Comparing Ethical Decision-making among Undergraduates: The Impact of Institutional Values
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v19i2.1443Keywords:
Higher Education, Ethical Decision-making, Institutional ValuesAbstract
This mixed-methods study explores the influence of institutional values on undergraduates’ ethical decision making. Analysis focused on whether graduating seniors differed from incoming first-year students with respect to: a) the ethical principles, and b) institutional values reflected in their responses to six ethical dilemmas college students typically encounter. Both narrative and survey data were collected. Significant within-group effects revealed both first-year and senior students vary their decisionmaking strategies when responding to different ethical scenarios. Selective between-group differences were also observed, reflecting the influence of institutional values on students’ ethical decision-making. Implications for student affairs professionals in higher education are discussed.