The issue of ethics has received little notice in agricultural economics
journals. This study utilized a survey technique to reveal the ethical
attitudes among some 500 students at four Land Grant Universities. The data
were analyzed using multiple regression techniques. Individuals negotiating
with strangers were more willing to use questionable ethical tactics. Women,
individuals who were cooperative rather than competitive in negotiation
situations, and those who regularly attended religious services were
consistently less willing to use questionable ethics in negotiation. The
size of the individual's hometown and family income had no clear impact on
ethical attitudes in negotiations.