Changing Behavior by Improving Codes of Ethics

Abstract

This paper describes ways to improve the effectiveness of a code of ethics where the goal is to affect the alternative chosen by a decision maker. These avenues for improvement are divided into those related to the content of the code and those related to enforcement provisions associated with a code. Improvements related to the content of the code are designed to change decision makers’ perceptions as to whether an action is ethical in such a way that they change the action chosen. Improvements related to enforcement provisions are designed to change how decision makers value the outcomes associated with selecting specific actions.

Citation

Lere, J.C. and Gaumnitz, B.R. (2007), "Changing Behavior by Improving Codes of Ethics", American Journal of Business, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 7-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/19355181200700006