The role of social worldviews and self-control in moral disengagement

Drawing from social cognitive theory and research on social worldviews and self-control, this study examines the relationships between five universally endorsed social worldviews and moral disengagement, and the role of self-control trait as a moderator in these relationships. Using data collected from 204 business professionals, this study found that social cynicism and fate control worldviews were positively related to moral disengagement, while social complexity and reward for application worldviews were negatively related to moral disengagement. Furthermore, the effects of social cynicism, fate control, and social complexity worldviews on moral disengagement were stronger for individuals lower on self-control trait and not significant for individuals higher on self-control trait. Implications for research and practice are discussed.