Most of the research on fostering ethical climates by making ethical decision choices in organisations has taken place in the last 20 years. Research has moved from specific studies evaluating either individual or situational variables as factors in ethical decision behaviour to more complex models that encompass the interaction of individual and situational factors. This study revisits the influence of the individual variable of gender on ethical decision making. Using a laboratory format and decision exercises that attempted to create realistic business conflict situations through decision scenarios, the influence of demographic factors, specifically gender, and the moral intensity of the conflict situation on ethical decision making are examined in the light of workplace values.

T his paper involves a signi® cant review of the obstacles that face health-care organizations that undertake total quality management (TQM ) implementation. A de® nition of the concept of quality is thoroughly explored, along with the concept of total quality. The importance of TQM in the health-care industry is discussed, and a comparison of TQ M in m anufactur ing environm ents to TQM in a health-care organization environment is made . Obstacles to the application of TQM in health-care organizations are presented and discussed and conclusions and recom mendations regarding the philosophy and practice of quality managem ent and digni® ed leadership are m ade.

Explores the evolution of the quality issue within the health-care industry and also the significance of quality in the health industry along with the historical origins of quality management. Reviews applications of total quality management in the health care industry along with implementation issues. Concludes that a fundamental understanding of the process of total quality management is an absolute requirement.

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PurposeThis paper sets out to promote individual enterprise responsibility and provide recommendations that will strengthen the relationship between large firms and small businesses involved in minority supplier development programs in the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe groundwork for the empirical study comprised a literature review of existing perspectives on the assisted growth and development of businesses owned by minorities.FindingsSupport is found for programs that help disadvantaged groups to succeed but opposition to preferential treatment is also evident. Several firms that have noteworthy minority supplier development programs are identified. Recommendations are provided to further develop the relationship between large suppliers and small businesses owned by minorities.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should use organizational case studies to provide a more detailed analysis of outcomes and the role of minority supplier development programs.Practical limitationsIt is not the intention in this work to present recommendations that will increase procurement contracts for ethnic business enterprises.Originality/valueThis paper offers several starting‐points, which are critical to building successful relationships between suppliers and small businesses owned by minorities.