ABSTRACT. Although it seems that ethics and religion should be related, past research suggests mixed conclusions on the relationship. We argue that such mixed results are mostly due to methodological and conceptual limitations. We develop hypotheses linking Cornwall et al.s (1986, Review of Religious Research, 27(3): 266–244) religious components to individuals willingness to justify ethically suspect behaviors. Using data on 63,087 individuals from 44 countries, we find support for three hypotheses: the cognitive, one affective, and the behavioral component of religion are negatively related to ethics. Surprisingly, one aspect of the cognitive component
(i.e., belief in religion) shows no relationship.
Implications for research and practice are discussed.
KEY WORDS: religion, ethics, cross-national study
Introduction
The link between religion and ethics seems obvious
(Tittle and Wlech, 1983; Weaver and Agle, 2002).
Religions, through the values they embody, often build the basis for what is considered right and wrong (Turner, 1997). Religion produces both formal and informal norms and provides people with a freedom/constraint duality by prescribing behaviors within some acceptable boundaries (Fararo and
Skvoretz, 1986). Such norms, values, and beliefs are often codified into a religious code such as the Bible or the Koran. In Christian religions, for instance, the
Ten Commandments provide a broad basis of codified ethical rules that believing Christians must
K. Praveen Parboteeah (Ph.D. Washington State University) is an Associate Professor of International Management in the
Department of Management, University of Wisconsin -
Whitewater. Parboteeahs research interests include international management, ethics, religion and technology and innovation management. He has published articles in numerous academic journals including Academy of Management
Journal, Organization Science, Decision Sciences,
Small Group Research, Journal
(i.e., belief in religion) shows no relationship.
Implications for research and practice are discussed.
KEY WORDS: religion, ethics, cross-national study
Introduction
The link between religion and ethics seems obvious
(Tittle and Wlech, 1983; Weaver and Agle, 2002).
Religions, through the values they embody, often build the basis for what is considered right and wrong (Turner, 1997). Religion produces both formal and informal norms and provides people with a freedom/constraint duality by prescribing behaviors within some acceptable boundaries (Fararo and
Skvoretz, 1986). Such norms, values, and beliefs are often codified into a religious code such as the Bible or the Koran. In Christian religions, for instance, the
Ten Commandments provide a broad basis of codified ethical rules that believing Christians must
K. Praveen Parboteeah (Ph.D. Washington State University) is an Associate Professor of International Management in the
Department of Management, University of Wisconsin -
Whitewater. Parboteeahs research interests include international management, ethics, religion and technology and innovation management. He has published articles in numerous academic journals including Academy of Management
Journal, Organization Science, Decision Sciences,
Small Group Research, Journal