Internal Work Motivation: Predictor of Using Ethical Heuristics and Motivations

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the construct Internal Work Motivation and the use of Extrinsic Guides, concerns for Personal Advancement, and Religion/Moral Beliefs for making ethical journalistic decisions. The study reports that journalists who use extrinsic guides such as peers, employers, or the law as ethical heuristics are motivated to perform well on the job. Journalists who use concerns for personal advancement as an ethical motivation are not motivated to perform well on the job. Journalists who use religion/moral beliefs as an ethical motivation may or may not be motivated to perform well on the job depending on how they would deal with an ethical dilemma.