Development of a Scale to Measure Behavioral Intentions Related to Irresponsible Management

This paper explores the variables predicting the behavioral intentions of students in response to perceived irrespon¬sible management conduct. Rather than conceptua¬lizing these reactions as a dichotomous variable (to acquiesce or to oppose) we propose that behavioral intentions can vary. We differentiate between an intention (1) to acquiesce if the perceived cost to society is smaller than the individual benefit created, (2) to quit the situation altogether, (3) to confront colleagues about perceived irresponsible behavior, or (4) to report them to appropriate stakeholders / authorities. Using data obtained from a survey of business school students, the paper develops and validates measures. Secondly, the paper tests the dimensionality of the constructs and their distinctiveness. In particular, we test how antecedents such as a attitudinal tolerance towards irresponsible behavior, perceived norms by respected peers, self-efficacy, and expected support from colleagues affect the different behavioral intentions. In doing so the paper proposes and validates measures of both student reactions to perceived irresponsible management behavior as well as their antecedents. The resulting scale provides the basis for future research into responsible management education.