An Ethics of Care or an Ethics of Justice

The Influence of Nationality and Gender on Ethical Sensitivity: An Application of the Issue-Contingent Model

“…On the other hand, Turkey scores relatively lower (i.e., 45, Hofstede, 1991), displaying more feminine cultural values that reinforce cooperation, establishing good relations with superiors, and conforming to the expectations of authorities. Consistent with these relatively feminine traits, Turkey is found to use ethics of care in resolution of ethical conflicts (French and Weis, 2000). The significant differences between nationalities on the individual vignettes in this category suggest that the differences are greater than one might conclude on the basis of the difference between overall means.…”

“…With a score of 91, U.S. is the most individualistic nation studied, while Turkey displays a collectivist orientation with a score of 37 (Hofstede, 1991). In a study investigating the reasons for moral judgments in six countries, French and Weis (2000) characterized Turkey as a county where group affiliation is very strong and the members of a group are expected to provide for and protect each other. These findings assert that the Turks rely on ''honesty: as a reciprocal obligation/right (within group)'', whereas the Americans value ''equity: based on reciprocity (with anyone)'' more than any other trait in solving their ethical disputes (French and Weis, 2000, p. 132).…”

“…Western cultures, such as the U.S., which has a score of 62 on Hofstede's masculine versus feminine dimension, have been characterized as masculine, reinforcing achievement, competition and success (Hofstede, 1991). Ethics of justice utilized by the U.S. promotes freedom of choice and reciprocity based on low power distance to achieve success (French and Weis, 2000). On the other hand, Turkey scores relatively lower (i.e., 45, Hofstede, 1991), displaying more feminine cultural values that reinforce cooperation, establishing good relations with superiors, and conforming to the expectations of authorities.…”

“…According to this framework, ethics of justice emphasizes equality, principles, and results. In contrast, ethics of care gives more weight to social virtues and character traits, such as nurturing and caring for others (Betz et al, 1989;Dawson, 1995;Derry, 1989;Dienhart, 1995;Douglas and Schwartz, 1999;French and Weis, 2000;Gilligan, 1982;Lyons, 1988;MacIntyre, 1984;Reiter, 1996;Tronto, 1993). The common findings of these studies are that women display higher ethical standards than do men and that moral reasoning processes differ between the two genders.…”

The Role of Business Ethics in Merger and Acquisition Success: An Empirical Study

“…In addition, both ''justice'' and ''caring'' factors are integrated in this study to gain new perspectives. French and Weis (2000) particularly differentiate these two ethical concepts and explain that the prevailing Western approach on the ethics of justice postulates self as separated from others, whereas an ethics of caring places more emphasis in virtue, concerns for others, and sees self as connected to others.…”