An evaluation of ethical behavioral intention within the Theory of Planned Behavior: Case study of food engineers

The aim of this thesis is to indicate the factors that influence the ethical behavioral intention of food engineers. Therefore, the Theory of Planned Behavior is used as a model and extended for this thesis? purpose. Ethical behavioral intention is examined with attitudes toward behavior, social and moral norms, perceived control authority and legal conditions by a survey conducted to the food engineers registered in UCTEA (Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects) Chamber of Food Engineers. Results obtained by the analysis of data from 634 participants indicate that, all variables predict ethical behavioral intention. Attitudes toward behavior happens to be the best predictor above all. These results indicate that the Theory of Planned Behavior is a suitable model for explaning the predictors of ethical behavioral intention, and present important information for food engineers, food plant owners and managers, academicians educating food engineers and related establishments and organizations.