Millennial Ethics in Motion: A Conceptual Framework Linking Ethical Reasoning, Ethics Training, and Whistleblowing Intentions

Millennials have become a dominant force in today’s workplace environment. Research indicates that Millennials have been equipped with an ethical perspective; however, there are still complaints about their propensity to report misconduct. Therefore, this study proposes an appropriate conceptual framework for their whistleblowing intention. The study employs a narrative review method, considering published studies from 2010 to 2024, and bases the framework on ethical decision-making theories, cognitive moral development, and organisational ethics. As a result, ethical reasoning, ethics training, and whistleblowing intention are identified as variables in the framework. Furthermore, other organisational factors are found for potential variables to strengthen the framework for future studies. Lastly, Implications for theory and practice of findings are discussed.