Work experience and whistle-blowing intention: The mediating role of ethical reasoning

Abstract

Ethical reasoning involves the cognitive process of reasoning which in turn leads to moral decision making. The aim of the study is to provide a possible explanation for the inconclusive empirical results of previous whistle-blowing studies. Using theory of planned behaviour and cognitive moral development theory as frameworks, this study examines the mediating role of ethical reasoning in the relationship between work experience and whistle blowing intention. Data were collected from 311 supervisors from large manufacturing companies in Malaysia. Applying the Sobel test, the results indicate that ethical reasoning plays a mediating role in the relationship between work experience and whistle-blowing intention. Implications for theory and practice of the findings are discussed.