How the power dynamics and the culture of fear in business organizations contribute to the gap between ethics and morality in business practice

This dissertation investigates the hypothesis that the power dynamics inherent in business corporations and the existence of a culture of fear constitute important factors that contribute to the gap between ethical theory and moral behavior in business practice. Previous research has not approached the question regarding reasons for the ethics-morality gap in the business domain. Studies have focused on the ethical intentions of business people and whether women conceptualize ethical problems differently from men. These research studies arrive at both conflicting and inconclusive results. This research study by contrast investigates actual moral behavior in the real life context of women in positions of power and leadership.; Using the narrative method of inquiry I carried out in-depth interviews with twelve women who hold positions of power and leadership in business organizations. I oriented the in-depth interviews to gather information on the women's ethical frameworks and whether these influence their moral actions.; The findings from this research reveal that women in positions of power and leadership apply a number of forms of moral reasoning that they have a limited ability to articulate or to reflect upon. They cited fear of being disempowered as the greatest inhibitor to reflective thinking and moral creativity at work thus confirming the hypothesis of this study.; The implications suggest that business people would benefit from education in ethics and morality within the workplace. Further, women in positions of power and leadership would benefit from exposure to the lessons learned by those organizations that actively educate their executives in ethical decision-making and emphasize the public discussion of ethical dilemmas.