Improving Case-Based Ethics Training with Codes of Conduct and Forecasting Content

Lauren Harkrider, University of Oklahoma
Chase E. Thiel, Central Washington University
Zhanna Bagdasarov, University of Oklahoma
Michael D. Mumford, University of Oklahoma
James F. Johnson, University of Oklahoma
Shane Connelly, University of Oklahoma
Lynn D. Devenport, University of Oklahoma

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Abstract

Although case-based training is popular for ethics education, little is known about how specific case content influences training effectiveness. Therefore, the effects of (a) codes of ethical conduct and (b) forecasting content were investigated. Results revealed richer cases, including both codes and forecasting content, led to increased knowledge acquisition, greater sensemaking strategy use, and better decision ethicality. With richer cases, a specific pattern emerged. Specifically, content describing codes alone was more effective when combined with short-term forecasts. whereas content embedding codes within context was more effective when combined with long-term forecasts, leading to greater knowledge acquisition and sensemaking strategy use.