A cross-cultural study of the ethical beliefs among Turkish consumers

Abstract

This study examines the ethical beliefs of Turkish consumers using a modified version of the Muncy-Vitell Consumer Ethics Scale (CES). Turkey’s ethical climate faces challenges such as copyright violations, environmental pollution, deceptive advertising, unsafe products, bribery, and ethical misconduct in business and politics. Focusing on frequent purchasers, the research assesses consumer ethics in shopping behaviors. While prior studies suggest some Turkish consumers engage in unethical practices, this study reveals a heightened sensitivity toward unethical behavior among respondents. Given Turkey’s status as a Muslim-majority country, the influence of Islamic ethical principles on consumption patterns warrants deeper investigation. The findings contribute to understanding how cultural and religious values shape consumer ethics in emerging markets, offering insights for policymakers and businesses aiming to promote ethical consumption.

Keywords: {'name': 'Ethical Beliefs, Turkish Consumers, Culture, Shopping Behaviours'}

Authors & affiliations

Talha Harcar
Pennsylvania State University

John E. Spillan
University of North Carolina

Xin Liu
University of North Carolina

Yaman Oztek
Cyprus Health and Social Science University

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