Investigating Unethical Business Decisions Of Eastern And Western Nigerians: The Role Of Future Self-Continuity

Abstract: Future self-continuity has been noted as a major factor that determines unethical business decisions, but its mediating effect on the difference in individuals from cross-cultural settings is yet to be adequately examined. This study investigated unethical business decisions of Eastern and Western Nigerians; and the mediating role of future self-continuity. A total of 197 post graduate university students selected through convenience sampling were used for the cross-sectional study. Participants filled a self-administered close ended questionnaire measuring their unethical business decisions and future self-continuity. Pearson correlation analysis, independent t-test and Baron and Kenny’s method of mediation analysis were used to analyze the data collected. Result revealed that greater future self-continuity led to fewer unethical business decisions. Significant differences were noticed in the expression of unethical business and future self-continuity of Eastern and Western Nigerians. Future self-continuity did not mediate the difference noticed between the Eastern and Western Nigerians in their unethical business decision. In conclusion, future self-continuity is not a significant mediator of the observed difference in unethical business decisions of Eastern and Western Nigerians.