Ethics and Economics in International Business Education: A Comparison of Kuwaiti and U.S. Students Using an Ultimatum Game Scenario |
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| Authors: | Dennis Wittmer Ali Al-Kazemi |
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| Institution: | 1. Professor and Chair, Department of Management, Daniels College of Business, University of Denver , Denver , Colorado , USA dwittmer@du.edu;4. Alkazemi@cba.edu.kw;5. Associate Professor, Kuwait University and Cultural Attaché, Kuwait Cultural Office , Los Angeles , California , USA |
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| Abstract: | In the past 20 years a body of research in behavioral and experimental economics has challenged classical economic theory. Yet, this body of research seems relatively unknown in business education. One behavioral test with implications for international business education has been the use of ultimatum games, which has more recently expanded to cross-cultural studies. Yet, virtually no cross-cultural studies have been conducted for subjects in Middle Eastern countries. One of the central findings from ultimatum game research and other variations is that individuals place a high value on fairness in transactions, a fundamentally ethical concept. This article reports a preliminary study of Kuwaiti and U.S. business students. Results are consistent with previous studies, showing Kuwaiti subjects to be in line with subjects from developed economies. Discussion includes the implications for management and business educators. |
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| Keywords: | Decision making Experimental economics Homo economicus Kuwait Self-interest Student ethics Economics and Management |
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