Topic: Consistent or inconsistent acts after doing good deeds? A preliminary conceptualization and test of a moral elasticity quotient

Speaker: Prof. CHEN Xiao-Ping, Michael G. Foster School of Business, University of Washington

Host: Prof. XIE Xiao-Yun

Time: 13:30-15:30 December 22nd, 2016 (Thursay)

Venue: Room 302

Abstract: Drawing on the adaptation-level theory and the literatures on moral decision making, we propose and formulate a moral elasticity quotient (i.e., significance of good deeds / moral ideal standard) that regulates people’s moral consistent and inconsistent (licensing) behaviors. Specifically, when the moral significance of past good deeds is below one’s moral ideal standard (elasticity quotient < 1), consistent good deeds will follow; whereas when the significance of good deeds outweighs the moral ideal standard (elasticity quotient > 1), people will feel licensed to engage in morally questionable behaviors. Moreover, we propose that ethical leadership would moderate the relationship between moral elasticity quotient and subsequent consistent or licensing behavior because it elevates the moral ideal standard. Results from three studies with diverse methodologies (a lab experiment, an interview study, and a multi-sourced, three-waved field survey) provide convergent evidence to our theoretical model. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings in the organizational setting.