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The Social Desirability Response Bias in Ethics Research

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Book cover Citation Classics from the Journal of Business Ethics

Part of the book series: Advances in Business Ethics Research ((ABER,volume 2))

Abstract

This study examines the impact of a social desirability response bias as a personality characteristic (self- deception and impression management) and as an item characteristic (perceived desirability of the behavior) on self-reported ethical conduct. Findings from a sample of college students revealed that self-reported ethical conduct is associated with both personality and item characteristics, with perceived desirability of behavior having the greatest influence on self-reported conduct. Implications for research in business ethics are drawn, and suggestions are offered for reducing the effects of a socially desirable response bias.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Albion College, Albion, MI, 49224-1831, USA

    Donna M. Randall (Office of the President)

  2. 7445 W. Devonwood Drive, 83703, Boise, ID, USA

    Maria F. Fernandes

Authors
  1. Donna M. Randall
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  2. Maria F. Fernandes
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Donna M. Randall .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Faculty of Arts, Brandon University, 18th Street 270, Brandon, R7A 6A9, Manitoba, Canada

    Alex C. Michalos

  2. Office of the President, Brandon University, 18th Street 270, Brandon, R7A 6A9, Manitoba, Canada

    Deborah C. Poff

Appendix A: Overclaiming Scale

Appendix A: Overclaiming Scale

  • How familiar are you with each of the following newly released movies?

    1. 1.

      Turned to Gold

    2. 2.

      Katherine’s Mistake

  • How familiar are you with each of the following products?

    1. 1.

      Microsoft Statistical Assistant

    2. 2.

      New Life Spices

  • How familiar are you with each of the following albums?

    1. 1.

      Cosmic Being

    2. 2.

      Offender After Dark

  • How familiar are you with each of the following TV programs?

    1. 1.

      The Adventures of Johnnie

    2. 2.

      Chicago Heat

  • How familiar are you with each of the following designer labels?

    1. 1.

      Ocean City

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      Jones L. A.

All answers provided with a five point Likert scale (1  =  not at all familiar, 3  =  somewhat familiar, and 5  =  very familiar).

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Randall, D.M., Fernandes, M.F. (2013). The Social Desirability Response Bias in Ethics Research. In: Michalos, A., Poff, D. (eds) Citation Classics from the Journal of Business Ethics. Advances in Business Ethics Research, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4126-3_9

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