Goal setting as a motivator of unethical behavior

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Schweitzer, ME; Ordóñez, L; Douma, B
• 署名单位: University of Pennsylvania; University of Arizona; University of Montana System; University of Montana
• 刊物名称: ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0001-4273
• DOI: 10.5465/20159591
• 发表日期: 2004
• 页码: 422-432
• 关键词: ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING; BARGAINING TACTICS; ASSIGNED GOALS; performance; COMMITMENT; ORGANIZATIONS; determinants; perceptions; acceptance; frameworks

摘要

We explored the role of goal setting in motivating unethical behavior in a laboratory experiment. We found that people with unmet goals were more likely to engage in unethical behavior than people attempting to do their best. This relationship held for goals both with and without economic incentives. We also found that the relationship between goal setting and unethical behavior was particularly strong when people fell just short of reaching their goals.