The influence mechanism of goal content on employees' ethical sensitivity

Ethical sensitivity is the initial logical component of ethical behaviour. Only if individuals recognise the ethical problems in a situation can they make ethical judgements and perform ethical behaviours. Ethical sensitivity is affected by many factors. Therefore, to promote the ethical behaviour of employees, it is necessary to explore the key factors of employees' ethical sensitivity. Based on a framework of self-determination theory, this study analyses the effects of goal contents on ethical sensitivity and the mediating role of basic psychological needs. A total of 149 employees were surveyed and the results demonstrate the following: 1) intrinsic goals are positively related to ethical sensitivity; 2) the intrinsic goals and basic psychological needs are significantly positively related; 3) basic psychological needs fully mediate the relationship between intrinsic goals and ethical sensitivity. Finally, the practical contributions of the research and suggestions for future studies are discussed.