Recent developments in information technology, in particular the growth of Internet and computer networks, have fueled the exponential growth in transaction frequencies and sales volume using Internet. The majority of the consumers is not comfortable ...
Recent developments in information technology, in particular the growth of Internet and computer networks, have fueled the exponential growth in transaction frequencies and sales volume using Internet. The majority of the consumers is not comfortable with Internet transactions and still prefers conventional business to Internet business. Their concern and reluctance stem from two factors: pay-before-delivery policy of Internet firms, and limited examination and selection of products and services via computer monitors. These problems have significantly increased the risk borne by consumers of Internet business compared to those of conventional business.
This study examines whether attitude and behavior of Internet firms' managers towards ethical issues alleviate of aggravate these problems, which, in turn, draw or repel potential consumers for Internet business. The empirical findings obtained from the responses of 228 managers of Internet commerce, contents or infrastructure firms support the hypothesis that managers' personal attitude are in line with deontology, distributive justice, and moral rights. But their behavior in corporate decision-making is isn line with utilitarianism and ethical relativism.
Well aware of such antinomy of Internet managers, consumers protect themselves by confining their Internet transactions to firms with both online offline channels or relatively larger firms whose attitude as well as behavior are believed to supports deontology, distributive justice, and moral rights.