Abstract

Previous research about moral intensity has mostly centered on ethical issues related to people, with relatively less exploration of ethical decisions related to the natural environment. Therefore, this study investigated perceptions toward three aspects of business environmental ethics, including natural ecology definition, business ecological role and business environmental protection; as well as the relationship among three aspects of business environmental ethics and moral intensity was investigated. The authors used the data collected from a survey of staffs, trainees, and trainers of a consulting and training institute, which was established more than 40 years ago. After gathering 448 effective responses, we used structural equation model to test the hypotheses. Results showed that moral intensity may be more prone to teleology and therefore can not be fully supported in this study to apply to natural environment issues. After all, directions for further research and implications for practice were provided.

Key words:     Business environmental ethics, ethical issues, moral intensity, natural environment issues environmental ethics.