Final answer:
Following the ethical directives of a superior is an act of obedience to authority, which can be related to an external locus of control. This concept is explored within various ethical theories, highlighting the relationship between moral obligations and the influence of external forces on a person's actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following the ethical directives of a superior relates to obedience to authority. This question is tied to the concept of ethical behavior within the context of organizational structure and authority. Ethical theories like Confucianism and Deontological theory are relevant in understanding why individuals may choose to follow directives, seeing 'goodness' in living up to moral obligations rather than just focusing on the consequences of actions.
In the realm of ethical behavior, an internal locus of control implies that a person believes they have personal control over their actions and decisions, whereas an external locus of control suggests that outside forces, such as a superior's directions, are the controlling factors. In the given context, following a superior's ethical directions can be seen as an example of external locus of control, as the individual is acting in adherence to an authority figure's guidance.
When considering ethical issue intensity, it's the perceived importance of the issue at hand that influences the ethical decision making process. However, in the case of following a superior's orders, the decision to comply is likely rooted in obedience to authority rather than the intensity of the ethical issue itself.