Back to search

Virginia Tech

An investigation into the effect of cognitive moral development on ethical judgments, intentions, and behavior

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of cognitive moral development on ethical judgments, intentions, and behavior. In particular, the question is addressed as to whether cognitive moral development plays a moderating role in the Hunt-Vitell (1986, 1991) model between the situational factors and teleological evaluation. A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experimental design involving cognitive moral development, desirability of perceived consequences to self, and desirability of perceived consequences to other, was operationalized through the use of specific scenarios designed to elicit ethical decision making. The population used in this study were a sample of purchasing managers from the Carolinas-Virginia chapter of the National Association of Purchasing Managers. Pretesting was conducted to refine the scenarios used in the final study, and to assess subject reactions. The results provided some support to several of the links proposed by Hunt and Vitell. However, the central role of cognitive moral development in the model was not strongly supported. Limitations of the study, future research, and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Ph. D.
Level thesis:degree_level
doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Marketing
Department dc:contributor.department
Marketing
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1996

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Cole, Dennis
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Sirgy, M. Joseph
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Bird, Monroe Murphy
  • Buffer, Loretta C.
  • Crawford, Helen J.
  • Ozanne, Julie L.

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-06062008-155707
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/38135

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Cole, Dennis. An investigation into the effect of cognitive moral development on ethical judgments, intentions, and behavior. doctoral thesis, Virginia Tech, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/38135