Ethical Perceptions of Business Management Students and the Role of Gender and Educational Background

Abstract

An Institution is the Lengthened Shadow of One Person. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance, 1841 The leader of an organisation determines the ethical platform of the firm. Many of the managerial decisions taken by the business leaders tend to involve their ethical considerations and preferences. With the growing complexity and dynamism in business, business leaders are urged to choose the path of convenience when faced with an ethical dilemma. The less critical judgement leading to greater tolerance of unethical practices can be attributed to an individual’s ethical perceptions. These perceptions are nurtured over a period of time and are shaped by several independent factors. The present study is aimed at understanding the ethical perceptions of business management students during the two years of preparation for the industry. This study examines the key factors guiding the ethical perceptions of management graduates and also explores the role of factors such as gender, undergraduate background and school board in influencing them.

Keywords: Ethical Perceptions, Management Students

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