Ethics in Business Research

1. Dr Raju Indukoori

2. Ethics in Business Research
• Ethics refers to the moral principles that direct or govern an
individual’s behavior while associated with an activity in an
organization over a period of time
• Business ethics are well directed in terms of do’s and don’t
• Business Research ethics are well directed principles which
are out comes of business in general and company in specific.
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3. Major Areas
1. Researcher
2. Respondents
3. Company
4. Business / Industry
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4. 1. Researcher – Unethical areas
a. Plagiarism
b. Incompetency
c. Violating non disclosure agreement
d. Poor research team work
e. Scope of research enhanced for more revenues:
f. Too technical
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5. 1. Researcher – Ethical transformation
a. Plagiarism
• Review of literature shouldn’t be repeated. Should refer to the author if copied
• Develop own models
b. Incompetency: Should be qualified and competent meeting the expectations
c. Violating non disclosure agreement: should be aware of the consequences
in case of violation irrespective of how small it is like sharing username and password.
d. Poor research team work: develop team working for common goal
e. Scope of research enhanced for more revenues: The researcher /
research firm should know the long term consequences out of it threatening the
survival.
f. Too technical: The research proposal, process, results and recommendations should
be adapted to managers’ understanding
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6. 2. Respondents - Major Areas
a. Breaking respondents confidentiality
b. Commercializing the data
c. Misinterpretation of data and its findings
d. Wrong approach to respondents
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7. 2. Respondents – Ethical Transformation
a. Breaking respondents confidentiality: Researcher and company should
know the consequences of this violation.
b. Commercializing the data: Take consent if shared and benefits to them if
any
c. Misinterpretation of data and its findings: Researcher shouldn’t try to
prove right or wrong with solutions and he / she needs to presents the facts ‘as is -
where is’
d. Wrong approach to respondents: Need to specify the need and purpose of
the survey with transparency.
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8. 3. Manager - Major Areas
a. Defending company specific legal liabilities
b. Individual interest over company’s interest
c. Ego or adamancy to accept the facts
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9. 3. Manager- Ethical Transformation
a. Defending company specific legal liabilities: Researcher
should be bold and strong enough to insist on the company.
b. Individual interest over company’s interest: Researcher should
understand the concept of ‘agency cost’ and understand the managers’
hidden intentions if any.
c. Ego or adamancy to accept the facts: Accepting the
recommendations and implementing the same will enable to beat
competition.
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10. 4. Business / Industry – Major Areas
a. Cross comparison
b. Level playing field
c. Legal compulsions
d. Policy Directives
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11. 4. Business / Industry – Major Areas
a. Cross comparison: The comparisons should be within the
same business / industry.
b. Level playing field: Shouldn’t provoke or ignite by
comparing with foreign MNC or other industries business
leaders.
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12. QUESTIONS?
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