Support for Reidenbach and Robin’s (1990) eight-item multidimensional ethics scale

Abstract

Re-analyses of data from two independent studies using samples (N=216 and 247) of Canadian management undergraduates showed support for Reidenbach and Robin’s [J. Business Ethics 7 (1988) 871] eight-item ethics scale derived from their full 38-item scale. The principal component analyses of ethics scores from the three scenarios used in each study supported the three constructs, Moral Equity, Relativism, and Contractualism. Importantly, scores were independent of social desirability scores. This short ethics scale, comprising three construct scores and a total score, can be recommended when administration time is limited. It should be noted that this short scale does not include any items from the egoism and utilitarianism ethics theories reflected in the full scale.

Acknowledgements

This research was supported, in part, by a grant from the University of Lethbridge Teaching Development Fund to the author.