Influences of different ethical issues on ethical decision-making in an IT context

This paper reports the results of a laboratory experiment involving the discussion of ethical scenarios. Groups discussed five ethical scenarios centered on the use of information technology, involving issues of privacy, intellectual property, use of company equipment for non-work activities, and modification of company software for personal gain. Data were collected via questionnaire before and after the discussion. The results show that ethical decision making processes vary by scenario, with perceived importance of an ethical issue and moral obligation to act being strong, but not all-inclusive influences on the link between attitude toward questionable behavior and intention to engage in the behavior. The results are discussed in the context of several models of ethical decision-making and suggestions are given for future research. Managers are advised on how to limit unethical behavior.