A Literature Review and Prospects of Entrepreneurial Ethics Researches

Abstract

Abstract: Ethical issues are common in entrepreneurship in which unethical behaviors and conflicts of interest occur owing to environmental uncertainty, resource scarcity, fierce competition and ill-defined roles of entrepreneurs. Digital technologies, while empowering entrepreneurial activities, make ethical issues even more complex due to their externalities. Entrepreneurial ethics have aroused increasing attention, but researches on this topic have been under-developed. To advance researches on entrepreneurial ethics, this study systematically reviews 71 papers published in 24 authoritative journals in the disciplines of management, entrepreneurship and ethics from 2003 to 2020. This study reviews papers in three categories:(1)factors influencing ethical cognition / climate in entrepreneurship;(2)antecedents of ethical decisions and behaviors in entrepreneurship; and (3) outcomes of ethical decisions and behaviors in entrepreneurship. This study offers a comprehensive agenda for future researches on entrepreneurial ethics.

Key words: entrepreneurial ethics, ethical cognition, unethical behaviors, stakeholders, digital technology

Yu Xiaoyu, Liu Xiaomin, Cai Li, Tao Yida. A Literature Review and Prospects of Entrepreneurial Ethics Researches[J]. Management Review, 2022, 34(12): 97-108.

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