Research Ethics Is Construed Differently

Research ethics is construed differently by different authors. According to Resnik (2010), ethics in research have to do with "norms for conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior." Randall & Gibson (1990) view ethics more in terms of presenting valid evidence from authentic research methodologies. Werhane & Doering (1997) focus on conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment in their evaluation of what research ethics entails. Each of these points-of-view presents a unique and compelling piece in the puzzle that comprises research ethics.

In business, research ethics are often as complex as they might be in the medial or social sciences. Resnik (2010) points out that different disciplines have unique sets of norms and values that characterize their research ethics. These norms and values underwrite the approach to research and empirical investigations. Because business often interfaces with science, medicine, and social science, ethics in all these areas may relate to business research ethics as well. For example, if a company depends on an empirical study to market a product, then the ethical validity of that study must be taken into consideration. As Resnik (2010) points out, various professional organizations are in charge of establishing the ethical codes that their members must follow. Some of the core qualities that these organizations agree on include honesty, objectivity, integrity, carefulness, openness, and social responsibility (Resnik 2010). Resnik (2010) offers case studies to elucidate how research ethics play out in the real world.

The meta-analysis compiled by Randall & Gibson (1990) offers a review of nearly a hundred studies on research ethics. The authors found great discrepancies among the research, noting that many did not provide an ethical framework. Researchers frequently offered "no concern for the reliability or validity of measures, were characterized by low response rates, used convenience samples, and did not offer a theoretic framework, hypotheses, or a definition of ethics." What makes the Randall & Gibson (1990) article so important is its scathing review of how poorly construed research ethics actually are in the business community.

Werhane & Doering (1997) point out that it is virtually impossible to operate in a totally objective research environment. All researchers have a degree of bias. The goal is to minimize that bias as a variable in empirical research. Focusing on conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment, Werhane & Doering (1997) raise important issues and address critical concerns. The issues of conflict of interest and conflict of commitment are salient especially in the world of business. The interface between science and business frequently presents such a conflict, such as in pharmaceutical research. Informed consent and other ethical precautions are sometimes misconstrued if not totally glossed over in research.