Discussed in these studies do not represent

discussed in these studies do not represent organizational climates but climates across a group of
unrelated individuals. Based on the definition for EWC, can I call the emerging groups ethical
climates? The use of inappropriate sampling and methodology reduces the validity of these
investigations.
In summary, the theory of EWCs and its measure, the ECQ, have both theoretical and
empirical shortcomings that raise strong concerns regarding its ability to assess accurately the
ethical climates of organizations. In recent years, many scholars have raised concerns about the
theory and measure. At the International Association for Business and Society meeting in 2004, a
session termed: “Revisiting Victor and Cullen’s theory and measure of EWCs,” concluded with a
call for new theory and measurement of EWC.
Answering the Call for New Theory and Measurement: The Psychological Process Model and
Ethical Climate Index
Even if we resolved the psychometric deficiencies of the ECQ, such as stabilizing its
factor structure, we would still be using a scale based on an underspecified theory. Thus, for all
of its impact on the study of EWC, Victor and Cullen’s (1987) framework appears to be
theoretically underspecified for accurately predicting ethical behavior, in that it only informs us
about one of the ethical decision-making components: moral judgment. A more fully specified
model of EWC should include all of the dimensions of the ethical decision-making process. The
Psychological Process Model developed by Arnaud and Schminke (forthcoming) introduced

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such an ethical climate theory, one grounded in the ethical decision-making model by Rest
(1986).
Rest’s Four Component Model
Rest’s (1986) framework explains that moral judgment is one important component of
ethical-decision-making, which ultimately leads to behavior. Yet, in order to predict behavior,
four components must be understood. In particular, Rest states that before individuals engage in
ethical acts, they must perform four basic psychological processes, which Rest terms moral
sensitivity, moral judgment, moral motivation, and moral character. Hence, the current model of
EWC, which is grounded in only one of the components of the ethical-decision making process
(moral judgment) is limited in scope.
Rest (1986) defines each component of the ethical-decision making process. First, moral
sensitivity involves recognizing that an ethical dilemma exists and evaluating how one’s actions
affect others (empathy). Moral judgment involves bringing one’s moral decision-making
framework (as reflected in one’s cognitive moral development) to bear on the problem, to
determine the ethical course of action. Moral motivation concerns the degree to which ethical
values dominate other potential values (e.g., power or economic values) in a particular situation.