Abstract: Based on priming effect, this research examined the influence of whimsically cute products as environmental cues on consumers' tendency to behave unethically. Four experiments found that consumers who were presented with whimsically cute products were more likely to act unethically in subsequent situations. This effect was mediated by capricious association. When the association is made explicit or cut off, the effect weakens or even disappears. This research contributes to the literatures on cuteness perception and consumers' unethical behavior and has important practical value for marketers.

Key words: cuteness, environmental cues,  , priming effect, consumers' unethical behavior