Title: Entrepreneurial business ethics: a special case or business as usual?

Authors: William P. Cordeiro

Addresses: Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics, California State University Channel Islands, One University Drive, Camarillo, CA 93012, USA

Abstract: ||Entrepreneurs pursue opportunities [for business success] without regard to resources currently under [their] control||. Often cited as primary agents of economic growth, entrepreneurs have been extensively analysed. Many articles address the personal traits and behaviours of entrepreneurs, the elements of successful entrepreneurial firms, the role of entrepreneurs and their firms in society and their obligations to society. There seems to be general agreement that entrepreneurs are more comfortable with ambiguity and risk (than general corporate managers). But, it should be noted, that entrepreneurs are not necessarily more or less successful in business endeavours; they are just different. This paper has three parts: firstly, it briefly explores the definition of entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial practices and ethical decision making by entrepreneurs. Secondly, it describes a qualitative research project that investigated entrepreneurs and their ethical decision-making environment. Finally, it makes recommendations to entrepreneurs concerning their ethical decision making.

Keywords: entrepreneurial behaviour; entrepreneurial characteristics; entrepreneurial ethics; business ethics; ethical decision making; entrepreneurship; entrepreneurs; entrepreneurial practices.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEBR.2011.040018

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2011 Vol.3 No.3, pp.241 - 252

Published online: 22 Apr 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article