Ethics in Business Research

1
Chapter 5

• Ethics in Business Research

2
Learning Objectives

• What issues are covered in research ethics
• The goal of no harm for all research activities
  and what constitutes no harm for participant,
  researcher, and research sponsor
• Differing ethical dilemmas and responsibilities
  of researchers, sponsors, and research assistants
  

3
Types of Ethical Violations
Violating disclosure agreements
Misrepresenting results
Breaking confidentiality
Deceiving participants
Padded invoices
Avoiding legal liability
4
Exhibit 5-1 Ethical issues at all stages of the
research process
5
Ethical Treatment of Participants
Explain study benefits
Explain participant rights and protections
Obtain informed consent
6
Components of Informed Consent

• Identify researchers
• Describe survey topic
• Describe target sample
• Identify sponsor
• Describe purpose of research
• Promise anonymity and confidentiality

• Give good-faith estimate of required time
  commitment
• State participation is voluntary
• State item-non response is acceptable
• Ask for permission

7
Characteristics ofInformed Consent
Competence
Elements
Knowledge
Voluntary
Informed
8
Ethical Responsibilities

• Special guidelines apply to children!
• Informed consent means parental approval

9
Deception
Disguising non-research activities
Camouflaging true research objectives
10
Debriefing
Explain any deception
Describe purpose
Share results
Provide follow-up
11
Participant Confidentiality
12
Right to Privacy
Right to refuse
Prior permission to interview
Limit time required
13
Confidentiality
Sponsor Nondisclosure
Purpose Nondisclosure
Findings Nondisclosure
14
Knowledge is power

• Source Cooper R. D. Schindler, S. P.
• (2006). Business Research Methods
• 9e. McGraw.Hill